Operating Systems

Back in the late 1970’s, two enterprising young computer programmers named Paul Allen and Bill Gates developed an adaptation for the BASIC computer language that would help run newly created personal computer just coming on the technology market.  As with any technology, their original creation changed and grew. 

The two friends decided they had the product and the capability to become successful, so they formed a company now known as Microsoft.  Over the years, Microsoft has grown to a giant in the computer industry with successes never before seen by a “from scratch” endeavor.

Microsoft was responsible for the development of not only several computer languages like COBOL and PASCAL, but also for the development of the earliest operating system MS-DOS.  In partnership with IBM, who was just introducing the personal computer to the individual consumer, all of the IBM computers used MS-DOS on their systems.  The year was 1981.

Even though originally, the Apple Corporation was in competition with Microsoft and IBM, the company eventually began working on developing an operating system for the company’s Macintosh personal computers.

Then, in 1985, an industry changing product was starting to evolve.  This new operating system would perform many functions already in MS-DOS, but the difference would be that this new product would focus on “gooeys” Graphical User Interfaces. 

The development of the GUI would change the world of computers making it easier for the everyday consumer to navigate their personal computer.  The industry was changing - and it was changing fast!

Windows operating system made the world of personal computing accessible and easy for the everyday Joe.  Now, even students in the schools were able to use personal computers for their school work and in class.  No one knew just how far this new OS would take the world of computing technology.

Just like with any computer technology, changes are constantly being made to improve on the product.  After the initial launch of Windows, several other versions evolved each one offering new options and new features and each with their own bugs and problems.

Some people weren’t big fans of Windows because at times it seemed as if Microsoft would release the product prior to fully testing it.  It became famed for crashes and bugs that would cause the system to behave erratically, but Microsoft addressed each problem promptly and Windows continued to be THE operating system on the market.

The release of Windows 3.1 operating system was revolutionary in that it offered users more options that couldn’t be found with its predecessor MS-DOS.  One of the most helpful innovations was adding the use of a mouse to navigate and manipulate data with one hand simply and easily.  3.1 also gave users the convenience of not having to memorize MS-DOS commands.

Windows 3.1 was the first product to fully utilize graphical user interface for ease of controlling what the computer would do.  Windows also now allowed the user to multitask, meaning the user could now run multiple applications at once without having to close out of each program before running another.

The next major Windows product to hit the market was Windows 95 released in 1995 hence the name!  New features included the following:

• Plug and Play - Allows hardware devices to be automatically installed into the computer with the proper software. Does not require jumpers to be played with
• 32 Bit - 32-Bit operating system allowing the computer to run faster and more efficiently
• Registry - Combines the power of multiple configuration files into two files, allowing the system configurations to be located easier
• Memory - Windows 95 had an improved memory handling processes compared to Windows 3.11
• Right mouse click - Allows you new access and text manipulation by utilizing both buttons instead of one
• CD-Player - Enhanced CD-Player with improved usability and AutoPlay feature.

Windows 95 also had some extra software included Windows Explorer, Paint, Scan Disk, and Sound Recorder.  Games were added as were system tools that would de-fragment the hard drive and allow you to back up files for use later.

Windows 95 was succeeded by Windows 98 released in - you guessed it - 1998!  While the release of this OS wasn’t as big as 95, the 98 version still contained some significant updates, fixes, and support for new peripherals.

• Protection - Windows 98 included additional protection for important files on your computer such as backing up your registry automatically.
• Improved support - Improved support for new devices such as AGP, DirectX, DVD, USB, MMX, etc.
• FAT32 - Windows 98 had the capability of converting your drive to FAT32 without losing any information.
• Interface - Users of Windows 95 and NT would enjoy the same easy interface.
• PnP - Improved PnP support, to detect devices even better than Windows 95.
• Internet Explorer 4.0 - Included Internet Explorer 4.0
• Customizable Taskbar - Windows added many nice new features to the taskbar which 95 and NT did not have.
• Plus! - Included features only found in Microsoft Plus! free.
• Active Desktop - Included Active Desktop which allowed for users to customize their desktop with the look of the Internet.

Windows 98 also upgraded some of its security features and added Dr. Watson which is a diagnostic tool that will look for problems on your computer and then offer up a resolution automatically.  They also added a maintenance wizard that allows you schedule certain maintenance tasks such as Scan Disk to be run once a week.

