Microsoft Windows:
Windows operating systems are a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft Corporation. These include Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and 98, Windows Me, Windows CE, Windows NT, Windows XP, and Windows Vista.
Windows 3.x
Released in 1990, Windows 3.0 was the first version of Windows that enabled the users to take full advantage of Intel's[6] new 32-bit microprocessor, the 80386. This microprocessor offered a new processing mode called the protected mode that enabled users to access virtually unlimited amounts of memory.
The application development environment in Windows 3.0 consisted of modular virtual device drivers (VxDs) that supported the execution of applications in extended memory and preemptive multi-tasking. Apart from this, Windows 3.0 had software development kits (SDKs) that enabled software developers to concentrate on application development instead of writing device drivers. This was the most attractive feature of Windows 3.0.
In 1992, Windows 3.1 was released which provided certain new features that were not available in MS-DOS. For instance, a mouse was introduced as an input device. This allowed the users to navigate across the document and make modifications in an easy and simple way, thus, freeing the user from memorizing the MS DOS commands. Windows for Workgroups 3.11 offered additional features like peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support. Windows for Workgroups were used to connect personal computers, laptops, and also to establish a LAN connection.
Windows 95 and 98
Released in 1995, Windows 95 or Win 95 was a 32-bit OS that enabled faster and more efficient processing. Win 95 had the capability to offer built-in Internet facilities, dial-up networking, and new plug and play features. These features made the installation of hardware and software easier for the user. Win 95 also supported a key feature of UNIX called preemptive multi-tasking, which enabled the OS to regain control if an application crashed. It offered enhanced graphical capabilities and support for mobile computing and integrated networks.
Microsoft Windows 98 or Win 98, released in 1998 was an enhanced version of Win 95. It offered better stability, improved Internet connectivity, and updated drivers for new peripherals including DVD-ROM discs and devices that used universal serial port (USP) connections. Win 98 SE (second edition) was released in 1999. It offered features like Internet Explorer 5 browser software, Microsoft Windows NetMeeting® version 3.0 conferencing software, and Microsoft DirectX® API 6.1, which delivered a variety of Windows multimedia improvements, and offered home networking capabilities through Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
Windows Me
Microsoft Windows Me, a Windows operating system, was released in September 2000. It was also called the Windows Millennium Edition and was marketed as the Home Edition. Windows Me was an upgraded version of Win95 and Win98 and was a look-alike of Win98 with a few additional features. Various features in Windows Me included Internet Explorer, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player, Movie Editor, Revert Back feature that enabled the user to get back an old backup in situations where the files are damaged or deleted, feature to protect important system files, etc. The OS was available in the market only for a short period of time. In 2001, it was replaced by Windows XP.
Intel Corporation is the largest semiconductor manufacturing company in the world.
It manufactures the x86 series of microprocessors, integrated circuits, motherboard chipsets, network cards, embedded processors, and other communications and computing devices. In the financial year 2005, the company earned revenues of US$ 38.83 billion and net income of US$ 8.7 billion.
Windows NT
Microsoft Windows NT is a 32-bit network OS released in 1993. It was specifically designed for client/server systems. This OS supported preemptive multi-tasking and was the first to support both client/server architecture and high-end personal productivity software. It was far superior to all the other existing operating systems in terms of security, OS power, performance, desktop scalability, and reliability.
Windows XP
Windows XP is a series of consumer-oriented operating systems developed by Microsoft based on Windows NT and Windows 2000. The words ‘XP' stands for ‘experience.' Windows XP was released in October 2001 and was intended to suit general-purpose computer systems and to provide a comprehensive solution to both home users and businesses. It incorporates the application and hardware capabilities of Windows 98 and Windows Me while offering a host of new features including new user interface and tech-support.
Windows XP was released in two versions namely, Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. The salient features of the professional version include preemptive multi-tasking, fault tolerance, and system memory protection. The enhancements in the Windows XP home version are network setup wizard, Microsoft Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo capabilities.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is a line of operating systems that were built to be used on PCs, notebook computers, and media centers. Vista contains a host of new features including an enhanced GUI and multimedia creation tools like Windows DVD Maker. Vista enables a greater level of communication between the machines in a peer-to-peer network.
The most important feature added in Vista was Windows AERO. AERO is a visual style that stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and Open. With AERO, the visuals are considered to be clearer and more pleasing than in the previous versions of Windows. New and enhanced features in Vista include Windows Mail replacing Outlook Express, Windows Contact replacing Windows Address Book, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows Meeting Space, Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker, etc. Vista was released in January 2007.
Windows 7
Windows 7 is the current operating system of Microsoft Windows, a type of operating systems generated by Microsoft for use on personal computers, adding home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, notebooks, and media center PCs. Windows 7 was defined to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and reached general retail use worldwide on October 22, 2009, less than three years after the starting of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was started at the same time.
Unlike Windows Vista, which produced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was shown to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with hardware and applications with which Windows Vista was already compatible. Presentations shown by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redefined Windows shell with a new taskbar, defined to as the Super bar, a home networking system Known as HomeGroup, and performance enhances.
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