Operating systems

logo Windows Vista Windows Vista
logo Windows 10 Windows 10
logo Windows 11 Windows 11
logo Windows 7 Windows 7
logo Windows XP Windows XP
logo Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1
logo Windows Server 2019 Windows Server 2019
logo Windows Server 2012 Windows Server 2012

Operating systems (OS) are an essential component of computer software. They allow the user to interact directly with the programs and hardware of the computer itself.

Through drivers, the hardware and the operating system interact.

OS functions

Improvements in operating systems contribute to the design and functionality of user interfaces.

In Windows, the concept of interface is quite extended, and it includes a graphical shell, standard dialogs (e.g., open or save a file), and some other functions.

For computer software, the operating system provides user interface elements.

In addition, the functions of each operating system include the maintenance of the file base.

It should be noted that the operating system includes various auxiliary programs to set up and maintain the computer. They are called system utilities. For example, such can be called programs for fixing disk errors.

Microsoft offers a wide range of Windows operating systems, the most advanced of which is Windows 11, which has an upgraded user interface.

All Operating systems in rating

Microsoft calls Vista a "breakthrough computer experience. This is marketing hyperbole, of course, but it is not entirely unreasonable. The new OS is more than its predecessor XP, with an attractive new shell. Many aspects of Vista are significant improvements: enhanced security, improved built-in applications, network improvements, parental controls and DirectX 10 graphics support, to name a few.

Pros

    • Enhanced security
    • Sleek Aero interface
    • Pervasive search
    • New API and hardware support
    • Enhanced embedded applications

Cons

    • High hardware requirements of the time
    • Minor bugs and roughness in the user interface
    • Many features also available to Windows XP users

Windows 10 is Microsoft's most versatile operating system to date. Instead of revising the entire operating system every year, the company designed it to receive semi-annual updates, which are mainly aimed at adding new features and improving stability and overall performance. And by doing so, it gives laptop and PC users a gradual upgrade option.

The versatility is complemented by several options suitable for different types of hardware, individuals or businesses. There's Windows 10 Home Edition, which is best for individual use, and Windows 10 Pro, whose toolset is ideal for businesses and professionals. And there's even an Education version designed for the classroom. Not surprisingly, this operating system has become Microsoft's most popular by far.

Pros

    • Useful Cortana and Action Center services
    • Steadily improving Microsoft Edge
    • Quick and easy Windows Hello

Cons

    • OneDrive needs enhancements
    • Improvements cause problems in functioning, bugs
    • Some changes are incomplete

What's the point of Windows 11? With Windows 10, Microsoft had to make a big course correction with Windows 8, an ambitious but misguided attempt to bring PCs into the touchscreen era. Before that, Windows 7 was meant to clear the skies to help us forget the bloated mess that was Vista. Given that Windows 10 was already pretty polished at launch and has only gotten better over time, why do we need a whole new version?

Pros

    • Attractive new look
    • Improved tools for controlling focus and screen space
    • Simpler and more intuitive menus
    • Cortana is no longer enabled by default

Cons

    • High system requirements
    • Built-in Android support and other features missing at launch
    • Widgets are useless for the most part

In 2021, Windows 7 is used on 13% of computers worldwide. Users note the stable operation, flexible functionality and absence of problems with software and devices. The vast majority of new programs are installed and work effectively on this system.

Pros

    • Stable performance
    • Good optimization
    • Flexible customization
    • No problems even with new software

Cons

    • Manufacturer has discontinued support
    • It is difficult to set up simultaneous operation of 2 monitors
    • No built-in antivirus
    • A lot of security vulnerabilities

The Windows XP operating system was developed on the basis of the Windows 2000 code, and separately took into account all requirements for home computer users and for corporate use. The beautiful design style uses 24-bit color icons, and there are a variety of design themes in the catalog.

Pros

    • Robust security system blocks hackers and protects personal user data
    • Provides high speed when running on technically weak computers
    • Does not require a significant amount of memory
    • User-friendly control panel and local network configuration
    • Multi-user mode is allowed

Cons

    • Not supported by modern laptops and netbooks
    • No automatic exit from the hung program, you need to restart the computer
    • Not adapted to SSD disks
    • No drivers for new printers and MFPs to instal

With the development of cloud technology is increasing demands on the software, the operating system Windows 8.1. is focused on user devices with the ability to touch. The software functionality combines all the previous achievements and new options for quality work.

Pros

    • ability to install on touch screen user devices
    • setting the size of open windows allows you to display multiple applications at the same time
    • full history of files is available for saving using the "system and protect" option
    • quick launch of ISO and VHD files
    • Instant reset for automatic reinstallation
    • operating system has two types of Internet Explorer: one for the windowed interface and one for the touch gadge

Cons

    • does not work on old and technically weak devices
    • separation of the tile and classic interface
    • its own application store, limited to software with a brick-and-mortar interface
    • additional antiviruses contradict the functionality of the operating system
    • built-in Media Player does not recognize all mpg formats
    • the active corner system often disturbs the user and is activated unnecessarily

Microsoft has made it much easier to upgrade to Windows Server 2019 with a direct on-site upgrade from Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2012 R2. Enterprises upgrading from Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, whose extended support expires in January 2020, will still need to upgrade first to Server 2012 and then to 2016 (or upgrade to Azure for three more years of free support). However, moving to on-premises upgrades will make it much easier for them to move forward once they move to a supported release.

Pros

    • Hybrid cloud focused on a host of new features spanning security and cross-managed Azure services
    • Standalone software-defined storage can radically reduce costs compared to on-premises hardware solutions

Cons

    • Pricing structure is hard to decipher
    • Some holes in the new Windows Administration Center management tool

The heart of the Windows enterprise ecosystem is not your desktop, your tablet, or even your smartphone. It's Windows Server, the old reliable one that sits in the data center and just keeps going, managing your files, relaying your emails and running your business. You might think that meant you'd never need an upgrade, but businesses and the technology they use change, which means Windows Server (which was released for production Aug. 1 and became available Sept. 4) needs a change, too.

Pros

    • The new Server Manager console is very easy to navigate and offers an easy way to perform many functions very efficiently
    • Improvements to PowerShell version 3.0 are significant and make scripting in PowerShell much more appealing
    • It includes .NET5 as well as .NET 4.5 and Windows Identity Foundation 3.5. All of these can be simply installed using the Add Features dialog in the Server Manager

Cons

    • The new look of Metro requires you to switch between the desktop interface and the Start menu only to open programs
    • Opening the Start Menu requires a high degree of mouse precision
    • Search bar is separated from the Start Menu (unlike the Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 Start Menu)