In keeping with the theme of naming versions of Windows after the year it was released, the next version was Windows 2000.  Windows 2000 was known as the professional version and was geared toward business use.  So, it was often referred to as Windows Professional.

Features of this new operating system included:

• Support for FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS.
• Increased uptime of the system and significantly fewer OS reboot scenarios.
• Windows Installer tracks applications and recognizes and replaces missing components.
• Protects memory of individual apps and processes to avoid a single app bringing the system down
• Encrypted File Systems protects sensitive data.
• Secure Virtual Private Networking (VPN) supports tunneling in to private LAN over public Internet.
• Personalized menus adapt to the way you work
• Multilingual version allows for User Interface and help to switch, based on logon.
• Includes broader support for high-speed networking devices, including Native ATM and cable modems.
• Supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 for greater bandwidth devices.

While that might not sound significant to the everyday computer user, these new advancements made for a smoother running system with more capabilities than other Windows versions.

The year 2000 also saw the release of Windows ME or Windows Millennium.  This version was meant as an upgrade for Windows 95 and 98 and was designed with end users in mind.  Overall, Windows ME has the look and feel of Windows 98 with some additional fixes and features not available in previous operating systems.

While Windows ME includes some of the latest fixes and updates and some enticing new features, this update was recommended only for users that may find or want some of the new features or for users who are purchasing a new computer with this operating system included.

Key updated features include:

• Revert back to backup of computer - Windows ME allowed the user to automatically restore an old backup in case files are corrupted or deleted.
• Protect important system files - Windows Me allowed the user to protect important system files and would not allow these files to be modified by any type of other software.
• Movie editor - Allowed users to edit and or combine Microsoft movie files. Importing movies required additional hardware.
• Windows Media Player - Included Media Player 7, which enabled users a more advanced way of listening and organizing their media files.

And the next year - 2001 - saw the release of Windows XP which is the version most users have to date.  The XP stands for experienced and combined the two major Windows operating systems into one.  It is available in both a home as well as a professional edition. 

Windows XP is designed more for users who may not be familiar with all of Windows features and has several new abilities to make the Windows experience easier for those users.

Windows XP includes various new features not found in previous versions of Microsoft Windows. Below is a listing of some of these new features.

• New interface - a completely new look and ability to change the look.
• Updates - new feature that automatically obtains updates from the Internet.
• Internet Explorer 6 - Includes internet explorer 6 and new IM.
• Multilingual support - added support for different languages.

In addition to the above features, Windows XP does increase reliability when compared to previous versions of Microsoft Windows.

Finally, the most recent upgrade of Windows was just released in 2007.  Called Windows Vista, this new version is intended as an upgrade to XP and 2000 users.  While it does have many new features, this version is intended to give computer users an overall better experience with a dramatic new look.

Added features over previous Windows versions include:

• Windows Aero, a completely new GUI and unlike any previous version of Windows.
• Basic file backup and restore.
• Improved DVD support with the ability to easily create custom DVD movies.
• Easy transfer, a feature that allows you to easily transfer files from an older computer to the new computer.
• File encryption.
• Instant search available through all Explorer windows.
• Support for DirectX 10.
• Self-healing, the ability to automatically detect and correct problems that may be encountered on the computer.
• Shadow copy, a feature that allows you to recover deleted files.
• Improved photo gallery and control of photographs.
• Windows Sidebar and gadgets that allows you to add an almost endless list of different gadgets.
• More parental control.
• Improved Windows Calendar, with the ability to set tasks and appointments.
• And much more.

Some people who are Windows enthusiasts hail this new product as a step into a new technological era.  Windows Vista is flashy, pretty, and impressive, but it comes with its own unique faults as well.  Reviewers report that there are many device drivers lacking in the software and that its size requires a large amount of memory which can cause your computer to run slower and less efficiently.

All versions of Windows do come with the original MS-DOS operating system included in the background for those “old-schoolers” who will want to enter their own computer commands.  All versions also come with a basic word processing program and Internet Explorer for surfing the net.  You will find standard games such as solitaire in Windows as well.

Most computers today are outfitted with Windows XP as their operating system, but with the release of Vista, that will probably change in the near future.  The Microsoft Windows operating system is the most popular choice among computer users today, but there are other operating systems.

Let’s take a look at the most popular operating system for Apple Macintosh computers.