The windows system is a set of programs that control a computer. It is used to perform tasks such as opening and closing applications, accessing the Internet, and printing documents.
It provides a Graphical User Interface that uses windows, icons, menus, and pointers to make it easier to use than a command line interface. It also manages hardware and software resources.
Architecture
Windows is a complex piece of software with multiple layers and components. Each component interacts with a different type of hardware device and uses a different interface language. The hardware abstraction layer (HAL) is responsible for hiding differences in physical hardware and providing a consistent platform on which the kernel is run. The HAL includes Windows NT device drivers and supports multiple processors, I/O interfaces and interrupt controllers.
The core of the Windows architecture consists of two parts: user mode and kernel mode. The core of the operating system runs in kernel mode and provides base services such as memory management, process and thread management, security, I/O and networking.
The user mode consists of one or more application processes and subsystem dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). When a user application calls an internal Windows system service, the call goes through one or more of the subsystem DLLs. The DLLs translate the documented function into an internal and generally undocumented native system service call.
Hardware
The hardware used in a Windows computer includes the computer’s keyboard, mouse and monitor. It also includes the CPU, memory and hard disk drives. The operating system also provides a variety of tools for controlling the hardware and software in the computer. This can be useful if the computer becomes sluggish or if you want to upgrade to a new version of Windows.
One of the most significant requirements for running Windows 11 is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which is designed to provide hardware-based, security-related functions, including UEFI Secure Boot and Bitlocker disk encryption key management. TPMs are typically included in motherboards from Intel and AMD.
To retrieve information about the hardware on your Windows device, you can use several tools available in Windows, such as the Windows System Information tool and the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Using these tools can help you plan hardware upgrades and troubleshoot your computer. You can also use the Command Prompt or PowerShell to get more advanced information about your hardware.
Operating system
The Windows operating system is a series of proprietary graphical operating systems created and marketed by Microsoft. Its major functions include program execution, file management and supervisor mode. It is also used to provide a user interface, which allows users to interact with the computer using icons and visual menus instead of text commands.
The OS identifies and configures physical and logical devices for service and typically records device drivers in a standardized location, such as the Windows Registry. It also provides applications with common access to underlying input/output and storage devices.
As a result, the Windows operating system is the world’s most popular choice for personal computers and laptops. While it has some disadvantages, including high hardware requirements and vulnerability to malware attacks, its widespread compatibility, large developer support and long-term support make it a top choice for many users.
Applications
Applications are the programs that run on a computer system. Windows has a number of different applications to help users perform various tasks, such as navigating the Internet and organizing files. The system also includes a variety of security features to protect against malware and network attacks.
The applications included with the operating system include the File Explorer, an application that manages files and folders on a computer. It also includes a task bar, which displays open windows and programs.
Other applications include Microsoft Office, a suite of software for writing, reading and editing documents; and Windows Media Player, an audio and video player. Microsoft also provides a range of productivity apps such as OneNote and Maps, which connect to services like email and calendars. These apps help users organize their work and collaborate with others. In addition, Windows includes a set of tools such as the task manager and the Snipping Tool. The system also supports multiple interface languages.