What you need to know about Windows Operating Systems?
An operating system is necessary for any computer to run. One of the most widely used Graphical User Interfaces is Microsoft Windows (GUI). In Windows, “multitasking” refers to the simultaneous execution of many apps.
Keyboard and mouse are both used as input methods by the Windows operating system. Windows may be utilised by clicking on its icons using a mouse. To enter letters, numbers, and special characters, use a keyboard.
The Windows Operating System’s features include:
- Utilize computer programmes (applications) (word processing, games, spread sheets, calculators and so on).
- Take control of gear like printers, scanners, mice, digital cameras, etc.
- Install any fresh software on the machine.
- Management of files operations (For example creating, modifying, saving, deleting files and folders).
Let’s look at the Windows operating system version
Versions Windows 1.X | Year 1985 | Specific features GUI developments on 16-bit processors.As an input device, the mouse was introduced. |
Windows 2.X | 1987 | Enables window minimization or maximisation.A control panel feature with different system configuration and customising choices was introduced. |
Windows 3.X | 1992 | Presented the idea of multitasking.Supported 256 colours, giving the UI a more contemporary, colourful appearance. |
Windows 95 | 1995 | Created the start menu, the taskbar, windows explorer, and the start button.32-bit processors were introduced, with a stronger multitasking emphasis. |
Windows 98 | 1998 | Internet Explorer’s (the web browser) integration with the operating system.DOS games started to go away.An added function was plug and play. |
Windows NT | Created to function as network servers | |
Windows ME | 2000 | System 2000 automatic diagnostics and recovery tools were introduced. |
Windows 2000 | 2000 | For corporate laptop and desktop computers, it served as the operating system.Professional (for corporate desktop and laptop computers), Server (both a Web server and an office server), Advanced Server (for line-of-business applications), and Data Center Server are the four versions of Windows 2000 that were made available (for high-traffic computer networks). |
Windows XP | 2001 | A 64-bit processor was released in 2001. provided a stable version and added themes to improve the look of Windows. |
Windows Vista | 2006 | Updated the look and feel of Windows. |
Windows 7 | 2009 | Improvements were made to boot up times, handwriting recognition applications were included, etc. Internet Explorer 8 |
Windows 2008 | 2012 | Windows 8 was quicker than earlier iterations of the operating system.The Start button was eliminated. Solid state drives (SSD), touch screens, multi-core processing, and various alternative input modalities are all better utilised by Windows 8.Acted as a common platform for computers and mobile devices. |
Windows 10 | 2015 | Start Button was once more added.Numerous desktops For app notifications and quick actions, use the central notification centre.voice-activated personal assistant called Cortana. |
Handling the mouse
You should understand more about the mouse and its functions before learning about the Window Operating System.
Action | Reaction |
Point to an item | Place the mouse cursor over the object. |
Click | Press and then release the left mouse button while pointing at the item on the screen. |
Right click | Press and release the right mouse button while pointing at the item on the screen. A pop-up menu with several options is displayed when the right mouse button is clicked. |
Double click | Press the left mouse button twice quickly while pointing at the item on the screen. |
Drag and drop | Holding down the left mouse button while dragging the cursor over an object will allow you to move it to the desired spot. |
Windows Desktop
“Desktop” refers to Windows’ startup screen. The Start button, Taskbar, Icons, Notification Area, and date and time are displayed on the desktop.
The Icons
Icons play a crucial part in GUI-based programmes. An icon is a graphic symbol that represents window objects such as files, directories, shortcuts, and others.
Standard Icons
Standard icons are those that come pre-installed on the desktop when Windows OS is installed. My Computer, Documents, and Recycle Bin are the typical icons seen in every version of Windows OS.
Shortcut Icons
For any programme, file, or folder, shortcut icons can be made. Double clicking the icon will launch the associated programme, file, or folder. This is the shortcut to launch a specific application.
Disk drive icons
Five different disc drive possibilities are represented visually by the disc drive icons. Pen drive (iii) Hard disc (iv) Other removable storage, including a tech smart mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, etc., (v) Network drives if you have other systems connected to yours.