Computer Education Chapter No 5

(Windows)

Introduction

Windows is a family of operating systems for personal computers. It has dominated the personal computer world, by some estimates, on 90% of all personal computers. The remaining 10% are mostly Macintosh computers. Like the Macintosh operating environment, Windows provides a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and support for many peripheral devices.Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded it in 1975; today Microsoft is one of the largest and most successful companies in the world. Microsoft is the developer and distributor of such software as Windows 95, Microsoft Office, DirectX, and numerous other programs and games.

Windows 95

A major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system released in 1995. In addition to supporting 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. And 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 filenames.

Windows NT 4.0

Windows NT 4.0 looks like Windows 95 but it is a completely different Operating System. Windows NT contains advanced security features, advanced network support; Full 32-bit operating system, advanced multitasking, user administration and much more. Although NT is a very advanced operating system yet it lacks the support of drivers, features, and gaming support when compared to Windows 95 / Windows 98. It is because even today only technical users use Windows NT.
Windows NT (New Technology) works on FAT16.  There are 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. It includes not only the features of Windows 95, but also a lot of other features, such as Network OLE, Internet Information Server (IIS) and RAS etc.
a.       OLE.           It is an abbreviation of Object Linking and Embedding. It enables you to create objects with one application and then link or embed them in a second application. Embedded objects retain their original format and link to the application that created them.
b.       IIS.              It stands for Internet Information Server. It is Microsoft’s program that runs on Windows NT platforms and is integrated with the operating system. However, currently IIS is available only for the Windows NT platform.
c.       RAS.           RAS stands for Remote Access Service, a feature built into Windows NT that enables users to log into an NT-based LAN using a modem, X.25 connection or WAN link. RAS works with several major network protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX, and Netbeui.

Windows NT 4.0	Windows 95
It is more powerful Operating System than Windows 95.	It is not so powerful Operating System as Windows NT
It provides security environment to avoid the un authorized users.	It does not provide security environment.
It requires user’s account to log on for working in the computer.	It allows users to work without account and you can Esc or cancel the password.
It has additional features, options and facilities to do the work.	It has limited options and facilities in the comparison of Windows NT.
It helps us to meet the present needs and requirements for doing work easily.	It is an old version of the Operating System and does not accomplish the present needs and requirements.

Windows CE

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 98

Originally it was called Memphis, and then Windows 97, but Microsoft changed the name when it realized that it was going to miss its target 1997-release date.

Windows 98 offers support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32 File System, AGP, MMX, USB, DVD, and ACPI. Its most visible feature is the Active Desktop, which integrates the Web browser (Internet Explorer) with the operating system.
a.       FAT32 File System.     
It is a version of the File Allocation Table (FAT) available in Windows 95 and Windows 98. FAT32 increases the number of bits used to address clusters and also reduces the size of each cluster. The result is that it can support larger disks (up to 2 terabytes) and better storage efficiency (less slack space). The FAT32 file system includes four bytes per cluster within the file allocation table. This differs from the FAT16 file system, which contains 2 bytes per cluster, and the FAT12 file system, which contains 1.5 bytes per cluster within the file allocation table.
b.       Note that the high 4 bits of the 32-bit values in the FAT32 file allocation table are reserved and are not part of the cluster number. Applications that directly read a FAT32 file allocation table must mask off these bits and preserve them when writing new values.

System	Cluster Limit
FAT12	The count of data clusters is less than 4087 clusters.
FAT16	The count of data clusters is between 4087 and 65526 clusters, inclusive.
FAT32	The count of data clusters is between 65526 and 268,435,456 clusters, inclusive.

c.       Slack Space.        The unused space in a disk cluster. The DOS and Windows file systems use fixed-size clusters. Even if the actual data being stored requires less storage than the cluster size, an entire cluster is reserved for the file. The unused space is called the slack space.

d.       DOS and older Windows systems use a 16-bit file allocation table (FAT), which results in very large cluster sizes for large partitions. For example, if the partition size is 2 GB, each cluster will be 32 K. Even if a file requires only 4 K, the entire 32 K will be allocated, resulting in 28 K of slack space. Windows 95 OSR 2 and Windows 98 resolve this problem by using a 32-bit FAT (FAT32) that supports cluster sizes smaller than 1K.

e.       AGP.           Short for Accelerated Graphics Port, an interface specification developed by Intel Corporation. AGP is based on PCI, but is designed especially for the throughput demands of 3-D graphics. Rather than using the PCI bus for graphics data, AGP introduces a dedicated point-to-point channel so that the graphics controller can directly access main memory. The AGP channel is 32 bits wide and runs at 66 MHz. This translates into a total bandwidth of 266 MBps; as opposed to the PCI bandwidth of 133 MBps. AGP also supports two optional faster modes, with throughputs of 533 MBps and 1.07 GBps. In addition, AGP allows 3-D textures to be stored in main memory rather than video memory. AGP has a couple important system requirements:

(1)      The chipset must support AGP.

