Features of Windows OS and Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows OS

Best Features of Windows Operating System

1. Speed

Even aside from incompatibilities and other issues that many people had with Vista, one of the most straightforward was speed – it just felt too sluggish compared to XP, even on pumped up hardware. Windows 7 brings a more responsive and sprightly feel and Microsoft has spent a lot of time and effort getting the Start Menu response just right.

Microsoft has also recognized the need for improved desktop responsiveness, which gives the impression that the computer is responding to the user and that they are in control – something that was often lacking with Vista.

You can also expect faster boot times. And the boot sequence is now not only prettier than it was with Vista, but it’s speedier too.

2. Compatibility

In simple terms, compatibility on Windows 7 will be far better than it was with Vista. Many programs that individuals and companies used on Windows XP did not work immediately and required updates, but with Windows 7 almost all applications that work on Vista should still run.

3. Lower Hardware Requirements

Vista gained a reputation for making even the beefiest hardware look rather ordinary. Windows 7, however, will run well on lower end hardware, making the transition from Window XP less painful.

Microsoft is even pushing Windows 7 for netbooks. This could provide a modern replacement for Windows XP, which has found a new lease of life as the OS of choice on netbooks, supplanting Linux. The downside is that Windows 7 Starter Edition, as it will be called, will be limited to only three applications running at the same time.

4. Search and Organization

One of the best things about Windows 7 is the improved search tool, which now rivals Mac OS X’s Spotlight to be able to find what you need quickly and easily. For example, typing ‘mouse’ will bring up the mouse option within the control panel or typing a word will display it and split it up neatly into files, folders and applications.

Also introduced is the concept of Libraries, which takes the ‘My Documents’ concept a stage further. The various Libraries, such as Documents and Pictures, will watch multiple locations which you can add yourself, so you don’t have to keep everything in one place.

5. Safety and Security

New security features in Windows include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords), the addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials) Smart Screen filtering integrated into Windows, and support for the "Secure Boot" functionality on UEFI systems to protect against malware infecting the boot process. Family Safety offers Parental controls, which allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls. Windows 8 also provides integrated system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions, including system recovery from USB drive. Windows 8's first security patches would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes deemed "critical" by the company.

6. Interface and Desktop

Windows introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language, and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles". As a form of multitasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen. Alongside the traditional Control Panel, a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel.

Microsoft Windows 8.1

7. Taskbar/Start menu

At first glance, the task bar looks like nothing has much has changed since Vista. In fact, that’s not the case and it’s a lot more powerful. Microsoft is now making best use of its aero technology. By default, taskbar icons are now larger and items are grouped together and are not labelled with clumsy text.

If you have multiple Word documents or Windows Explorer windows open then you’ll see a stack appear on the task bar. Hover the mouse over the app and each Window will be visible in a thumbnail. Hover over each thumbnail and it will become visible, while all other open windows temporarily disappear, save for their outlines. You can close each document or Window down from the thumbnail directly or click on it to bring it to the front.

In the Start menu, a small arrow to the right of applications such as Word now expands to give a list of recent documents and any can be pinned so you can keep one permanently on the list.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Windows

The biggest advantage of Windows is that it provides ready-made solutions that can be implemented by just about anyone who’s ever used a computer.

Microsoft Office is also 100% compatible with any file or document produced in the office space in America. In fact, MS Office isn’t compatible with other software and systems, so much as other software and systems strive to be compatible with Office!

Finally, software services are in large supply when it comes to Windows. From Microsoft’s official services, to Maryland software support, to Microsoft certification training for individuals, there is no lack of software support for Windows.

Of course, Windows detractors will tell you that there is more need for software services when it comes to Windows. And while this worldwide operating system is far from trash, it is often not as stable as its Mac or Linux counterparts.

The only other major disadvantage of using Windows in the workplace is that over 95% of all viruses and malicious software are written for the Windows OS. This means you have to double-down all security measures if you’re using Microsoft software across the board.

Conclusion

A word of caution: The security vulnerabilities of Windows operating systems make them popular targets for programmers of malicious code. Whether these vulnerabilities are due to their enormous share of the market (making them enormously attractive) or coding errors on the part of Microsoft, the result is the same: There is a constant need for every system administrator and computer owner to proactively keep all Windows systems as secure as possible through vigilant access control and patch management.

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History of Windows OS Versions for Personal, Server and Mobile Devices

Microsoft Windows Operating System

Windows OS, computer Operating System (OS) developed by Microsoft Corporation to run personal computers (PCs). Featuring the first Graphical User Interface (GUI) for IBM-compatible PCs, the Windows OS soon dominated the PC market. Approximately 90 percent of PCs run some version of Windows.

