Upload
amadasun-bigyouth-osayi
View
29
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
operating systems history in details
Citation preview
OPERATING SYSTEM DEFINITION
An operating system, or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to
communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a
computer would be useless.
Operating system types
As computers have progressed and developed so have the operating systems. Below is a basic list
of the different operating systems and a few examples of operating systems that fall into each of
the categories. Many computer operating systems will fall into more than one of the below
categories.
GUI - Short for Graphical User Interface, a GUI Operating System contains graphics and icons
and is commonly navigated by using a computer mouse. See the GUI definition for a complete
definition. Below are some examples of GUI Operating Systems.
Examples: Windows 98, Windows CE
Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows for multiple users to use the same computer
at the same time and different times. See the multi-user definition for a complete definition for a
complete definition. Below are some examples of multi-user operating systems.
Examples: Linux, Unix, Windows 2000
Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing more than one
computer processor. Below are some examples of multiprocessing operating systems.
Examples: Linux, Unix, Windows 2000
Multitasking - An operating system that is capable of allowing multiple software processes to
run at the same time. Below are some examples of multitasking operating systems.
Examples: Unix, Windows 2000
Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software program to run
concurrently. Operating systems that would fall into this category are: Examples: Linux, Unix,
Windows 2000
HISTORY
Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems for personal computers. In this article we
look at the history of Microsoft operating systems from 1985 to present day.
Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems for personal computers. Windows
dominates the personal computer world, running, by some estimates, on more than 90 percent of
all personal computers – the remainder running Linux and Mac operating systems. Windows
provides a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and
support for many peripheral devices.
Microsoft Operating Systems for Personal Computers
The following details the history of Microsoft operating systems designed for personal
computers (PCs).
MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system)
Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS was the standard operating system for
IBM-compatible personal computers. The initial versions of DOS were very simple and
resembled another operating system called CP/M. Subsequent versions have become
increasingly sophisticated as they incorporated features of minicomputer operating systems.
Windows 1.0 – 2.0 (1985-1992)
Introduced in 1985, Microsoft Windows 1.0 was named due to the computing boxes, or
"windows" that represented a fundamental aspect of the operating system. Instead of typing MS-
DOS commands, windows 1.0 allowed users to point and click to access the windows.
In 1987 Microsoft released Windows 2.0, which was designed for the designed for the Intel 286
processor. This version added desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts and improved graphics support.
Windows 3.0 – 3.1 (1990–1994)
Microsoft released Windows 3.0 in May, 1900 offering better icons, performance and advanced
graphics with 16 colors designed for Intel 386 processors. This version is the first release that
provides the standard "look and feel" of Microsoft Windows for many years to come. Windows
3.0 included Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager and games (Hearts,
Minesweeper and Solitaire). Microsoft released Windows 3.1 in 1992.
Windows 95 (August 1995)
A major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system released in 1995. Windows 95
represents a significant advance over its precursor, Windows 3.1. In addition to sporting a new
user interface, Windows 95 also includes a number of important internal improvements. Perhaps
most important, it supports 32-bit applications, which means that applications written
specifically for this operating system should run much faster.
Although Windows 95 can run older Windows and DOS applications, it has essentially removed
DOS as the underlying platform. This has meant removal of many of the old DOS limitations,
such as 640K of main memory and 8-character filenames. Other important features in this
operating system are the ability to automatically detect and configure installed hardware (plug
and play).
Windows 98 (June 1998)
Windows 98 offers support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32, AGP, MMX,
USB, DVD, and ACPI. Its most visible feature, though, is the Active Desktop, which integrates
the Web browser (Internet Explorer) with the operating system. From the user's point of view,
there is no difference between accessing a document residing locally on the user's hard disk or on
a Web server halfway around the world.
Windows ME - Millennium Edition (September 2000)
The Windows Millennium Edition, called "Windows Me" was an update to the Windows 98 core
and included some features of the Windows 2000 operating system. This version also removed
the "boot in DOS" option.
