Evolution of Windows OS

The term Operating system (OS) is referred as software/program that controls the execution of the application as well as the system programs, and works as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. The key issues required from an OS are mainly efficiency, convenience and the changing updatable environment. The windows platform as being a resource manager of changing needs of the customer’s requirements got updating whenever there is change in the requirements and technology as well. Microsoft Windows was announced by Bill Gates on November 10, 1983.

Windows evolution era is divided in to configurable categories to distinguish between different generations of windows computing and the further additions made to them.

Evolution Eras of Windows are:

1). Origin of Windows (Beginning)

2). “XP” Era

3). Vista /like editions

4). Windows 7 ultimate

💻ORIGIN OF WINDOWS

In the very early stages, the type of the operating system was Ms-Dos based.

WINDOWS 1.0:

In November 20,1985 the first commercial version of the windows was introduced commercially named as the “Windows 1.0 “ .This released version of windows was numbered as 1.01.The main concept of Microsoft behind the launching of this system was to enable multitasking of limited dos program and transfer pc platform from dos to the graphical world.

System Requirements:

· Minimum RAM size of 256 KB (kilo byte).

· Version 2.0 of MS-DOS.

· HARD DRIVE or 2 double sided drives.

The utilities provided by this released edition of windows are:

· Clock, Colander.

· Clipboard, Card file, Control Panel.

· Windows note pad editor.

· Windows Paint and Write utility.

However, this was the first version of windows launched; it was further replaced with the windows version 2.0.

WINDOWS 2.0 AND WINDOWS 2.1X:

The second version of the windows was released on December 9, 1987.Windows 2.1 xs relates to the graphical interface systems, its further released extended versions were windows 286 and windows 386 published in 1980’s and sold for the $100

Windows/286 2.1 used the real-mode memory model, but was the first version to support the High Memory Area. Windows/386 2.1 had a protected mode kernel with LIM-standard EMS emulation. All Windows and DOS-based applications at the time were real mode, running over the protected mode kernel by using the virtual 8086 mode, which was new with the 80386 processor.

Features:

Windows 1.0 does not allow the clashes of the windows because of the tiled display format whereas in windows 2.0 it was replaced with new terminology this new version of windows allowing the overlap of windows. Multitasking and the use of the mouse, bit map was introduced and better graphics environment support was introduced. Windows 2.0 also replaced other terminologies of its preceding windows 1.0 as “ZOOM” and “Iconize” with the different shortcut keys from the keyboard as “Minimize” and the “Maximize”.

Applications utilities provided by these versions were:

· Notepad, write.

· Calendar, Clock same as windows 1.0.

· CVT Paint, Clipboard.

· Card file, Calculator.

· Overlapping windows were made enabled

System Requirements:

· Minimum Ram size required 512 KB (kilo byte).

· Ms-Dos version 3.0.

· Single floppy and a Hard disk.

· The facility of mouse is optional.

WINDOWS 3.0 and 3.1 NT:

These editions of windows revolutionized in the era of 1900’s. This edition made the user environment as well as the technical environment better so that the best use of the memory capabilities of the 80286 and 80386 processor.

Features:

To improve the multitasking “Program manager” and “file manager “programs were introduced these were the icon-based programs and replaced the Dos executive based program/file managers.

Windows 3.1 belongs to the family of the 16-bit color system schemes for the home use of computer. Pre-installed set of the different font styles were available to make the desk top publishing platform. Three memory modes were introduced in these systems “Standard “,” Real “ and “Enhanced 386 “ mode. Windows 3.0 was the first windows version that could run in the three of the memory modes.

The user facilities provided by these editions are:

· Supported multimedia extensions, audio files supported, the bit depth rate of the audio files minimum required was 44.1 MHZ (kilo hertz).

· Pre-installed font styles.

· Abode type manager (ATM) font system.

· Multimedia viewer to play video/audio files.

· Integration for the CD-ROM facility.

· Internet Explorer 2.0.

.Note pad, paint brush.

System Requirements:

· Processor 80286 or later version.

· Hard disk with minimum 6 MB free space.

· CGA/VGA or compatible monitor.

