Windows Operating System

An operating system software is the program that acts as an interface between the user and the hardware. It recognizes the input from the keyboard or the mouse sends output to the visual display unit, keeps track of the files and directories and provides an environment to run other programs. MS DOS, UNIX, LINUX, OS/2 and MS-Windows 7 are example of an operating system.

Evolution of Microsoft Windows XP

Microsoft has designed the windows family to meet computing needs ranging from stand alone, through small local area networks (LAN), to wide area enterprise networking. The following section summarizes the product available in the Microsoft Windows family :

Windows 3.1

The oldest member of the windows family, Microsoft Windows 3.1 brought mass acceptance of Personal computer (PC) based graphic user interface (GUI), windows 3.1 is not a true operating system and runs on DOS.

Windows for workgroups 3.11

Network support was one of the major focuses of windows for workgroups 3.11. windows for workgroups 3.11 runs on DOS, and is not a true operating system,, Network support is significantly better than windows 3.1

Windows NT

Windows NT includes the windows 95 user interface. It can work in two modes, server mode or workstation mode. In server mode, the system acts as a host and providers resources and services to a group of computers. In workstation mode, the system normally acts as client in the group of computers and users the services provided by another computer for some tasks. While working in either of the modes, the windows NT system provides good networking and security features.

Windows XP

Windows XP combines the strengths of windows NT, such as security, manageability, and reliability, with the best end user features of windows, such as simplified user interface, and plug and play.

Features of Windows XP

Let us discuss the features of windows XP that make it a powerful operating system (OS).

True 32-bit Operating system

The computer stores and processes data in bits, which is the smallest unit for measuring information. OSs can be classified on the basis of the number of bits they can process at a time. Windows XP is a 32-bit OS, which implies that it can send or receive 32 bits of information a  time and can internally process 32 bits of data.

Portability

The characteristics of the microprocessor affect the OS design. An OS, which is designed with a particular processor in mind, can take advantage of the specific features of that processor, but will not be able to run on computer, which use any other processor. The ability of software to run on different processors is referred to as portability. Windows XP is one such portable OS, which can run on both the older Intel IV processors as well as on the latest Core2Dou and Core i7 processors.

Scalability

Windows XP is a multi processing OS, which means that it can use more than one microprocessor for its internal processing. In fact, windows XP can run on computers with as many 32 processors. The architecture of windows XP is designed to take maximum advantage of the additional processors and ensure that none of the processors are idle.

Multitasking Features

Windows XP is a multitasking OS, which means that it can perform more than one task at the same time. For example, you can write a sales report in MS WORD, and can refer to the latest sales figures document in the background. Multitasking is implemented by using the principle of time sharing, where each application is allowed to run only for a fixed duration of time. After that, the microprocessor puts that task in a queue and performs another task. Thus, it manages to perform more than one task at a time. This feature is also known as preemptive multitasking.

Multi User Support

Windows XP is also a multi user OS, which means that it supports more than one user several users can access the same set of files, share the same resources, like printers or scanners. Windows XP ensures that there is no unauthorized access of resources or interference with other user’s tasks.

Multi Threading

The multitasking and multi user support provided by windows XP is implemented by a technique called multi threading. A thread is defined as a single sequential flow of control. A program is normally broken into small chunks called task and tasks are further broken into smaller chunks called threads. Each windows XP process requires at least one thread of execution. Windows XP allows a process to have more than one thread associated with it. For example, you can edit a file, print in the ;background and another user may also be working on the same file simultaneously. All these processed seem to be running simultaneously because each of these processes use a different thread.

Compatibility

Windows XP is compatible with other OSs. This means that it can interact with other OSs like OS/2, for networking and resource sharing purposes.

Built In Networking

Windows XP can be used as server, with several workstations, known as mode, connected to it. The nodes can communicate, access resources and data on the server as well as on other nodes. The networking support also enable windows XP to make use of microprocessor of other computers on a network. This ensures maximum utilization of system resources. This feature is known as distributed processing.

Graphical User Interface

Windows XP has a user friendly graphical interface. Users can now perform complex tasks by selecting options from drop down menus and click on icons to execute programs.

Enhanced Multimedia Support

Windows media player for windows XP combines all digital media activities into a single player. Thus, same player can be used to view clippings, listen to audio and view DVD movies.

Windows File Protection

Windows XP protects core file system files from being overwritten by application installations. If a file is overwritten, windows XP will restore the correct version.

Encrypting File System (EFS)

The EFS encrypts each file with a randomly generated key thus providing high level of protection from hackers and data theft. Encryption is a technique used to disguise the contents of a file to hide its substance. The entire process of encryption and decryption is transparent to the user.

Adaptive User Environment

Windows XP adapts to the way an individual user works. For example, the redesigned start menu shows most frequently used applications first. This provides a cleaner work environment and allows user to be more efficient.

Dual View

A single computer desktop can be displayed on two monitors thus allowing users to maximize their productivity.

Remote Desktop

Windows XP allows users to create a virtual session onto their desktop computers using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This allows users to access all of their data and applications housed on their computer from another computer connected to their machine via a network.

Remote Assistance

This feature enables a user to share control of his/her computer with someone on a network or the internet. The other person can view the user’s screen and control the pointer (mouse) and keyboard to help solve a problem. This reduces the amount of time spent at user’s desk for troubleshooting and administrative tasks.