Windows NT 31. - 4.0 (1993-1996)
A version of the Windows operating system. Windows NT (New Technology) is a 32-bit
operating system that supports preemptive multitasking. There are actually two versions of
Windows NT: Windows NT Server, designed to act as a server in networks, and Windows NT
Workstation for stand-alone or client workstations.
Windows 2000 (February 2000)
Often abbreviated as "W2K," Windows 2000 is an operating system for business desktop and
laptop systems to run software applications, connect to Internet and intranet sites, and access
files, printers, and network resources. Microsoft released four versions of Windows 2000:
Professional (for business desktop and laptop systems), Server (both a Web server and an office
server), Advanced Server (for line-of-business applications) and Datacenter Server (for high-
traffic computer networks).
Windows XP (October 2001)
Windows XP was first introduced in 2001. Along with a redesigned look and feel to the user
interface, the new operating system is built on the Windows 2000 kernel, giving the user a more
stable and reliable environment than previous versions of Windows. Windows XP comes in two
versions, Home and Professional. Microsoft focused on mobility for both editions, including
plug and play features for connecting to wireless networks. The operating system also utilizes the
802.11x wireless security standard. Windows XP is one of Microsoft's best-selling products.
Windows Vista (November 2006)
Windows Vista offered an advancement in reliability, security, ease of deployment, performance
and manageability over Windows XP. New in this version was capabilities to detect hardware
problems before they occur, security features to protect against the latest generation of threats,
faster start-up time and low power consumption of the new sleep state. In many cases, Windows
Vista is noticeably more responsive than Windows XP on identical hardware. Windows Vista
simplifies and centralizes desktop configuration management, reducing the cost of keeping
systems updated.
Windows 7 (October, 2009)
Windows 7 made its official debut to the public on October 22, 2009 as the latest in the 25-year-
old line of Microsoft Windows operating systems and as the successor to Windows Vista (which
itself had followed Windows XP). Windows 7 was released in conjunction with Windows Server
2008 R2, Windows 7's server counterpart. Enhancements and new features in Windows 7 include
multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8, improved performance and start-up time, Aero Snap,
Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a new and improved Windows Media Center, and
improved security.
Windows 8 (Released 2012)
Windows 8 is a completely redesigned operating system that's been developed from the ground
up with touchscreen use in mind as well as near-instant-on capabilities that enable a Windows 8
PC to load and start up in a matter of seconds rather than in minutes. Windows 8 will replace the
more traditional Microsoft Windows OS look and feel with a new "Metro" design system
interface that first debuted in the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system. The Metro user
interface primarily consists of a "Start screen" made up of "Live Tiles," which are links to
applications and features that are dynamic and update in real time. Windows 8 supports both
x86 PCs and ARM processors. Online media sites indicate that this version will be available in
2012, with October and Fall being the most often quoted time frame.
MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEMS FOR SERVERS AND MOBILE DEVICES
Aside from operating systems designed for use on personal computers (PCs) and laptops,
Microsoft has also developed operating systems for services, handheld devices, and mobile
phones.
Windows Server (March 2003)
Windows Server is a series of Microsoft server operating systems. Windows servers are more
powerful versions of their desktop operating system counterparts and are designed to more
efficiently handle corporate networking, Internet/intranet hosting, databases, enterprise-scale
messaging and similar functions. The Windows Server name made its debut with the release of
Windows Server 2003 and continues with the current release, Windows Server 2008 R2, which
shares its codebase with Windows 7. Windows Server 2008 R2 debuted in October 2009.
Windows Home Server ( January 2007)
Announced in January 2007, Windows Home Server (WHS) is a "consumer server" designed to
use with multiple computers connected in the home. Home Server allows you to share files such
as digital photos and media files, and also allows you to automatically backup your home
networked computers. Through Windows Media Connect, Windows Home Server lets you share
any media located on your WHS with compatible devices.
