We explain what the Microsoft Windows operating system is, its history and evolution. Also, its main features and more.
What is Windows?
Windows is an operating system developed by the company MicrosoftIt consists of software made up of a set of programs that allow you to manage and control the operation of the parts of a computer, such as memory, storage disk and peripheral devices, and the execution of other programs and applications.
The software is activated by turning on the hardware, i.e. a computer or device. Once logged in, the user can perform multiple tasks and actions on the computer through the operating system, such as managing different programs or installing new devices.
The word Windows, which comes from English and means windows, refers to the structure of the software that allows multiple contents to be displayed (such as programs and files) organized in different compartments or windows.
Organizing content in different windows allows the user to view them simultaneously, either in mosaic format, minimized or superimposed. In other words, the window interface allows viewing and executing several actions at once, such as a data processor (Word file), a video player or a graphics editor, among many others.
See also: Windows 10
Windows history
In 1975 Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded the Microsoft company in the United States, with the aim of developing and marketing programs to run the Altair 8800, a microcomputer designed in 1974. Gates and Allen developed the first programming language for the Altair Basic.
In 1979 Microsoft launched the first operating system to the public called Xenix, which is now obsolete. In 1981 it created a new operating system that allowed it to achieve success, DOS (from the acronym in English). Disk Operating System which stands for Disk Operating System).
In 1985 the first version of the currently known operating system was launched. Windows. Later, in 1989, another product appeared that is also still in use today and that works together with the Windows interface: the Microsoft Office software packagewhich consists of a set of integrated applications, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel.
In 1990 Microsoft released Windows 3.0, a new version of the operating system. As he developed improved versions, he modified the corresponding number in the name. However, in 1995 it launched Windows 95 which offered a completely new interface with an improved file explorer, a quick access start menu and better hardware compatibility, among other advantages.
In 2012, the Windows 8 operating system was launched with a new image design that was more interactive and that allowed it to be run through touch screens. It was a version of the software designed to be run from other devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, and to coexist with the rise of the Internet and social networks.
Windows Evolution
Throughout the evolution of Microsoft, the Windows operating system presented different improved versions. Among the main ones are:
- Windows 1.X/ 2.x. It meant a big change for the operating systems of the time that were based on text representations. This version used monochrome graphic representations.
- Windows 3.x. It was launched as a multitasking and purely color interface that contained new computing concepts, such as icons, folders, taskbar and wallpaper, among others.
- Windows NT (New Technology). It was released as a separate version designed for connectivity to network servers. It competed with the UNIX operating system.
- Windows 95. It was a completely improved version with 32-bit environment management and the function plug and play which allowed a device to be connected and run on the computer without having to perform prior configuration.
- Windows 98/98 SE. It was a very similar version to its predecessor, but it offered an improvement for the recognition of a greater variety of external devices through the function plug and play.
- Windows 2000. It was an evolution of the Windows version with improved hardware recognition, 64-bit support and the Active Directory service, which allowed network devices such as a printer, router or server to be shared with others. computers that were also connected to the network.
- Windows Millennium. It was a version similar to its predecessor, but with the important improvement of a broad recognition of external devices, through the renewed function plug and play via the USB port inputs.
- Windows Xp. It was a version notable for the possibility of executing remote assistance, that is, it allowed the user to share control of their computer with another computer that was connected to an internal or external network.
- Windows 7. It was launched as a greatly improved version in terms of compatibility, both with programs and external connectors, even to work with several monitors simultaneously. It also offered greater data processing speed that allowed a rapid transition of graphics.
- Windows 10. It consisted of a new generation of the operating system with an interactive whiteboard format typical of mobile phones. In addition, its renewed interface offered better features for working connected to clouds or external servers.
Windows features
Windows has evolved significantly over the years, however, it maintains characteristics that identify it and highlight its personality. Among the main ones are:
- The desk. It consists of the background of the monitor screen, which is the basis on which the user can run the operating system, programs and applications.
- The icons. They consist of small symbolic images of shortcuts to programs, files or folders, which are located on the desktop. The type of icon and its location can be customized by the user.
- The task bar. It consists of a bar located at the bottom of the desktop that allows you to view, through icons, the programs, files or folders that are active, in order to select them quickly.
- Start button. It consists of access to the main drop-down menu. The button is located at the bottom of the taskbar.
- The menu. It consists of a panel or drop-down list that can be displayed or hidden from the home button. Provides shortcuts to programs, files, and certain computer functions (such as computer or device maintenance).
References:
- “What is Windows? Definition and history” in Softwarelab.
- “Why is the operating system called Windows?” in 1000 computer tips.
- “What is an Operative System?” in Cilsa.
- “The history of Windows operating system” in Webopedia.