A Beginner’s Guide To Understanding Windows Operating System

windows operating system

Windows Operating System: In the mid-1980s, Microsoft introduced the initial version of Windows. 

Since then, various versions of Windows have been published, the most current being Windows 10, which was launched in 2015. 

Before that, we had Windows 8 in 2012, Windows 7 in 2009), Windows Vista in 2007, and Windows XP in 2001. 

This article will teach you the fundamentals of operating a Windows computer, such as utilizing the desktop, launching various files and apps, and moving and resizing windows. 

You better memorize this guide because without understanding how the Windows OS functions, you can’t do anything on your computer and that includes downloading movies from the pirate bay and watching them. 

So, let’s dive in….

What Is The Windows Operating System?

Microsoft created Windows as an operating system. The operating system is what makes it possible for you to operate a computer. 

Windows comes preinstalled on most new personal computers, which contributes to its status as the world’s most popular operating system.

Windows allows you to do a wide range of everyday operations on your computer. 

For example, you may use it to check email, surf the internet, edit digital images, play games, listen to music, and much more. Many workplaces also use Windows because it provides access to productivity applications such as word processors, calendars, and excel spreadsheets.

Features Of Windows operating system

  • To hide the window, you have to click the Minimize button. The window will be resized to fit on the taskbar. Then, click the window’s icon in the toolbar to make it reappear. 
  • To make the window occupy the whole screen, click the Maximize button. 
  • If the screen is maximized, the Maximize button will be momentarily replaced by the Restore button. Simply click it to restore the window’s original size. 
  • To close the window, click the Close button. 
  • To move the window, click and drag the top of the window to the desired area on the screen. When you’re finished, let go of the mouse.

Windows 7 Vs. Windows 8 Vs. Windows 10?

While some Windows 7 and Windows 8 customers may not be able to upgrade for free, the great majority will be able to do so at no cost. This is a fantastic offer because the ‘Windows 10 Home’ and ‘Windows 10 Pro’ editions cost $119 and $199, respectively.

In contrast, Microsoft has not made Windows 7 or Windows 8 free since the debut of Windows 10, and the corporation has no intentions to do so in the future. 

Another compelling incentive to upgrade to the latest version of Windows is that Microsoft will maintain it for a more extended period than both Windows 7 and Windows 8. 

As you can see, Windows 10 provides five years longer Extended Support than Windows 7 and two years more than Windows 8. 

Microsoft gets a lot of credit for Windows 10’s ambition, as the operating system will operate on all future Microsoft devices, from desktops and laptops to hybrids, tablets, and smartphones. Furthermore, Windows 10 allows you to stream games from an Xbox One. 

While Windows 7 and Windows 8 do an excellent job of keeping users secure, Windows 10 ups the ante with several new features. Because of this, Windows 10 is more secure and up to date, but Microsoft’s choice to force updates on customers has significant drawbacks. 

Windows 10 is still in its early stages, and it includes a shockingly considerable number of flaws that you won’t find in Windows 7 or Windows 8. Windows 10 also requires more consistency throughout its user interface. 

There is still a jarring shift between classic desktop settings such as the Control Panel and those pushed into the Modern UI. Microsoft has to fix this issue ASAP.

How To Open An Application In Windows?

Click the Start button with your mouse, then pick the required program. 

If you don’t find the one you’re looking for, click All Programs to get a complete list of available programs. A new window will open with the program. 

Since Windows 8 lacks a Start menu, you’ll often launch apps from the Start screen. To go to the Start screen, click the Start button, then click an app to open it.

How To Shut Down/Restart/Sleep-Mode In Windows?

If you’re using Windows 10, go to the Start menu, the Power menu, and finally, Shut down.

If you’re using Windows 8, go to the Start screen by clicking the Start button, click the Power symbol in the upper-right corner, and pick Shut down. If you don’t see this choice, you’ll have to update to Windows 8.1.

If you’re running Windows 7 or before, click Shut down from the Start menu.

You may also access other choices by pressing the power button. If your computer has become unresponsive, for example, you may select Restart to switch it off and on again rapidly.

You can also select to put your computer to sleep. This disables most of your computer’s processes while remembering which programs and files are open. 

As a result, the computer will start up faster because you won’t have to wait for the operating system and programs to load. It’s worth noting that if you haven’t used your computer in a few minutes, it may fall into Sleep mode automatically.

Signing Off

There you go. 

We have underlined the basic functionalities of the Windows operating system, starting from how it opens to how you can turn it off.

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