· Ms-Mouse utility was recommended.

· Ms-Dos 3.1 or later.

· Minimum 1 Megabyte (MB) of the memory, 64 kb of the conventional memory.

After the Ms-Dos based versions succeeded, new terminologies of the 9x based versions of the windows were launched. Following are the major editions of 9x base type.

A). Windows 95. B) Windows 98. C) Windows 2000. D) Windows ME.

WINDOWS 95:

Microsoft released the better enhance version as compared to its previous released products with new 9x based technology on 24h August 1995 that is “Windows 95 “. Firstly it was also referred as “Windows 4.0 “or “Chicago “. Many of the beta versions of the Windows 95 was launched before its final delivery as Build 58s, Build 73g, Build 81, Build 122, Build 189, Build 224, Build 468 etc. Originally Windows 95 was an evolution of the windows 386.

Enhancements in windows95:

Here in this version Microsoft clearly separated the MsD from the Windows products bus still the root shell on which windows executes was the Dos. It was compatible with the 16-bit applications. The bottom level of the windows 95 formed by a considerable number of the “Virtual Device Drivers “ which are considered responsible for the management of the devices such as video ,display and network cards etc.

Improvements :

· Internet Explorer 4.0.

· Technical improvements (long file names, multitasking, 32-bits file access system.

· GUI was the ever best improvement in this version because “the basic structure of the windows is same from this version upwards except some updating of extended interfaces.

· Full graphical user interface (GUI) support.

· Built in dialup networking, internet support, easily installation wizards.

· Integrated 32-bit TCP/IP (Transmission Control /Internet Protocol support) support.

System Requirements:

· Minimum Hard disk space required needed 50 MB.

· Minimum Ram required is 4 MB.

· Processor version 80386.

WINDOWS 98 & WINDOWS 98 SE:

It was officially launched on June 25, 1998. It was a version that was monolithic that is “16-bit” at the same time also support “32-bits “with a new introduction of the MsDos “Boot loader “. Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released on the 5th May 1998 with the fixed bugs present in the 98’s first edition A brief comparison of the both of the versions is described in this topic.

Enhancements:

WDM (Windows Driver Model) was firstly introduced in this edition .This was the new technology of that time and most of the developers were not allowed of this reality so maximum products continued to be in structure compatible with previous version of the OS. Some major of the facilities provided in these products that are inherited during today’s systems as well are described as utilities of windows 98.

System Requirements:

· Minimum RAM required was 16 MB but recommended was 24 MB.

· Minimum required available space on hard disk was 500 MB.

· VGA or later Resolution monitor was recommended.

· Pentium’s Processor Recommended.

· Microsoft Mouse and CD drive or DV drive was recommended.

Updations:

· Scan Disk.

· Disk Defragmenter.

· Enhanced Universal Serial Bus (USB) support with the system.

· Internet Explorer 5.0 replaced the Internet Explorer 4.0.

· LAN (Local Area Network) was introduced so that multiple nodes can communicate with each other using NAT (Network Address Transition) terminology.

· DVD-ROM support for the different drives.

Major Draw Back of 98:

If the windows 98 goes on running for the 49 days a memory overflow error occurred .This was the ever biggest bug which was resolved in the SE version.

WINDOWS 2000:

Microsoft launched this 64-bit version on 17 February 2000 for the use in the business , Server and desktop work areas. The four successor releases of this system were:

1) Professional Edition. 2) Sever Edition. 3) Advanced Server Edition. 4) Data centre Server.

This was the final Microsoft’s release for the completion of the “NT Family” products:

Features:

· FAT 32 File system used.

· NTFS (New Technology File System) 3.0 was introduced.

· Server Features, Different System utilities.

· Maximized administration applications e.g. Microsoft Console Manager.

· Configurable USB drivers, Mass storage devices support.

· Internet Explorer 5.0, Windows update Desktop facility.

· Advanced System Recovery, Encrypt File system, extended data protection.

· Developed Control panel Accessibility, local and languages option.

· Gamming zone.

System Requirements:

· Recommended RAM size 64 MB, but minimum required was 32 MB.