(2)      The motherboard must be equipped with an AGP bus slot or must have an integrated AGP graphics system.

(3)      The operating system must be the OSR 2.1 version of Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 and currently, many professional Macintoshes support AGP.

f.        AGP-enabled computers and graphics accelerators hit the market in August 1997. However, there are several different levels of AGP compliance. The following features are considered optional:

(1)      Texturing.            Also called Direct Memory Execute mode, allows textures to be stored in main memory.

(2)      Throughput.        Various levels of throughput are offered: 1X is 266 MBps, 2X     is       533 MBps; and 4X provides 1.07 GBps.

(3)      Sideband Addressing.             Speeds up data transfers by sending command instructions in a separate, parallel channel.

(4)      Pipelining.           It enables the graphics card to send several instructions together      instead of sending one at a time.

g.      MMX.                   Short for Multimedia Extensions, a set of 57 multimedia instructions built into Intel microprocessors and other x86-compatible microprocessors. MMX-enabled microprocessors can handle many common multimedia operations, such as digital signal processing (DSP), that are normally handled by a separate sound or video card. However, only software especially written to call MMX instructions -- so-called MMX-enabled software -- can take advantage of the MMX instruction set

h.      USB.  USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, an external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps. A single USB port can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices, such as mice, modems, and keyboards. USB also supports Plug-and-Play installation and hot plugging.

j.        Starting in 1996, a few computer manufacturers started including USB support in their new machines. It is expected to completely replace serial and parallel ports.

k.       DVD.           It stands for Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc, a type of optical disk technology similar to the CD-ROM. A DVD holds a minimum of 4.7GB of data, enough for a full-length movie. DVDs are commonly used as a medium for digital representation of movies and other multimedia presentations that combine sound with graphics. The DVD specification supports disks with capacities of from 4.7GB to 17GB and access rates of 600KBps to 1.3 MBps. One of the best features of DVD drives is that they are backward-compatible with CD-ROMs, meaning they can play old CD-ROMs, CD-I disks, and video CDs, as well as new DVD-ROMs. Newer DVD players can also read CD-R disks.

l.        ACPI.           It is an abbreviation of Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, a power management specification developed by Intel, Microsoft, and Toshiba. ACPI, which will be part of the next version of Windows, enables the operating system to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. With ACPI, the operating system can turn off peripheral devices, such as CD-ROM players, when they're not in use. As another example, ACPI will enable manufacturers to produce computers that automatically power up as soon as you touch the keyboard.

Window ME

Windows Millennium also known as Windows ME was introduced to the general public as the upgrade for Windows 95 and Windows 98 users and was designed for the end-users. Overall Windows ME has the look and feel of Windows 98 with some additional features, which were not available in previous operating systems. Some of the most noticeable new features include:
a.       Revert back to Backup of computer.        Windows Me allows the user to automatically restore an old backup incase files are corrupted or deleted.
b.       Protect important system files.      Windows Me allows the user to protect important system files and will not allow these files to be modified by any type of other software.
c.       Movie Editor.      Allows users to edit and or combine Microsoft movie files. Importing movies requires additional hardware.
d.       Windows Media Player.                   It includes Media Player 7, which enables users a more advanced way of listening and organizing their media files.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 Professional is an edition of the Microsoft Operating System series for end-users. Windows 2000 is based on the Windows NT Kernel and is sometimes referred to as Windows NT 5.0. Windows 2000 contains over 29 Million lines of code mainly written in C++, 8 Million of those lines alone are written for drivers. There are four versions of Windows 2000:
a.       Windows 2000 Professional.
b.       Windows 2000 Server.
c.       Windows 2000 Advanced Server.
d.       Windows 2000 Data Center Server.

Windows 2000 Professional

An operating system for business desktop and laptop systems. It is used to run software applications, connect to Internet and Intranet sites, and access files, printers, and network resources. Some of the significant features of Windows 2000 Professional are:
a.       Support for FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS.
b.       Windows Installer tracks and recognizes applications and replaces missing components.
c.       Protects memory of individual apps and processes to avoid a single app bringing the system down.
d.       Encrypted File System protects sensitive data.
e.       Secure Virtual Private Networking (VPN) supports tunneling in to private LAN over public Internet.
f.        Personalized menus adapt to the way you work.
g.       Multilingual version allows for User Interface and help to switch, based on logon.

h.      Includes broader support for high-speed networking devices, including Native ATM and cable modems.

j.        Supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 for greater bandwidth devices.

Windows 2000 Server

Both a Web server and an office server. Windows 2000 Server lets users build Web applications and connect to the Internet. Some of the significant features of Windows 2000 Server are:
a.       Active Directory improves manageability, enables security, and extends interoperability with other operating systems.
b.       Provides high-level interfaces for database access and Active Directory services.
c.       Lets you use COM+ to run component-based applications, integrated Web applications and message-queuing services.
d.       Transaction Services feature makes it easier to develop and deploy server-centric applications.
e.       Microsoft BackOffice is fully integrated into Windows 2000 Server.

