Evolution of the Windows Operating System

What is Windows ?

Microsoft Windows is a Graphical User Interface which allows you to pass instructions to the computer by clicking on icons or buttons or by using the mouse to select menu options. This means you can run applications and manipulate files very simply with the little knowledge of the language the computer uses to interpret your instructions. MS Windows takes its name from the fact that the interface is comprised of boxes or windows. The techniques used to open and close windows, retrieve and save files, and move windows are the same in MS Windows and all other Microsoft applications. Windows are more users 'friendly, as they have a Desktop that resembles like the office and the applications can be executed by single mouse click.

Evolution of the Windows Operating System :

The eighties saw the introduction of the Personal Computer (PC), the advent of which gave birth to the Disk Operating System (DOS) which has a Character User Interface (CUI). As the Hardware improved and the PC moved closer to the end user, the need was felt for an operating system or a working environment that could make use of improved processing capability, perform multiple tasks at the same time and possess a Graphic User Interface (GUI). One such environment is Windows 3.1.

However, Windows 3.1 is not without drawbacks, one of which is that it is not an Operating System and requires DOS to boot the machines, before it can take over operations.

The year 1995 saw the introduction of Windows 95, an operating system, released as the successor to MS-DOS, Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11 Windows for Workgroups is a Peer to Peer Networking system for desktop and portable PC machines. The Windows For Workgroup (WFW) is mainly for networking and that it had several developments in the course of times as Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 5.0. In the Year 1998 the new version of the Windows Operating System evolved as Windows 98 one touch access for internet and additional features when compared with Windows 95. Then comes Windows ME and Windows xp.