Who has never heard of Windows? This operating system, launched in 1985 by Microsoft, is the most used on PC. And for good reason, it is often delivered with it! It is estimated that this software represents more than 87% of the PC market share worldwide. Did you also fall into the Windows pot when you were little? This page will give you all the information on the subject: files, tests, tutorials, news, and many others.
What exactly is Windows?
Windows OS is an operating system. This software is central to any computer or smartphone: it forms the link between the user, applications and available resources. His mission ? Manage the start-up of your IT equipment, ensure resource consumption and the proper execution of application software.
Windows OS is part of the holy trinity of system software. In the world, the most used computer operating systems are:
- Windows, for PCs.
- Mac OS, for Macs.
- Linux, for PCs and different servers.
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Depending on the architecture of your processor (x86 or x64), Windows will exist in 32 or 64 bit version.
What is the history of the Windows operating system?
Windows was born in the mid-1990s thanks to the efforts of Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Version 1.0 is a simple 16-bit GUI for MS-DOS. Based in particular on a set of “windows”, it is single-tasking. Windows 2.0 moves to multitasking and accompanies the launch of two significant software programs: Word and Excel.
It was with Windows versions 3.0 and 3.1, and the move to 32 bits, that Microsoft achieved public recognition. Faced with the commercial success of its operating systems, the firm is diversifying its activity:
- 9x versions (95, 98, etc.) will be created for the general public.
- The NT versions will be developed for professionals.
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Microsoft will take inspiration from the NT version to create Windows XP in 2002. This version of the Windows OS system will be so popular that it will still be used ten years later on certain PCs! Its successor Windows Vista will be significantly less popular: many users will criticize it for its lack of stability. It was not until 2009 and the Windows 7 operating system that Microsoft returned to success.
Designed for touchscreen and removing the famous “Start” menu, Windows 8 system software is shunned by many users. In 2015, Windows 10 managed to convince thanks to pleasant features (“Start” menu, applications running on PC, mobile and tablet, regular updates, etc.). And that's not the end of the story.