Conceptually, operating system can be divided into two parts: kernel and shell. The shell program wraps the kernel that communicates directly with hardware: hardware.
On some operating systems, kernel and shell are completely separated (such as Unix, Linux, etc.). ), so that users can use different shells on a kernel; Some kernel and shell are closely related (such as Microsoft Windows), and the kernel and shell are only different in operation level.
Windows 98 is a mixed 16-bit /32-bit graphics operating system released by/kloc-0 on June 25th, 998. This new system is based on Windows 95, which improves the support for hardware standards, such as USB, MMX and AGP. Other features include support for FAT32 file system, multi-monitor, Internet TV and Internet Explorer integrated into Windows graphical user interface (called active desktop). Windows 98 SE (second edition) was released in June 1999. It includes a series of improvements, such as Internet Explorer 5, Windows Netmeeting 3, Internet connection sharing and support for DVD-ROM. Windows 98 has been criticized for not being innovative enough. Even so, it is still a successful product. The second edition was criticized for not being able to upgrade freely on the basis of the first edition.
Minimum system requirements for Windows 98: 486DX/66MHz or higher processor, 16MB memory, more memory will improve performance; If the FAT 16 file system is used, the typical installation needs 250 megabytes; Due to different system settings and options, the required space varies from 225m to 3 10M; If the FAT32 file system is used, a typical installation needs 245 megabytes; Due to different system settings and options, the required space ranges from 200 megabytes to 270 megabytes; CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive and VGA or higher resolution display, Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device.
Windows ME is a 32-bit graphics operating system released by Microsoft on September 14, 2000. The system is developed on the basis of Windows 95 and Windows 98. It includes some minor improvements, such as Internet Explorer 5.5. One of the most important improvements is Windows Media Player 7, which is used to compete with the popular media player software RealPlayer. However, Internet Explorer 5.5 and Windows Media Player 7 can be downloaded for free online. Movie Maker is a new component in this system. This program provides basic video editing and design functions, which is easy to learn for home users. However, the most important modification is to delete DOS from the system and replace it with system recovery.
Conceptually, this is a great improvement: it advocates that the system can be maintained and repaired without knowing the mysterious DOS line command. The removal of DOS function is actually an obstacle to maintenance, and the system recovery function also brings some troubles: the performance drops obviously; It also proves that the effect is not good when dealing with some common mistakes. Because the system automatically creates a backup of the previous system state every time, it is difficult for non-professionals to make some urgently needed modifications or even delete an unnecessary program or virus. Some people think that this system is only an upgraded version of Windows 98 and should not be a separate version. There are also views that this is the worst Windows that Microsoft has not released the second version since version 3.0.
Microsoft Windows 2000 (formerly known as WinNT 5.0) is a 32-bit graphic commercial operating system released by Microsoft on June 5438+February 65438+September 2000. Windows 2000 has four editions: professional edition, server edition, advanced server edition and data center server edition. In addition, Microsoft also provided a limited edition of Windows 2000 Advanced Server for running on Intel Itanium 64-bit processors. All versions of Windows 2000 have some new features in common: NTFS5, the new NTFS file system; EFS, which allows all files on the disk to be encrypted; WDM, strengthen the support for hardware.
Minimum system requirements for Microsoft Windows 2000: Pentium-class compatible CPU with clock frequency of 133 MHZ or higher, and the recommended minimum memory is 64MB. More memory can usually improve the response performance of the system [up to 4GB of memory]. A 2GB hard disk has at least 1GB of available disk space (if it is installed through a network, it may need more available disk space). Windows 2000 Professional supports single CPU and dual CPU systems.
Windows XP, referred to as Windows XP, is the latest Windows operating system released by Microsoft. Published on 20065438+0 65438+001October 25th, formerly known as Whistler. Microsoft originally released two versions, the home version and the professional version. The consumer group of the home edition is home users, while the professional edition adds new functions such as network authentication and dual processors designed for business on the basis of the home edition. The letter XP stands for the English word "experience".
Before XP, Microsoft had two independent operating systems, one was a desktop computer represented by Windows 98 and Windows ME, and the other was a server market represented by Windows 2000 and Windows NT. Windows XP is Microsoft's attempt to integrate the needs of all users into an operating system at the cost of losing support for DOS-based programs.
Windows XP is a product based on Windows 2000 code and has a new user graphical interface (Luna), including some minor modifications, some of which seem to be inspired by Linux desktop environment such as KDE. The login interface with user graphics is an example. In addition, Windows XP also introduces a "people-based" user interface, which enables the toolbar to access the specific details of tasks. However, critics believe that this task-based design instruction adds visual confusion because it does not add new functions except providing a simpler toolbar than other operating systems. And the cost of the additional process is visible.
It includes the simplified user security function of Windows 2000, and integrates a firewall to ensure the security problems that have plagued Microsoft for a long time.
XP has been severely criticized for integrating many softwares previously provided by third parties into its operating system. These softwares include firewall, Windows Media Player, instant messaging software (Windows Messenger) and their close integration with Microsoft Pascal network services, which are considered by many computer experts as security risks and potential threats to personal privacy. The increase of these functions is considered as a continuation of Microsoft's traditional anti-competitive behavior.
In addition, its product activation technology has also been strongly criticized. This allows monitoring the components of the host and adding a unique reference number to Microsoft's records before the software can be used permanently (every 30 days). Installing a system on another computer, or just replacing a hardware, such as a network card, will produce a new reference serial number that is different from the previous one, causing the user to have to re-enter the installation serial number to activate Windows XP.
Minimum system requirements for Windows XP: It is recommended that the computer use a processor with a clock frequency of 300 MHz or higher; At least 233 MHz is required (single processor or dual processor system); Intel Pentium/Celeron series, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron series or compatible processors are recommended. It is recommended to use more than 128 MB of RAM (the minimum support is 64M, which may affect performance and some functions), and 1.5 GB of available hard disk space. Super VGA (800x600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor, CD-ROM or DVD drive, keyboard and Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device.