Windows is an operating system that manages hardware and software on computers and laptops. It facilitates file management and allows users to configure network security. It also provides tools to update the operating system.
Microsoft launched its first version of Windows in 1985. It was designed for home computing along with professional uses.
History of Windows
Microsoft Windows has evolved over the years, and it is still one of the most popular operating systems to date. Each version offers different features that improve performance and user-friendly interfaces. The first version, Windows 1.0, was launched in November 1985. It was the company’s first graphical shell for MS-DOS, which allowed users to control their computer using a mouse rather than typing commands. It also featured scroll bars, dialog boxes, and icons. It also supported a limited amount of RAM.
The earliest versions of the Windows operating system were designed to be compatible with MS-DOS applications and hardware, but they were not complete systems themselves. Windows 1.0, for example, included Windows Paint, a graphics painting program; Microsoft Write, a simple word processor; an appointment calendar; and a card-filer.
Later versions of Windows, such as 98 and 2000, were faster and more stable than the previous versions. They also debuted support for Plug and Play hardware, and handwriting recognition. Windows 8 introduced a tiled interface, which replaced the traditional lists of programmes and icons with live tiles that displayed at-a-glance information.
Basic functions of Windows
Windows is a series of programs that control a computer. Its basic functions include allowing the user to interact with the keyboard, mouse, and other devices, storing data on disk, and managing hardware. It also provides an interface for user programs and helps prevent errors.
It also keeps track of primary memory and determines the order in which user programs are given access to it. It allocates the memory to a program when it needs it and dealslocates it when the process is not using it anymore.
Windows includes Microsoft Paint, a graphics editing software that allows users to create and edit images. It also comes with a taskbar that displays open applications and gives quick access to system tools. In addition, it offers a search function that rivals Mac OS X’s Spotlight in terms of speed and ease of use. This is an important function because it can help you find files and applications quickly.
Applications that run on Windows
The Windows operating system comes with several applications that help users complete their daily tasks. These include the internet browser, Microsoft Edge, and other apps that are used to manage emails, organize notes, and more. Some of these applications come bundled with Windows, while others can be purchased separately.
Among the popular applications that run on Windows is Google Chrome, which offers a clean and secure user interface. It also has a feature that allows users to view websites in different languages. Microsoft Outlook and OneNote are other productivity tools that are pre-installed on Windows.
Other apps that run on Windows include AutoHotkey, a scripting tool that can be used to automate tasks and create custom hotkeys for the mouse and keyboard. Another is Speccy, a program that shows user information about the hardware and software on a Windows computer. The program also provides a summary of installed hard drives on the computer. Aside from these, there is Wise Care 365, which helps users clean, speed up, and optimize their computers.
Security features of Windows
Windows uses a number of security features to protect users’ computers and their data. These include malware shields, credential safeguards, and application protection. These security tools are important because they help prevent attacks against the operating system and its data.
Another security feature is Exploit Guard. This tool protects against memory based exploits by randomizing sections of a program, such as the stack, heap, and libraries. This makes it difficult to predict where the attacker will target a buffer overflow attack.
Other Windows security features include UEFI Secure Boot, which ensures that hardware-based malware installations don’t occur and creates a save point in case the OS fails. Microsoft also offers device encryption and zero trust DNS to prevent data breaches on devices.
In addition to these features, Windows has a wide range of other security-related functions. These include anti-virus software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and Windows Hello authentication. It also has a feature called Config Refresh, which allows IT administrators to schedule when the PC will reapply management policy settings.