Windows 2000 Advanced Server

An operating for line-of-business applications and ecommerce. It contains all the features of the standard version of Windows 2000 Server, plus additional features for applications. Some of the significant features of Windows 2000 Advanced Server are:
a.       The server operating system for e-commerce and line-of-business applications.
b.       Includes all the features of Windows 2000 Server, with additional scalability and clustering support.
c.       Increased reliability--ensure your business-critical applications are online when your customers need them.
d.       Easier to use and manage clusters, applications, and updates.
e.       Supports 8-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and up to 8 GB of memory (RAM).

Data center Server

It was developed to work in high-traffic computer networks; it is designed for high-end drivers and software. It supports up to 32-way SMP (Symmetric Multi Processing) and up to 64 GB of physical memory. Windows 2000 is sometimes abbreviated as W2K.

Windows XP

An operating system introduced in 2001 from Microsoft's Windows family of operating systems, the previous version of Windows being Windows Me. Microsoft called the release its most important product since Windows 95. 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 version, Home and Professional. The company has 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. The "XP" in Windows XP stands for "eXPerience." Windows XP is available in the following versions:
a.       Home Edition (Full / Upgrade)
b.       Professional (Full / Upgrade)
c.       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. It includes various new features not found in previous versions of Microsoft Windows. Below is a listing of some of these new features.
d.       New interface.     A completely new look and ability to change the look.
e.       Updates.     New feature that automatically obtains updates fro the Internet.
f.        Internet Explorer 6.      Includes Internet explorer 6 and new IM.
g.       Multilingual support.   Added support for different languages.

Desktop

In graphical user interfaces, a desktop is an organization of different icons on screen. It consists of pictures, files, folders, and various types of documents). You can arrange the icons on desktop -- moving them around, putting one on top of another, reshuffling them, and throwing them away.

Start Menu

By using the start button a list of commands or options from which you can choose different programs to work in is called Start Menu. Start Menu allows users to easily access their computer programs or configure Microsoft Windows.

Program

An organized list of instructions that, when executed, causes the computer to behave in a predetermined manner is known as Program. Without programs, computers are useless. A program is like a recipe. It contains a list of ingredients (called variables) and a list of directions (called statements) that tell the computer what to do with the variables. The variables can represent numeric data, text, or graphical images.

Recycle Bin

A location on the desktop that represents a directory where deleted files are temporarily stored. This enables you to retrieve files that you may have accidentally deleted. From time to time, you must purge the recycle bin to free up space on your hard disk.

Folder

A location that stores multiple files and other folders on, computers running Microsoft Windows, and other GUI operating systems is known as folder.

Control Panel

A section in Microsoft Windows that enables a user to modify the computers settings. Changing the mouse settings, display settings, sound settings, and keyboard settings etc are just a few of the examples of what can be modified in the Control Panel. Users running Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, XP can open control panel by clicking Start, Settings, and clicking the Control Panel icon. Users running Windows ME, XP or above may need to select the option to display all icons to see all available icons.

File

A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files, program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store different types of information. For example, program files store programs, whereas text files store text.

Windows Explorer

Windows Explore is a location where all the programs of windows and other applications are located at a time, so you can drag and drop, cut, copy and paste easily and can also create short cuts of different programs and applications.

File Name

All files have names. Different operating systems impose different restrictions on filenames. Most operating systems, for example, prohibit the use of certain characters in a filename and impose a limit on the length of a filename. In addition, many systems, including DOS and UNIX, allow a filename extension that consists of one or more characters following the proper filename. The filename extension usually indicates what type of file it is. Within a single directory, filenames must be unique. However, two files in different directories may have the same name.  Long file name support allows PC computers using Microsoft Windows 95 and above to save and use files stored up to 255 characters in length.

Extension

An extension is combination of three characters after the file name. The file extension is used by the operating system to identify the type of file and software program.  Filename extensions usually indicate the type of information stored in the file. For example, in the filename EDIT.COM, the extension is COM, which indicates that the file is a command file. Some important Extensions are as under:
a.       .doc   (MS Word)
b.       .xls    (MS Excel)
c.       .ppt   (MS PowerPoint)
d.       .mdb  (MS Access)
e.       .inp   (Inpage Urdu)
f.        .dll     (Dynamic Link Library)
g.       .GIF   (Graphics Interchange Format)

Password

Sometimes abbreviated as PWD a password is a set of secret characters or words utilized to gain access to a computer, network resource, or data. Passwords help ensure that computers or data only be accessible by those who have been granted the right to view or access them. The password helps ensure that unauthorized users do not access the computer. Ideally, the password should be something that nobody could guess. In practice, most people choose a password that is easy to remember, such as their name or their initials.