Windows system is an operating system that provides a variety of tools and features to enhance productivity. It also facilitates network setup, making it easier to connect devices to a computer or laptop.
Its kernel mode provides multiprocessor synchronization, multitasking, thread and interrupt management, trap handling, and exception dispatching. It also supports multiple rings of protection.
File system
A file system is a set of rules for organizing files and directories. It defines what type of file each directory and file holds, the size, attributes and other information. Most file systems store a directory hierarchy on storage media, which is often divided into partitions. Each partition can use a different file system, making the OS manage individual regions of the storage medium more independently.
Some modern file systems are journaled, which improves disk performance and supports features like extended attributes and long file names. Some are also designed to be more secure. For example, HPFS includes a root directory at the midpoint of the disk volume and uses an architecture that keeps files close together to speed up average access.
Earlier versions of Windows used the FAT file system, an evolution of Microsoft’s MS-DOS operating system. This file system has some limitations, such as restrictions on the length of file names and limited space allocation. Later versions of Windows used NTFS, which has more advanced features like ACL-based permission control and support for multiple file streams.
Processes
The system processes are vital to the operation of a Windows computer. These processes run in the background and help ensure that the operating system is running smoothly. You can find a list of the processes that are currently running on your computer by using a tool like Process Explorer or the built-in Windows Task Manager. These tools will show you which programs are consuming the most CPU and memory resources.
When you click on the CPU or Memory usage column headers, the process list is sorted from highest to lowest use. You can also view the individual process identifier (PID) for each application by clicking on the name of the process.
You can use the Windows Task Manager to close applications or processes that are causing problems with your computer. However, you should only terminate system processes when necessary. Otherwise, you could damage your operating system or cause it to crash. If you are unsure of the proper procedure, consult a professional.
Memory management
In order for a computer to function optimally, it must manage memory. This is a difficult task because the system must balance the needs of competing processes and allocate limited resources. Several ways of doing this are available. One method is to use the Windows SFC (System File Checker) command sfc /scannow. Another way is to download a free tool, such as MiniTool, that recovers deleted or corrupted files and restores them to the original location.
In Windows, memory is split into pages (typically 4 KB in size). When a program demands memory the OS looks for free pages and assigns them to the program. The OS keeps track of the status of each page in a data structure called the page frame number table. Pages can be in any of nine states: Free, Zeroed, Modified No-Write, Standby, Transition, Active and Rom. Each state has a different meaning. Modified pages, for example, will be saved to disk before becoming a standby page.
Security
For security, Windows provides a range of measures that include access control, data encryption, and configuration management. Access controls in the operating system are based on discretionary access control lists (DACLs) and system access control lists (SACLs), which allow users to set permissions at both the file and registry levels. These security mechanisms protect the OS against unauthorized changes and data leaks.
Microsoft’s built-in antivirus solution scans files and folders in real time, detecting viruses and other threats before they can cause damage. It also updates its definitions to stay up-to-date with emerging risks.
To prevent malware attacks, the operating system uses a security feature called Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit. It is designed to help protect the OS from exploits by requiring that programs are signed by Microsoft or the hardware manufacturer and by creating save points in case of failure. Additionally, the OS uses multi-factor authentication, which verifies identity with biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition.