What is Windows OS?

Microsoft’s Windows operating system is a widely recognized graphical interface that allows users to interact with their computers effectively. It provides the tools to manage files, run applications, enjoy multimedia content, and connect to the internet. Designed for both personal and professional environments, Windows has become a cornerstone of modern computing.

Windows, often referred to as Windows OS, is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. It notably introduced the graphical user interface (GUI) to the IBM-compatible PC world, quickly establishing its dominance in the PC market. Today, Windows is estimated to be installed on approximately 90% of personal computers globally.

The journey of Windows began in 1985. The initial release wasn’t a fully independent operating system but rather a graphical user interface that layered on top of Microsoft’s existing disk operating system, MS-DOS. This innovation marked a significant step towards user-friendly computing.

Editions of Windows Operating System

Since Windows XP, Microsoft has offered various editions of Windows, catering to different user needs and market segments. While all editions share the core operating system, they differentiate themselves through additional features and functionalities. The two most common editions are:

Windows Home

Windows Home represents the foundational version of the operating system. It encompasses the essential functionalities expected from Windows, enabling users to browse the web, connect to the internet, play games, utilize office software, and view videos. It’s generally the more affordable option and frequently comes pre-installed on numerous consumer laptops and desktops.

Windows Professional

Windows Professional, sometimes denoted as Windows Pro or Win Pro, is a more advanced iteration of Windows designed for power users and businesses ranging from small to medium size. It incorporates all the features available in Windows Home and expands upon them with enhanced capabilities, including:

• Remote Desktop: Enables users to connect to and control their PC from a remote location.
• Hyper-V: Microsoft’s native hypervisor, allowing users to run virtual machines.
• Bitlocker: A full disk encryption feature designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes.
• Trusted Boot: Helps to secure the boot process and protect against malware.