Windows CE (November 2006)
A version of the Windows operating system designed for small devices such as personal digital
assistants (PDAs) (or Handheld PCs in the Microsoft vernacular). The Windows CE graphical
user interface (GUI) is very similar to Windows 95 so devices running Windows CE should be
easy to operate for anyone familiar with Windows 95.
Windows Mobile (April 2000)
A mobile operating system for smartphones and mobile devices from Microsoft based on the
Windows CE kernel and designed to look and operate similar to desktop versions of Microsoft
Windows. Windows Mobile has largely been supplanted by Windows Phone 7, although
Microsoft did release, in 2011, Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, a mobile OS compatible with
Windows Mobile 6.5 that's designed for enterprise mobile and handheld computing devices.
Windows Phone (November 2010)
A mobile operating system for smartphones and mobile devices that serves as the successor to
Microsoft's initial mobile OS platform system, Windows Mobile. Unlike Windows Mobile,
Windows Phone 7 (also referred to as WinPhone7) is targeted more to the consumer market than
the enterprise market, and it replaces the more traditional Microsoft Windows OS look and feel
with a new "Metro" design system user interface. Windows Phone 7 features a multi-tab Internet
Explorer Mobile Web browser that uses a rendering engine based on Internet Explorer 9 as well
Microsoft Office Mobile, a version of Microsoft Office that’s tailored for mobile devices.
EARLY VERSIONS
Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0, and Windows 2.1x
Windows 1.0, the first version, released in 1985
The history of Windows dates back to September 1981, when Chase Bishop, a computer
scientist, designed the first model of an electronic device and project "Interface Manager" was
started. It was announced in November 1983 (after the Apple Lisa, but before the Macintosh)
under the name "Windows", but Windows 1.0 was not released until November 1985.Windows
1.0 lacked a degree of functionality, achieved little popularity and was to compete with Apple's
own operating system. Windows 1.0 is not a complete operating system; rather, it extends MS-
DOS. The shell of Windows 1.0 was a program known as the MS-DOS Executive. Other
supplied programs were Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard viewer, Clock, Control Panel,
Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal, and Write. Windows 1.0 did not allow overlapping windows.
Instead all windows were tiled. Only dialog boxes could appear over other windows.
Microsoft Windows version 2.0 was released in December 1987, featured several improvements
to the user interface and memory management. and was slightly more popular than its
predecessor. Windows 2.03 changed the OS from tiled windows to overlapping windows. The
result of this change led to Apple Computer filing a suit against Microsoft alleging infringement
on Apple's copyrights. Windows 2.0 also introduced more sophisticated keyboard shortcuts and
could make use of expanded memory.
Windows 2.1 was released in two different versions: Windows/386 employed the 386 virtual
8086 mode to multitask several DOS programs, and the paged memory model to emulate
expanded memory using available extended memory. Windows/286 (which, despite its name,
would run on the 8086) still ran in real mode, but could make use of the high memory area.
In addition to full Windows-packages, there were runtime only versions that shipped with early
Windows software from third parties and made it possible to run their Windows software under
MS-DOS and without the full Windows feature set.
The early versions of Windows were often thought of as simply graphical user interfaces, mostly
because they ran on top of MS-DOS and used it for file system services. However, even the
earliest 16-bit Windows versions already assumed many typical operating system functions;
notably, having their own executable file format and providing their own device drivers (timer,
graphics, printer, mouse, keyboard and sound) for applications. Unlike MS-DOS, Windows
allowed users to execute multiple graphical applications at the same time, through cooperative
multitasking. Windows implemented an elaborate, segment-based, software virtual memory
scheme, which allowed it to run applications larger than available memory: code segments and
resources were swapped in and thrown away when memory became scarce, and data segments
moved in memory when a given application had relinquished processor control.
