Evolution Of Windows Operating System

Introduction about Operating Systems

Different companies are making operating systems in nowadays and Microsoft is a major company through those companies. Microsoft introduced Windows operating system for IBM compatible computers in 1985. It is the first step of Windows operating system. Microsoft named their operating system as Windows by considered about it graphical block user interfaces.

Windows 1

Windows 2

Windows 3

Also there was a major update of Windows 3 was known as Windows 3.1. This update released with native networking support feature.It helped to create intranet to connect multiple computers.Also this update introduced True Type fonts to use windows as publishing platform. Windows 3.1 was also the first Windows to be distributed on a CD-ROM.

As well as Windows 3.11 update came with 32 bit architecture.It also known as Windows NT.

Windows 95

Windows 95 was a 32 bit operating system which provided enhanced multimedia facilities. But we can use this as 16 bit and 32 bit also. This version required at least 4 MB RAM and 55 MB Hard disk. It also come with first ever internet explorer web browser.

Windows 98

This version needs 16 MB -24 MB Memory and 140 MB- 355 MB Storage space in Hard drive. Also it supported CD or DVD ROM. Microsoft introduced quick launch feature in this edition.

Windows 2000

Also this edition introduced NTFS 3.0 Encrypting file system. The most notable improvement was this edition Plug and Play with full ACPI and Windows Driver Model support. Also this introduced layered windows that allow for transparency. This version needs 256 MB RAM memory and 5 GB Hard disk space for Server.

Windows XP

Windows XP came with new visual appearance with an increased use of alpha compositing effects, drop shadows and visual styles. The Start menu received its first major overhaul in XP, switching to a two-column layout with the ability to list, pin, and display frequently used applications, recently opened documents, and the traditional cascading “All Programs” menu. The task bar can now group windows opened by a single application into one task bar button, with a popup menu listing the individual windows. Also New networking features were also added, including Internet Connection Firewall. As well as Microsoft released three service packs as Windows XP Updates Such as Service Pack 1, Service Pack 2, Service Pack 3.

Windows XP was the longest running Microsoft operating system, seeing three major updates and support up until April 2014.

Windows Vista

This edition needed 1 GB RAM card memory and 40 GB Hard Disk capacity and 1 GHz Speed Processor to run smoothly. Also Microsoft introduced some new features for End Users with Windows Vista such as Windows Aero, Windows Shell, Windows search, Windows Defender etc. As well as Vista came with Microsoft DirectX 10 to boost PC Games.

Windows 7

Windows 8

Also Microsoft introduced new features in this version such as tile type start menu, live apps, charms bar, remote desktop etc. Also Microsoft introduced faster startup through UEFI integration and the new “Hybrid Boot” mode. Windows 8 required 20 GB free hard disk space and 4 GB minimum RAM memory to run this OS.

After that Microsoft released a feature update of Windows 8 named as Windows 8.1. Microsoft again introduced their well known start button on that edition.

Windows 10

Also Microsoft designed this to compatible with both Touch and Mouse based devises. Windows 10 supports latest DirectX 12 technology.Microsoft improve the windows security with integrated Windows Defender Antivirus system and Multi factor authentication system for user login. Microsoft introduced Microsoft Edge Web Browser through Windows 10 it is faster than their previous Internet explorer web browser. Windows 10 is still developing by Microsoft.

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Software Engineering Undergraduate at University Of Kelaniya |Developer|Tech Enthusiasist https://www.kln.ac.lk/ http://ravindugunarathna.me/

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