Introduction to the Windows Operating System
Subject: Introduction To Windows And Linux Operating System (VU-CYB 201)
The Windows Operating System (Windows OS) is a proprietary, multi-user, multitasking graphical operating system developed by Microsoft. It is designed to manage computer hardware and software resources while providing a stable platform for application execution and user interaction. Since its first release in 1985, Windows has become the dominant desktop operating system globally, widely adopted in education, business, engineering, media production, and software development.
At this level, Windows is studied not only as a user platform but also as a computing environment for system administration, networking, programming, cybersecurity, database management, and enterprise computing. It implements modern operating system principles such as process management, memory management, file systems, device control, security enforcement, and virtualisation.
Core Functions of the Windows OS
Windows performs the following fundamental operating system functions:
1. Process and Task Management
Controls the creation, scheduling, execution, and termination of processes and threads using priority-based and preemptive multitasking.
2. Memory Management
Implements virtual memory, paging, and cache management to ensure efficient allocation of RAM among competing applications.
3. File System Management
Uses advanced file systems such as NTFS to manage files, directories, permissions, encryption, journaling, and recovery.
4. Device and Driver Management
Provides a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) and Plug-and-Play support to communicate with peripheral devices via device drivers.
5. Security and Access Control
Enforces user authentication, authorization, encryption, firewall protection, and malware defense mechanisms.
6. User Interface Management
Provides the graphical environment (desktop, taskbar, windows, icons) and command interfaces for user interaction.
Major Architectural Components of Windows
At a system level, Windows is structured into the following layers:
•
Kernel it is the core of the OS that manages CPU scheduling, memory, and hardware access.
•
Executive Servicesthis is the high-level system services such as I/O management, object management, and security reference monitoring.
•
Device Drivers this is a low-level programs that control communication with hardware devices.
•
Shell (Explorer) it provides the graphical desktop environment.
This layered architecture enhances security, stability, modularity, and scalability.
Key Features of Modern Windows Versions
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line Interface (CLI – Command Prompt & PowerShell)
• Multitasking and Multithreading
• Virtual Memory and Advanced Process Scheduling
• Built-in Networking and Internet Support
• File Encryption and Access Control
• Cloud Integration and Enterprise Security
• Backward Compatibility with legacy software
By:
Vision University
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