1. What is Windows OS?
The Windows Operating System is a system software developed by Microsoft Corporation.
It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware.
Unlike older command-line operating systems (like MS-DOS, UNIX), Windows provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows users to interact with the computer using icons, menus, and windows.
➡️ Example: Instead of typing commands, you can click on “My Computer” or “Recycle Bin.”
2. Functions of Windows OS
Windows OS performs several key functions:
- User Interface Management
- Provides a GUI with icons, taskbar, and start menu.
- File and Folder Management
- Allows creation, storage, organization, and retrieval of files.
- Process Management (Multitasking)
- Handles multiple programs running at the same time.
- Device Management (Plug & Play)
- Detects hardware automatically (USB, printers, webcams).
- Memory Management
- Allocates RAM among different applications.
- Networking Support
- Internet connectivity, file sharing, printer sharing.
- Security Management
- Provides user authentication (username & password), firewalls, antivirus support, and updates.
3. Features of Windows OS
- GUI Based: Easy navigation using mouse & icons.
- Multitasking: Run multiple programs simultaneously.
- Networking Capabilities: LAN/WAN, Internet.
- Customization: Change wallpapers, themes, sounds.
- Backward Compatibility: Old software can run on new Windows.
- Help and Support: Built-in troubleshooting & guides.
4. Architecture of Windows Operating System
Here’s a simplified diagram of Windows OS architecture:
+---------------------------------------------------+
| User Applications |
| (MS Word, Excel, Browsers, Games, Media Players) |
+---------------------------------------------------+
| Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
| (Windows Desktop, Start Menu, Icons, Taskbar) |
+---------------------------------------------------+
| Operating System Core Services |
| (File System, Device Drivers, Memory Manager, |
| Process Manager, Security, Networking) |
+---------------------------------------------------+
| Computer Hardware |
| (CPU, RAM, Hard Disk, Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor) |
+---------------------------------------------------+
👉 This shows how users interact with GUI, which communicates with the OS kernel, and then with hardware.
5. Versions of Windows OS (Important Milestones)
- Windows 1.0 (1985): First version with simple GUI.
- Windows 95 (1995): Introduced Start Menu & taskbar.
- Windows XP (2001): Very stable, popular in offices.
- Windows 7 (2009): Improved speed, reliability, Aero theme.
- Windows 8 (2012): Introduced tile-based interface for touchscreens.
- Windows 10 (2015): Widely used; Cortana, Edge Browser, modern security.
- Windows 11 (2021): Latest; redesigned UI, rounded corners, Android app support.
6. Importance of Windows OS
- For Businesses: Supports MS Office, ERP, Tally, SAP, SPSS.
- For Education: Used for e-learning, coding, assignments.
- For Entertainment: Gaming, multimedia, internet browsing.
- For Networking: File sharing, cloud connectivity, emails.
7. Advantages of Windows
✅ Easy to learn and use.
✅ Supports almost all hardware & software.
✅ Wide adoption in industry & personal use.
✅ Regular security updates.
✅ Strong multimedia & gaming support.
8. Limitations of Windows
❌ Costly (requires license purchase).
❌ More vulnerable to viruses/malware than Linux/Mac.
❌ Needs frequent updates & large storage.
❌ High resource usage (RAM & CPU).
Summary (Exam Ready Notes)
- Windows OS = GUI-based operating system by Microsoft.
- Functions = File management, process management, device management, networking, security.
- Features = GUI, multitasking, customization, compatibility.
- Versions = Windows 95, XP, 7, 10, 11 (important milestones).
- Pros = User-friendly, compatible, widely used.
- Cons = Costly, virus-prone, resource-hungry.