WINDOWS 3.0 AND 3.1
Windows 3.0, released in 1990
Windows 3.0, released in 1990, improved the design, mostly because of virtual memory and
loadable virtual device drivers (VxDs) that allowed them to share arbitrary devices between
multitasked DOS windows.[citation needed] Also, Windows applications could now run in
protected mode (when Windows was running in Standard or 386 Enhanced Mode), which gave
them access to several megabytes of memory and removed the obligation to participate in the
software virtual memory scheme. They still ran inside the same address space, where the
segmented memory provided a degree of protection, and multi-tasked cooperatively. Windows
3.0 also featured improvements to the user interface. Microsoft also rewrote critical operations
from C into assembly. Windows 3.0 was the first Microsoft Windows version to achieve broad
commercial success, selling 2 million copies in the first six months.
Windows received a facelift in Windows 3.1, made generally available on March 1, 1992. In
August 1993, a special version with integrated peer-to-peer networking was released with
version number 3.11. It was sold in parallel with the basic version as Windows for Workgroups.
Windows 3.1 support ended on December 31, 2001.
WINDOWS 9X
Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME
WINDOWS 95, RELEASED IN AUGUST 1995
Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995, featuring a new object oriented user interface,
support for long file names of up to 255 characters, the ability to automatically detect and
configure installed hardware (plug and play) and preemptive multitasking. Windows 95 was
designed to replace not only Windows 3.1, but also Windows for Workgroups, and MS-DOS. It
could natively run 32-bit applications, and featured several technological improvements that
increased its stability over Windows 3.1. The changes Windows 95 brought to the desktop were
revolutionary, as opposed to evolutionary, such as those in Windows 98 and Windows ME.
There were several OEM Service Releases (OSR) of Windows 95, each of which was roughly
equivalent to a service pack. Mainstream support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2000
and extended support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2001.
Next in the consumer line was Microsoft Windows 98 released on June 25, 1998. It was followed
with the release of Windows 98 Second Edition (often shortened to Windows 98 SE) in May
1999. Mainstream support for Windows 98 ended on June 30, 2002 and extended support for
Windows 98 ended on July 11, 2006.
In February 2000, Windows 2000 (in the NT family) was released, followed by Windows ME in
September 2000 (Me standing for Millennium Edition).
The consumer version following Windows 98 was Windows ME (Windows Millennium
Edition). Released in September 2000, Windows ME updated the core from Windows 98, but
adopted some aspects of Windows 2000 and removed the "boot in DOS mode" option. Windows
ME implemented a number of new technologies for Microsoft: most notably publicized was
"Universal Plug and Play". It also added a new feature called System Restore, allowing the user
to set the computer's settings back to an earlier date.
Windows ME is often confused with Windows 2000 (because of its name.) Windows ME was
heavily criticized due to slowness, freezes and hardware problems and has been said to be one of
the worst operating systems Microsoft ever released.
WINDOWS NT FAMILY
In July 1993, Microsoft released Windows NT based on a new kernel. The NT family of
Windows systems was fashioned and marketed for higher reliability business use, considered to
be the professional OS. The first release was Windows NT 3.1 (1993), numbered "3.1" to match
the consumer Windows version, which was followed by Windows NT 3.5 (1994), Windows NT
3.51 (1995), Windows NT 4.0 (1996) and Windows 2000 (2000). Windows NT was the first
Windows version to utilize preemptive multitasking.[citation needed] Windows NT 4.0 was the
first in this line to implement the "Windows 95" user interface (and the first to include Windows
95's built-in 32-bit runtimes).
Microsoft released Windows 2000 as part of the NT line in February 2000. During 2004 part of
the source code for Windows 2000 was leaked onto the Internet. Windows 2000 is the last NT-
based Windows release that does not include Microsoft Product Activation. After Windows
2000, the Windows NT family was split into two lines: A client line, including Windows XP and
its successors, consists of operating systems produced for installation on client computers, such
as workstations, home computers, laptops, tablet computers and media centers. A Windows
Server line, including Windows Server 2003 and it successors, consists of operating systems
produced for server computers. Later, a third line for embedded systems was added with the
introduction of Windows Embedded.