Microsoft co-founders Paul Allen (left) and Bill Gates

The first version of Windows, released in 1985, was simply a GUI offered as an extension of Microsoft’s existing disk operating system, or MS-DOS. Based in part on licensed concepts that Apple Inc. had used for its Macintosh System Software, Windows for the first time allowed DOS users to visually navigate a virtual desktop, opening graphical “windows” displaying the contents of electronic folders and files with the click of a mouse button, rather than typing commands and directory paths at a text prompt.

Subsequent versions introduced greater functionality, including native Windows File Manager, Program Manager, and Print Manager programs, and a more dynamic interface. Microsoft also developed specialized Windows packages, including the network supported Windows for Workgroups and the high-powered Windows NT, aimed at businesses. The 1995 consumer release Windows 95 fully integrated Windows and DOS and offered built-in Internet support, including the World Wide Web browser Internet Explorer.

With the 2001 release of Windows XP, Microsoft united its various Windows packages under a single banner, offering multiple editions for consumers, businesses, multimedia developers, and others. Windows XP abandoned the long-used Windows 95 kernel (core software code) for a more powerful code base and offered a more practical interface and improved application and memory management. The highly successful XP standard was succeeded in late 2006 by Windows Vista, which experienced a troubled roll-out and met with considerable marketplace resistance, quickly acquiring a reputation for being a large, slow, and resource-consuming system. Responding to Vista’s disappointing adoption rate, Microsoft developed Windows 7, an OS whose interface was similar to that of Vista but was met with enthusiasm for its noticeable speed improvement and its modest system requirements.

History of Windows Operating System

Microsoft Founder Bill Gates

Microsoft Operating Systems for Personal Computers

MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system)

MS-DOS 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.

Microsoft MS DOS Version 3.30 Prompt Screen

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.

Microsoft Windows Version 2.0

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.

Microsoft Windows Version 3.1

Windows NT 3.1 - 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.

Microsoft Windows NT 4

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.

Microsoft Windows 95 Welcome Screen

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 file names.

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.

Microsoft Windows 98

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).

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

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.

Microsoft Windows ME(Millennium Edition)

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.

Microsoft Windows XP

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.

Microsoft Windows Vista

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.

Microsoft Windows 7

Windows 8 (October 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 Windows 8

Windows 8.1 (October 2013)

Windows 8.1 advances the Windows 8 vision of providing a powerful collection of apps and cloud connectivity on great devices; it’s everything people loved about Windows 8, plus some enhancements.

Microsoft Windows 8.1

Microsoft Operating Systems for Servers

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 Server 2008 (February 2008)

Windows Server 2008 is Fully multi-componentized operating system. It Improved hot patching, a feature that allows non-kernel patches to occur without the need for a reboot. It Support for being booted from Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI)-compliant firmware on x86-64 systems. Dynamic Hardware Partitioning Support for the hot-addition or replacement of processors and memory, on capable hardware.

Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 2009)

It is the first 64-bit-only operating system released from Microsoft. Version enhancements include new functionality for Active Directory, new virtualization and management features, version 7.5 of Microsoft IIS Web Server and support for up to logical processors.

Windows Server 2012 (September 2012)

Windows Server 2012 has no support for Itanium-based computers, and has four editions. Various features were added or improved over Windows Server 2008 R2 (with many placing an emphasis on cloud computing), such as an updated version of Hyper-V, an IP address management role, a new version of Windows Task Manager, and ReFS, a new file system. Windows Server 2012 received generally good reviews in spite of having included the same controversial Metro-based user interface seen in Windows 8.

Windows Server 2012 Editions and Features

Microsoft Operating Systems for Mobile 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.

Windows Phone 8.1

Conclusion

What started as a microcomputer operating system has grown to include complex multiplatform software that can be used to run computing systems of all sizes. Windows’ commercial success is unquestioned, and its products have continued to evolve in complexity and scope to cover many global markets.

Windows products are ubiquitous, including Windows Embedded, Windows Automotive, and Windows Mobile, to name a few of the many specialty versions of this operating system. Microsoft offers technical support for operating systems that are no longer sold, including Windows NT and even MS-DOS.

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Linux OS History, Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

Linux Operating System

Linux is, in simplest terms, an Operating System. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The Operating System (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task, then sends the results back to the application via the Operating System.

Explained in these terms, Linux is very similar to other Operating Systems, such as Windows and OS X.

But something sets Linux apart from these Operating Systems. The Linux Operating System represented a $25 billion ecosystem in 2008. Since its inception in 1991, Linux has grown to become a force in computing, powering everything from the New York Stock Exchange to mobile phones to supercomputers to consumer devices.

As an open Operating System, Linux is developed collaboratively, meaning no one company is solely responsible for its development or ongoing support. Companies participating in the Linux economy share research and development costs with their partners and competitors. This spreading of development burden amongst individuals and companies has resulted in a large and efficient ecosystem and unheralded software innovation.