· Pentium or later version 133 Mega Hertz (MHZ) CPU.

· Hard Drive of 2 GB.

· Microsoft keyboard & mouse recommended.

· For Windows 2000 Server Edition minimum RAM should be 256 MB.

Major Bug of Windows 2000:

Windows 2000 was a better secure version for above mentioned features but still this edition became the hit point of a several number of viruses as “ NIMDA “ , “ CODE RED “ etc. This degraded the value of this product and made its customers feel unreliable.

WINDOWS ME:

Windows Millennium (ME) was release on 24th September 2000. This version was basically developed for the home use of the computers. One year after its publication it was replaced with a new family of Microsoft’s products called “XP” products.

Features :

· Internet Explorer 5.5 was introduced in this version.

· Windows Movie Maker (Video editing software for home users) & Windows Media Player 7, was factory defined in this product.

· Extended Gaming zone with “DirectX “was available.

· Network topologies: Dial up networking, TCP/IP terminologies, Home networking wizards etc.

· System utilities: Restore system to previous time, File System protection, System monitor etc.

· USB mass storage Drivers support.

· Help and support centre, as a user manual guide to fetch information related the system etc.

System Requirements :

· Minimum and recommended RAM size required was 32 MB.

· Pentium processor size recommended was 150 MHZ.

· Hard disk minimum size should be 320 MB, but recommended size was 2 GB.

Bugs in Windows ME:

First of all its time period was so short, other due to the again and again crash and freezing lead this version to the conflict and unreliability of the data. Some times conflicts removed in the system occurred again after the system restore.

💻THE “ XP ERA”

For the first time in this generation the basic architecture of the operating system changed from MS-DOS kernel base, 9X base to new technology that is “NT Kernel Based”.

The main purpose of this generation products was to enhance the home use of the computer with better services.

WINDOWS XP:

Windows XP was officially released on25th October, 2001. XP supports two architecture 32-bit and 64-bit.After few months of its arrival it was estimated that above 60% of the business and 70 % of the home use areas using XP.

Features :

· Task bar And start menu: Updated task bar and start button facility was introduced. “Start Menu “extended in the bandwidth so that the automatically / manually defined files can be frequently accessed from a single Plat form. Start menu was spitted into two distinct columns, first column depicts the user defined applications (frequently used applications automatically displayed here) whereas second column describe the system provided utilities e.g. (accessories, documents, control panel etc).

Task bar was also developed with different additions such as quick launch, task bar group features, same type multiple applications in a single group (individual member pops up when clicked on the group),

· Windows Explorer: Many changes made to the Windows Explorer relating to its formatting as well as its visual aspects also. The main purpose was to make XP more ‘Task oriented ‘system and ‘Digital Hub ‘many of the new features were added to the XP. Windows view is divided into the two portions ‘Task panel ‘on the left side of any active window, and ‘Navigation Panel ‘on the right side.

· Powered Graphics Structure: 2D Graphics were, textures, interface enhancements were developed.

· Structure Improvements :

a) Quick boot and logging on: Login time minimized so that the user do not wait for the so much time during loading of the operating system.

b) Windows Search Option: Advanced search utility in the system to search the files, folders in the database of computer in the hidden as well as system files.

c) Plug and Play (PNP): Ever evolutionary functionality of this edition is, just plug any peripheral with the computer and don not get worried of the driver play that very device, because all the drivers are built in.

d) Improved themes: A set of build in themes for the system is built in with in the system .More fascinating themes to make the look of the computer better and flexible. It includes The 24-bit color depth for the windows icons support.

Editions:

· Windows XP Server 2003.

· Windows XP Server 2008.

System Requirements:

· Minimum Ram size required 64 MB.

· Hard disk size required was 1.5 GB.

· DVD Drive / CD ROM device.

· VGA or EGA Graphics monitor.

💻EVOLUTION TOWARDS VISTA GENERATION

A new replaced technology of XP generation was introduced as the Vista generation here in this generation Graphical aspects are improved and more additions made and previous flaws are removed.