WINDOWS XP, VISTA AND 7
Microsoft moved to combine their consumer and business operating systems with Windows XP
that was released on October 25, 2001. Windows XP is built on the Windows NT kernel,
retooled to also function as a home operating system. This new version was widely praised in
computer magazines.
XP shipped in two distinct editions, "Home" and "Professional", the former lacking many of the
superior security and networking features of the Professional edition. Additionally, the first
"Media Center" edition was released in 2002, with an emphasis on support for DVD and TV
functionality including program recording and a remote control. A niche market versions for
tablet PCs was also released. Mainstream support for Windows XP ended on April 14, 2009.
Extended support will continue until April 8, 2014.
After Windows 2000, they diverged release schedules for server operating systems. In April
2003, Windows Server 2003 was introduced, replacing the Windows 2000 line of server
products with a number of new features and a strong focus on security; this was followed in
December 2005 by Windows Server 2003 R2.
After a lengthy development process, Windows Vista was released on November 30, 2006 for
volume licensing and January 30, 2007 for consumers. It contains a number of new features,
from a redesigned shell and user interface to significant technical changes, with a particular
focus on security features. It is available in a number of different editions, and has been subject
to some criticism. Vista's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 was released in early 2008.
On July 22, 2009, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 were released as RTM (release to
manufacturing) while the former was released to the public 3 months later on October 22, 2009.
Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features,
Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with
the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was
already compatible.[16] Windows 7 has multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows shell with a
new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup,[17] and
performance improvements.
WINDOWS 8
Windows 8, the successor to Windows 7, was released to the market on 26 October 2012.
Windows 8 has been designed to be used on both tablets and the conventional PC. The Microsoft
Surface tablet was released alongside Windows 8, as a competitor to the Apple iPad and Android
tablets. Microsoft Surface is available in two editions, Surface with Windows RT and Surface
with Windows 8 Pro, aimed at designers and other work-based users. The Surface RT will run a
limited version of Windows 8, and will not run many classic Windows desktop applications, as
users can download new applications from the Windows App Store. However, the Surface Pro,
to be released on February 9, 2013, will have a full desktop operating system capable of running
all classic desktop applications. See Microsoft Surface for more information. Windows 8 was
released to manufacturing on 1 August 2012, with a build of 6.2.9200. It is available for purchase
in two versions, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
For the first time since Windows 95, the Start button is no longer available on the taskbar. It has
been replaced with the Start screen and can be triggered by clicking the bottom-left corner of the
screen and by clicking Start in the Charms or by pressing the Windows key on the keyboard.
However, there are many third-party solutions such as Stardock Start8 and Classic Shell, that do
bring back the Windows 7 style start menu. See List of Start Menu replacements for Windows 8
for more information.
Platform support
Windows NT included support for several different platforms before the x86-based personal
computer became dominant in the professional world. Versions of NT from 3.1 to 4.0 variously
supported PowerPC, DEC Alpha and MIPS R4000, some of which were 64-bit processors,
although the operating system treated them as 32-bit processors. However, Microsoft dropped
support from the aforementioned in Windows 2000, which only supported the third generation
x86 (known as IA-32) or newer in 32-bit mode. IA-32 is still supported in the client line of
Window NT family, although the Windows Server line has ceased IA-32 support with the release
of Windows Server 2008 R2.
With the introduction of the Intel Itanium architecture (IA-64), Microsoft released new versions
of Windows to support it. Itanium versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 were
released at the same time as their mainstream x86 counterparts. Microsoft dropped support for
the Itanium version of Windows XP in 2005 and ceased to support it in all subsequent client
operating system but continued to support it in Windows Server line until Windows Server 2012.
Windows Server 2008 R2 was the last Windows operating system to support Itanium
architecture.