Over 1,000 developers, from at least 100 different companies, contribute to every kernel release. In the past two years alone, over 3,200 developers from 200 companies have contribute to the kernel--which is just one small piece of a Linux Distribution.

Linux was born out of the desire to create a free software alternative to the commercial UNIX environments. Its history dates back to 1991, or further back to 1983, when the GNU project, who’s original aims where to provide a free alternative to UNIX, was introduced. Linux runs on a much wider range of platforms than most UNIX environments, such as the Intel®/AMD led x86 platform. Most UNIX variants run on just one architecture.

What is Linux?

Linux is an example of Open Source software development and Free Operating System (OS).

Architectures

Linux Originally developed for Intel's x86 hardware, ports available for over two dozen CPU types including ARM.

File system Support

Linux use Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, Jfs, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs format.

Usage

Linux can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from mobile phones, tablet computers and video game consoles, to mainframes and supercomputers.

GUI

Linux typically provides two GUIs, KDE and Gnome. But Linux GUI is optional.

Market Share for Desktop PC

The market share of Linux is about 1.29%.

Threat Detection and Solution

In case of Linux, threat detection and solution is very fast, as Linux is mainly community driven and whenever any Linux user post s any kind of threat, several developers start working on it from different parts of the world.

Cost

Linux can be freely distributed, downloaded freely, distributed through magazines, Books etc. There are priced versions for Linux also, but they are normally cheaper than Windows.

Security

Linux has had about 60-100 viruses listed till date.

Text Mode Interface

BASH (Bourne Again Shell) is the Linux default shell. It can support multiple command interpreters.

Development and Distribution

Linux is developed by Open Source development i.e. through sharing and collaboration of code and features through forums etc. and it is distributed by various vendors such as Debian, Red Hat, SUSE, Ubuntu, and GentuX etc.

User

Linux Operating System for everyone, from home users to developers and computer enthusiasts alike.

Kernel

Linux kernel is freely available. Linux kernel is developed by the community. Linus Torvalds oversees things.

Patches

Linux patches are not highly tested as UNIX patches.

Linux Distribution Names

A few popular names:
Redhat Enterprise Linux, Fedora Linux, Debian Linux, Suse Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Linux

Linux Advantages

One of the most valued advantages of Linux over the other platforms lies with the high security levels it ensures. Every Linux user is happy to work in a virus-free environment and use the regular virus-prevention time needed when working with other Operating Systems for other more important tasks.

Thanks to its open-source distribution, >Linux is being constantly developed and updated by the constantly expanding community of programmers supporting it. Despite its dynamic nature, it is totally complete in terms of functionality and interface. All those ongoing development efforts are made with the sole purpose of keeping the platform flexible and ever adaptable to the changeable 'climate' of the WWW.

Linux in World Wide Web

Due to its innate stability, the Linux-based distributions are a top choice for Internet servers, with a great part of the World Wide Web being powered by Linux. Linux is often used with Apache, thus creating the stable Linux-Apache combination.

As a fundamental part of the web, Linux has deservedly found its place in the popular LAMP open source web platform, which represents a combination between the most popular website building technologies: Linux, Apache (web server), MySQL (database) and PHP/Perl/Python (web application languages).

Disadvantages of Linux

Understanding

Becoming familiar with the Linux Operating System requires patience as well as a strong learning curve. You must have the desire to read and figure things out on your own, rather than having everything done for you.

Compatibility

Because of its free nature, Linux is sometimes behind the curve when it comes to brand new hardware compatibility. Though the kernel contributors and maintainers work hard at keeping the kernel up to date, Linux does not have as much of a corporate backing as alternative Operating Systems. Sometimes you can find third party applications, sometimes you can’t.

Alternative Programs

Though Linux developers have done a great job at creating alternatives to popular Windows applications, there are still some applications that exist on Windows that have no equivalent Linux Application.

Summary

After studying what Linux Operating System is and its relevant characteristics, everyone would agree that this software has made and will continue making history for being so popular and useful.

One of the major challenges that Linux has is to get more people to use it. It does not mean that only a few people is using this Operating System right now, but that since Linux is so powerful, more and more people should get to use it and to enjoy all of the benefits that are found in this wonderful free software.

With this research it is pretended to give a global idea and some specific point to ponder about Linux, so that it can be possible to know better the benefits and limitations that this Operating System has.

It’s important that people can consider Linux as a good option for many tasks, and that users of computers are not limited by stereotypes, but that they can be open-minded to find the advantages and disadvantages that each Operating System is offering, and doing the best selection from there. By the way, a person is not limited to use exclusively one Operating System. That means that for some tasks, one software is appropriate, and for other tasks, a different software could be best. That’s why it’s better to know about the different options and then to be capable to select the best program or software to use.

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