WINDOWS Vista:

Vista was released by Microsoft for home, business, server etc on 30th January 2005.Firstly it was also referred by its codename as “Longhorn”. This edition was the ever long time break between the two generations.

System Requirements:

· Minimum Hard disk space required should be more than 20 GB.

· Free space on the hard disk 15 GB.

· Graphics supportable memory 32 MB.

· Processor size 800 MHZ.

Improvements :

· Security improved.

· Better Organizational Architecture for the file systems.

· Integrated Voice Recognition, a better tool for synchronization was also made available.

· Media player modification Windows Media Player (WMP) 11 was introduced.

· For Web related areas Internet Explorer 7 was introduced.

· System Utilities backup and restore services, Disk manager.

· A virtual folder concept was introduced.

· New user, OS Synchronization improvements.

· Extended File management and search technology.

· Fascinated Windows Explorer service.

· Visual look of the operating system.

· Windows Automatic Updates (WAD) also made more enhanced.

Flaws /Bugs of vista:

· Up to the mark System Requirements : This was the major and the hectic problem in this version because the percentage of the people who don’t have the system of these specifications can not install the Vista. This legged behind the use of Vista on the home level.

· Copyrights of PDM (protected digital media), High Restrictions : The licensing terms of the Vista and among these restriction a software or hardware which is of previous generation of vista will not be compatible with the system, in order to run that we have the obey the rules and restrictions of the Vista generation.

WINDOWS 7:

Released on 22nd October 2009 was the operating system which succeeded the XP generation .This edition was released for the business, home and desktop use.

Features:

Graphics made better than the XP generation, there introduced a touch of 3D graphics. This edition was more users friendly.

New updated task bar “Super bar”: A new architecture of the task bar was revolutionized with a new coding scheme, new installed, frequent used and auto available were placed here for the instant access.

Media Updating: Windows Movie Maker (WMM), Windows Media player, Windows Photo Gallery.

System Requirements:

· For 64-bit Architecture.

· 64-bit Processor required size 1 GHZ.

· RAM size required 2 GB.

· DirectX9 Graphics processor required.

· Hard Disk size 20 GB required.

· DVD optical drive required.

· For 32-bi Architecture

· 32-bit Processor with 1 GHZ size.

· RAM of 1GB.

· Hard disk free capacity 16 GB.

WINDOWS 8:

On October 26, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 to the public.

Windows 8 is available in the following editions:

1) Windows 8 2) Windows 8 Pro 3) Windows 8 Enterprise 4) Windows RT

Windows 8 Release Preview was released on May 31, 2012. Product development on Windows 8 was completed on August 1, 2012, and it was released to manufacturing the same day. Windows 8 went on sale October 26, 2012.

Windows 8.1 was released on October 17, 2013. Windows 8.1 is available as an update in the Windows store for Windows 8 users only and also available to download for clean installation. The update adds new options for resizing the live tiles on the Start screen.

Windows RT, runs on some system-on-a-chip devices with mobile 32-bit ARM (ARMv7) processors.

Features:

Windows 8 features a redesigned user interface, designed to make it easier for touchscreen users to use Windows. The interface introduced an updated Start menu known as the Start screen, and a new full-screen application platform. The desktop interface is also present for running windowed applications, although Windows RT will not run any desktop applications not included in the system. On the Building Windows 8 blog, it was announced that a computer running Windows 8 can boot up much faster than Windows 7. New features also include USB 3.0 support, the Windows Store, the ability to run from USB drives.

WINDOWS 10:

Windows 10 is the current release of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Unveiled on September 30, 2014, it was released on July 29, 2015. It was distributed without charge to Windows 7 and 8.1 users for one year after release.

Features:

· Cortana

· Microsoft Edge web browser

· The ability to view Windows Store apps as a window instead of fullscreen

· virtual desktops

· Revamped core apps

· Continuum

· A unified Settings app

So far, nine major versions of Windows 10 have been released, with the version 19H2 being the latest stable release, and 20H2 as the latest preview version. Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be the last major version of its series of operating systems to be released. Instead, Microsoft will release major updates to the operating system via download or in Windows Update, similar to the way updates are delivered in macOS.