On April 25, 2005, Microsoft released Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows
Server 2003 x64 Editions to support the x86-64 (or simply x64), the eighth generation of x86
architecture. Windows Vista was the first client version of Windows NT to be released
simultaneously in IA-32 and x64 editions. x64 is still supported.
After twelve years, Microsoft once again added support for non-x86 CPU architecture to
Windows NT family: An edition of Windows 8 known as Windows RT is specifically created for
computers with ARM architecture.
CRITICISM OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS
The various versions of Microsoft's desktop operating system, Windows, have received many
criticisms since Microsoft's inception.
Criticisms that apply to several or all versions of Windows
Patch time
Google engineer Tavis Ormandy has criticized Microsoft for taking too long to fix (patch) a
reported security vulnerability in the Windows Virtual DOS Machine (VDM), which was
patched 7 months after being reported to Microsoft by Mr. Ormandy.[1] Marc Maiffret, chief
hacking officer for security research firm eEye Digital Security criticized Microsoft for knowing
about a vulnerability for 200 days before providing a patch.[
Digital rights management
Right after the release of Windows Vista, computer scientist Peter Gutmann criticised the digital
rights management (DRM) that had been included in Microsoft Windows to allow content
providers to place restrictions on certain types of multimedia playback. He collected the criticism
in a write-up he released in which he stated that:
▪ The DRM could inadvertently disable functionality.
▪ A "hardware functionality scan" requirement could potentially shut out open source hardware.
▪ The hardware architecture made unified drivers impossible.
▪ Some drivers were buggy.
▪ If one driver was found to be leaking content, Microsoft could remotely shut that driver down
for all computers that used it, leading to denial of service (DoS attack) problems.
▪ The DRM decreased system reliability and increased hardware costs.
▪ Software makers had to license unnecessary third-party intellectual property, increasing the
costs for their drivers.
▪ The DRM consumed too much CPU and device resources.
The analysis drew responses from Microsoft,[4] where Microsoft states some of the criticized
DRM features were already present in Windows XP, and thus proven not to be a problem for
customers and that these features would only be activated when required by the content being
played. Other responses came from George Ou of ZDNet[5][6] and Ed Bott of ZDNet.[7] Ed
Bott also published a three-part rebuttal[8][9][10] of Peter Gutmann's claims in which he details
a number of factual errors in the analysis and criticizes Gutmann's reliance on questionable
sources (personal blog postings, friends' anecdotal evidence, Google searches) for his analysis
paper and that Gutmann never tested his theories himself.
For Windows 7, allegations were also made about draconian DRM which spurred a debate and
criticism at the tech discussion site slashdot.org. As with the claims about the overreaching Vista
DRM, independent tech writers quickly dismissed the claims as faulty analysis. The actual
problem which spurred the criticism turned out to be an unrelated problem experienced by a
single user who tried to circumvent Adobe Creative Suite copy protection mechanisms by
changing files. When it failed to work the user concluded that it had to be the draconian DRM of
Windows.
Integration of Internet Explorer into Windows
Windows is criticised for having the Internet Explorer web browser integrated into the Windows
Shell from Windows 98 onwards. Previously Internet Explorer was shipped as a separate
application. One problem was that since the Explorer can not be easily replaced with a product of
another vendor, this undermines consumer choice. This issue precipitated concerns that
Microsoft engages in monopolistic practices and resulted in the United States v. Microsoft court
case, which was eventually settled out of court.
Another issue with the integration was that security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer also
create security vulnerabilities in Windows, which could allow an attacker to exploit Windows
with remote code execution.
FEATURES OF WINDOWS 7
1. The Taskbar reloaded: Windows 7's version of the Taskbar is less cluttered than Vista's, and it
handles both running and non-running apps with equal aplomb.
2. Slicker, quicker Taskbar Previews: Now they show you all of an application's open windows,
all at once.
3. The convenience of Jump Lists: These context-sensitive Taskbar menus let you start
accomplishing things in applications before you even open them.
