Windows Operating System
Microsoft 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.
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 networkable 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.
Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.
Windows Installation
Ever been scared to install any version or edition of windows operating system on your own? Don't seek help from anyone and pay money for a simple and easy task that would have been accomplished by yourself.The procedures for installing all editions and versions of windows are the same, including windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. A clean installation of any edition or version of windows can be performed using a DVD or USB flash drive. During the installation, the user enters the language of preference, enter a product key, accepting license terms and selecting a custom type of installation. To learn a step-by-step procedure of how to install windows operating system, click on any of the image thumbnails below.
Windows Customization
Windows operating system makes it possible for its users to change the look and feel of its windows interface. Almost everything in windows operating system seem customizable, from windows border color through to registry files. Even though customization makes your windows PC a breeze to use, system customizations tend to slow down the performance of your computer. There are a ton of basic desktops and folder customizations that can beautify the appearance of your windows interface. There are several ways by which customization can be done through themes, backgrounds, images and even by other applications. Start making your windows PC have your desired appearance and feel. Here on kobbytorials, you get to know some of the most common customization techniques to enhance the look and feel of your windows PC.