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Windows Operating System Detailed Notes

Windows is a widely used graphical operating system developed by Microsoft, first released in 1985. It features multitasking, a user-friendly GUI, and supports various applications, making it suitable for personal, business, and educational use. Despite its advantages, such as regular updates and a large community, it has disadvantages like higher costs and vulnerability to malware.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views2 pages

Windows Operating System Detailed Notes

Windows is a widely used graphical operating system developed by Microsoft, first released in 1985. It features multitasking, a user-friendly GUI, and supports various applications, making it suitable for personal, business, and educational use. Despite its advantages, such as regular updates and a large community, it has disadvantages like higher costs and vulnerability to malware.

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yummttt
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WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM – DETAILED NOTES

1. INTRODUCTION

Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. It provides a


user-friendly interface that allows users to interact with their computer through windows, icons,
menus, and pointers (GUI). The first version, Windows 1.0, was released in 1985, and since then,
Windows has become the most widely used desktop operating system in the world.

2. DEFINITION

Windows Operating System is a multi-user, multitasking, and graphical operating system that
manages computer hardware and software resources, enabling users to perform tasks such as file
management, gaming, communication, and productivity.

3. FEATURES OF WINDOWS OS

a. Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses windows, icons, and menus for easy navigation.

b. Multitasking: Runs multiple programs at once.

c. Plug and Play: Automatically detects new hardware devices.

d. File Management: Organizes data into folders and files.

e. Security Features: Includes UAC, Windows Defender, and firewalls.

f. Networking: Tools for connecting to LAN, Wi-Fi, and Internet.

g. System Utilities: Task Manager, Control Panel, Disk Management.

h. Backward Compatibility: Supports older software and hardware.

4. VERSIONS OF WINDOWS

Windows 1.0 (1985) – First GUI version.

Windows 3.1 (1992) – Introduced Program Manager.

Windows 95 (1995) – Start Menu, Taskbar, Plug and Play.

Windows 98 (1998) – Internet Explorer, USB support.

Windows XP (2001) – Stable and user-friendly.

Windows Vista (2007) – Aero interface, UAC.

Windows 7 (2009) – Improved performance and interface.

Windows 8 (2012) – Metro UI, touch support.

Windows 10 (2015) – Virtual desktops, Cortana.

Windows 11 (2021) – Centered Start Menu, modern UI, Android apps.

5. COMPONENTS OF WINDOWS

- Desktop
- Start Menu

- Taskbar

- Control Panel / Settings

- File Explorer

- Registry

6. ADVANTAGES

- Easy to use and learn

- Wide software compatibility

- Regular updates

- Supports gaming and multimedia

- Large community

7. DISADVANTAGES

- Expensive compared to Linux

- Requires more system resources

- Vulnerable to malware

- Frequent updates

8. USES OF WINDOWS

- Personal computing

- Business and office work

- Education and research

- Gaming and design

- Programming and development

9. CONCLUSION

Windows remains the most popular and versatile operating system, offering user-friendliness,
performance, and compatibility. It continues to evolve to meet modern computing needs.

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