4. A System Tray you can love: New controls prevent the System Tray from overflowing with
unwanted apps and distracting you with unhelpful, irrelevant messages.
5. A more media-savvy Windows Media Player: Love Apple's iTunes Store but hate iTunes?
New file-format support enables Windows Media Player 12 to play back unprotected audio and
video from Apple's online store.
Windows Media Player 12 in Windows 7 can play back unprotected audio and video files from
Apple's iTunes Store.
6. Alerts via Action Center: Windows 7's version of Vista's Security Center queues up system
messages so that you can respond to them on your schedule--not when Windows feels like
interrupting you.
7. User Account Control that you control: If you're okay with this security feature's raison d'être
but can't stand the rapid-fire prompts in Vista, take heart: You can tune Windows 7's versions to
make them less paranoid and intrusive.
8. Library privileges: You can bundle folders from locations all across your hard drive into
Libraries designed to provide one-click access from the left pane of Windows Explorer to related
files.
Windows 7's Libraries feature lets you designate folders with related content for quick access,
regardless of their physical location on your hard drive.
9. Reasonable hardware requirements: Historically, new versions of Windows have gobbled up
twice the amount of CPU power and RAM that their predecessors did. But Windows 7 runs a bit
better than Vista on the same system; it's even tolerable on a netbook.
10. The potential of touch: Windows 7's support for multitouch input doesn't change anything
overnight--but it does lay necessary groundwork for third-party developers to build their own
software. If they build killer touch apps, Windows 7 deserves some of the credit.
VERSIONS OF WINDOWS 7
Despite pleas from users to stop the confusion and craft one version of Windows 7, Microsoft is
continuing down the path it followed with XP and Vista releasing multiple versions or SKUs
(stock-keeping units) of Windows 7.
Six Windows 7 versions, to be precise exist. But most users only need to decide between two
versions. Microsoft has said that 80 percent of users will be deploying Windows 7 Home
Premium (consumers) or Windows 7 Professional (small businesses, remote workers). This is
where Microsoft will put most of its marketing muscle.
Here's a look at the features of each of the six Windows flavors and who might want them.
Microsoft has not yet announced pricing for Windows 7.
Windows 7 Starter
This is the bare-bones, 32-bit only version of Windows 7 intended for users in developing
countries, to serve the most basic computing needs.
Starter is designed for lightweight, portable netbooks, though Microsoft claims any of its
versions will be able to run on netbooks.
Windows Starter 7 will not have the Aero Glass graphical user interface that is included in all
other versions of Windows 7 (except Windows 7 Home Basic) and can only run three
applications at a time. It will include the revamped taskbar and jump lists, Windows Media
Player, the file-sharing feature Home Group (you can participate in a Home Group but cannot
create one) and other basic features such as Action Center and Backup and Restore.
Starter will not be available in retail stores, and will only be offered pre-installed on new PCs by
Microsoft OEMs.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Home Basic sits somewhere between Starter and Home Premium. It has all the features of
Windows 7 Starter and will also only be available through OEM partners in developing
countries. Also like Starter, it will not include the Aero Glass GUI.
Some of the features Home Basic has over Starter: the ability to run more than three applications
at once; a 64-bit version; thumbnail previews from the taskbar; and Mobility Center, which
allows you to manage the various networks that you connect to with your laptop.
Based on what Microsoft has announced about Home Basic (which is not very much), it shares
the same features as Windows 7 Home Premium except there are no Aero Glass GUI features
and other UI tweaks such as Aero Snap, Aero Peek and multi-touch. This version will not will
not legally be available for sale in the United States.
Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows 7 Home Premium has all the features of Starter and Home Basic and then some. This is
the mainstream retail version that nearly all consumers will be using. Windows 7 Home
Premium will be available worldwide to Microsoft OEMs and sold in retail stores loaded on new
PCs.
