Microsoft Windows
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Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a widely used family of proprietary operating systems developed and marketed by Microsoft. First released in 1985, it has since become the dominant operating system for personal computers worldwide.
The core purpose of Windows is to serve as the primary software layer that manages a computer's hardware resources and provides a platform for other applications to run. It offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with the computer using visual elements like windows, icons, and menus, rather than solely text commands.
History Overview
Windows began as a graphical shell on top of MS-DOS, Microsoft's text-based command-line interface operating system. Early versions (like Windows 1.0 and 2.0) were environments running *within* MS-DOS.
Starting with Windows 95, it evolved into a fully integrated operating system that no longer strictly required MS-DOS underneath. Major releases like Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10, and the current Windows 11 have introduced significant changes to the interface, underlying architecture, and capabilities, shaping the way people interact with computers.
Concurrent with its consumer versions, Microsoft also developed server editions, known today as Windows Server, designed for use in data centers and enterprise environments.
Key Features
Windows provides a comprehensive environment for users and applications. Key features and components include:
- GUI: The familiar desktop environment with windows for running applications, icons for files and programs, a Start menu or button for launching applications and accessing settings, and a Taskbar for managing open windows.
- File Management: File Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer) allows users to browse, organize, copy, move, delete, and manage files and folders on the computer's storage.
- Extensive Hardware Support: Windows supports a vast range of computer hardware from various manufacturers, facilitated by its device driver model, which allows hardware vendors to provide specific Software that enables their devices to work with the OS.
- Broad Application Compatibility: A huge library of applications has been developed for Windows, covering almost every possible use case, from productivity suites and creative tools to games and specialized business Software.
- Networking: Built-in support for connecting to local networks and the internet, including TCP/IP protocols, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity.
- Security Features: Includes built-in security components such as Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and user access controls.
| Feature | Linux | Microsoft Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically Free (various distributions) | Requires purchased license (usually included with a new PC) |
| Ease of Use (for beginners) |
Modern GUIs are user-friendly, but the specific interface and installation process can vary depending on the distribution chosen. May require learning command line for some advanced tasks. | Very familiar GUI for most users, consistent across different computers running the same version. Installation is generally guided by a simple wizard. |
| Software Availability | Wide range of FOSS available for common tasks (e.g., LibreOffice for office work, Firefox for Browse, VLC for media). Access to software is often simplified via package managers. Availability of specific commercial or specialized software (like professional creative suites) can be limited. | Vast selection of proprietary and free applications. Dominant platform for commercial software, including major productivity suites, creative software, and a very large library of games. Software is typically downloaded as installers or via the Microsoft Store. |
| Hardware Compatibility / Drivers |
Good broad support for many devices. Most common hardware works out-of-the-box. May sometimes require searching for and manually installing drivers for very new, niche, or specific hardware components. | Excellent broad hardware support. Drivers for most hardware are readily available, often automatically detected and installed by the system or easily provided by hardware vendors. |
| Gaming | Gaming support is rapidly improving (e.g., via compatibility layers like Proton for Steam). Many indie and some major titles are available natively or via compatibility layers, but the overall library of natively supported major games is smaller than on Windows. | Dominant platform for PC gaming with the largest library of native titles and the widest support for gaming hardware. |
| Customization | Highly customizable desktop environment, themes, and system behavior. Users can choose from various desktop environments (like GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE). | Offers significant customization options for appearance and settings, but the core interface structure is less flexible than in most Linux distributions. |
| Security | Often perceived as less targeted by widespread malware due to its smaller desktop Market share compared to Windows and its permissions model. Updates are typically managed via package managers. | Due to its large Market share, it is a more frequent target for malware, viruses, and other security threats. Includes built-in security software (like Windows Defender and Firewall), and many users install third-party security suites. Updates are managed by Windows Update. |
| Support | Primarily reliant on community support (online forums, wikis, mailing lists) for most home users. Commercial support is available for enterprise-focused distributions. | Official technical support available from Microsoft and the computer manufacturer. Extensive online resources, forums, and third-party support options are widely available. |
| Updates | Updates for the OS and installed applications are usually managed together via the package manager, giving users granular control over when and what gets updated. | Updates for the OS are managed by Windows Update, which can sometimes be automatic or require scheduled restarts. Application updates are usually handled by the individual applications or app stores. |
| Installation | The installation process involves booting from installation media (USB/DVD) and following a setup wizard. Steps can vary between distributions, some requiring more user input for partitioning or configuration than others. | The installation process is typically a straightforward wizard involving booting from installation media (USB/DVD). Standard installation options are designed to be simple for average users. |
Windows is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide on desktops, laptops, and some tablet computers. Its ease of use (especially compared to the command line interfaces of earlier eras) and broad compatibility with hardware and software have contributed to its widespread adoption in homes, schools, and businesses.
While Linux is dominant in the server and supercomputing markets, Windows holds a commanding Market share on desktop and laptop computers.
Licensing
Windows is proprietary software, meaning its Source code is not generally available to the public, and its use is governed by licenses purchased from Microsoft or included with a new computer.
See Also
- Operating system
- Microsoft
- Graphical user interface
- MS-DOS
- Windows Server
- Linux
- MacOS
- Proprietary software
References
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - The official source for information on Windows.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Encyclopedia definition and history overview.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Article covering the history of Windows releases.
Template:Cite web
The Template:Tl template is used to create citations for material published on the World Wide Web or other online resources that do not fit other citation template types (e.g., online news articles might use Template:Tl). It is intended to provide a standardized and consistent format for citing web pages within articles. - Provides current market share data for operating systems.