A step up from Windows Home Basic, Home Premium includes the Aero Glass GUI and new
Windows navigation features such as Aero Glass, Aero Background, Windows Touch, Home
Group creation, Media Center, DVD playback and creation, premium games and Mobility
Center.
Windows 7 Professional
Also available worldwide, to OEMs and in retail, Windows 7 Professional has the features of
Home Premium, but with added networking and data protection features for small businesses and
those who frequently work at home.
Microsoft may have a hard time convincing customers that Home Premium isn't good enough for
a small business - considering it is bound to be less expensive than Professional - but if it
succeeds it will be by marketing Professional features such as Domain Join to connect to
business networks, Encrypting File System for data protection and Location Aware Printing to
better connect to printers at work and home.
Windows 7 Enterprise
Windows 7 Enterprise is only available to businesses through volume licensing. It includes all
the features of Windows 7 Professional plus more security and networking features.
Businesses covered by Microsoft's Software Assurance will get Windows 7 Enterprise at no
additional charge. Features that differentiate Enterprise from Professional are: BitLocker
(encrypts data on internal and external drives); DirectAccess (connectivity to a corporate
network without VPN); AppLocker (prevents unauthorized software from running); and
BranchCache (speeds up the accessing of large remote files at branch offices).
Windows 7 Enterprise is designed for the corporate world and will only be used by large
businesses. It will not be available at retail or by OEMs for pre-installation on a new PC.
Windows 7 Ultimate
Ultimate, the supersize version of Windows, includes all the features of all the other versions.
Think of it as Windows 7 Enterprise for consumers.
Ultimate is the most expensive version, so it's doubtful that many people will use it other than
the occasional super-user who wants every possible feature. Microsoft is not likely to heavily
promote Windows 7 Ultimate. Most regular users do not need all the security and networking
features and there doesn't appear to be much in Ultimate for businesses that isn't already in
Windows 7 Enterprise
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Among the advantages to be considered typical of Windows 7 on other systems are:
Greater synchronization between the user and the computer, thanks to support multi-
touch screen and voice recognition tool.
It will take up less memory, both the new kernel as the OS itself.
Processors support a variety of platforms: 32 and 64 bits.
It is an open operating system, will be accessible to any market or use depending on the
needs of the user (home, education, commerce).
Save energy and does not require so much hardware support or integration of many
components.
Hardware development companies can boost trade in its products, a living example is the
company that Dell will release Windows 7 next to the touch screen as here will be an
operating system that supports it.
-
Disadvantage of WINDOWS 7
At present the disadvantages that can be seen on this upcoming operating system are:
Little information about it, it is still in beta development stage and can not recognize all
of the features and benefits.
In the event that it becomes necessary to purchase a touch screen and infrastructure
maintenance would be more expensive hardware.
Will not support or compatibility with existing drivers and devices.
It would be a total innovation, have characteristics of other operating systems, such as the
micro-kernel that is already part of Mac OS Tiger and took also part of the same
graphical interface.
Bring economic disadvantages if there are no updates to Windows XP or Vista since it
would imply the renewal of the operating system installed on most computers in business.
REFRENCES
1. ^ Mike Nash (October 14, 2008). "Why 7?". The Windows Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
2. ^ "Announcing Availability of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1". Microsoft. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
3. ^ Thadani, Rahul (September 6, 2010). "Windows 7 System Requirements". Buzzle. Retrieved February 25, 2011.
4. ^ Microsoft. "Windows 7 Lifecycle Policy". Microsoft. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
5. ^ Ricciuti, Mike (July 20, 2007). "Next version of Windows: Call it 7". CNET News.
6. ^ a b Brandon LeBlanc. "Windows 7 Has Been Released to Manufacturing".
7. ^ name="bott20090511">"Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Timelines Shared at Computex". Microsoft. June 3, 2009. Retrieved June 3, 2009.
8. ^ Nash, Mike (October 28, 2008). "Windows 7 Unveiled Today at PDC 2008". Windows Team Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved