Shahrad Rezaei Tehrani

Chapter 1 - Introducing Microsoft Windows

You can use a computer to do all sorts of tasks but it's useless without a special program of instructions with which to control it . This is called an Operating System. This program usually comes with the computer and it allows you to operate it and the software you want to use. On many IBM Compatible computers, you'll find the Windows Operating System. On Macintosh computers you will find Mac OS.

Windows Versions

Microsoft regularly updates its operating system called Windows. Each new version is identified by a number or the year it was released. For example, Microsoft has released Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, and now, Windows 98.

In the Beginning...

MS-DOS was the original operating system adopted by Microsoft owner Bill Gates in 1981 for use with IBM Personal Computers (and Compatibles). The letters stand for MicroSoft Disk Operating System. In DOS, you use typed commands to control your computer. Sometimes these commands are difficult to remember as they're not English words e.g. if you want to see what folders are on your computer, type the command "dir" which is DOS for "directory". This will list all of them for you to read.

In 1990 Microsoft released Windows 3.0. Windows was easier to use than MS-DOS because it was operated by clicking on a series of pictures and menus. Windows 3.0 was updated to 3.1 in 1991 and to 3.11 in 1992. Together these are referred to as Windows 3.x.

Windows 3.1 was and important advance in PC technology making the PC easier to use. This enabled a new range of people to become users and also opened a whole new range of uses for existing owners. Windows 3.1 put a friendly interface on top of MS-DOS to make common tasks easier.                                                                              

Windows 95 was written to make computer use even easier and truly "friendly". This resulted in a more intuitive computer interface which also makes use of the latest technologies.

Windows 95 was released in 1995 and had a different interface to previous versions of Windows. In Windows 95, the goal was, where possible, to make tasks automatic. The process of adding new hardware devices to the computer is an example. Windows 95 automatically loads the drivers and registers the new capabilities with little action by the user. A new user interface, built around the Windows Taskbar, makes computing simple for all users. Even with these changes, Windows 95 still runs in a similar way to Windows 3.x. It also offers the ability to run many programs at once which is known as Multitasking.

Windows 98 continues to build on the Windows 95 Desktop but integrates a series of Internet related programs and operating skills such as hyperlinks, channels and one click operation of icons, files and folders. At the same time, Windows 98 maintains support for older Windows based applications and technologies.

In this website, you are going to look at some of the important features of the Windows 95 operating system and how they can help you to use your computer more successfully.

Application/Program Software

Windows lets your PC run other software known as applications or programs. Each program includes its own instructions and information for Windows. The programs works together with Windows 95 to operate the computer, so that you can play games, do word processing and many other things.

What programs will work on my computer?

When you're looking for new software to use with your computer, you need to check that it will work with Windows 95 and that you have enough RAM and Hard Drive space to run it. You'll find these details listed on the side or bottom of the program's box.

The Windows 95 Software box says that you'll need:

	Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 3.1*
	Personal Computer with a 486 or higher processor
	4 MB RAM (8 MB recommended)
	VGA or higher resolution monitor
	2 x CD-ROM drive
	Sound card with speakers
	Parts of the Computer System CPU, Case or Tower - This is the plastic box which contains the computer. Housed in the CPU, you will find the floppy drive, CD ROM drive, and the main components of the computer. Some of these are the hard drive, motherboard and processor chip. The CPU keeps them neatly and safely together. Monitor or Screen - This is the TV-type screen on which you see the work you're doing on your computer. Mouse - The mouse allows you to move, select and click on objects. Keyboard - The keyboard is used to type in information and operate the computer. Other Accessories Speakers - Sometimes speakers are connected to the computer so that you can hear music and sound. Microphone - A microphone can provide a way to talk through or to the computer. Printer - A device which makes a printed copy of your work on a sheet of paper. What you need to begin To run Windows 95 on your computer, Microsoft states that you'll need a minimum of an IBM Compatible 386DX computer with 4 Mb of RAM but it runs very slowly. You will find that it runs faster on a 486 DX/2 or better. Many machines will now have a Pentium processor inside so they will have no trouble running Windows 95.                        Installing Windows 95 Many PCs come with Windows 95 installed so you may never need to install it yourself. If you do need to, find the Windows 95 CD ROM and insert it into the CD ROM drive and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. The program will guide you through everything that you need to do, step by step. Chapter Test

Answer these questions.

1. When was Windows 3.0 released?

2. Does Windows run on a Macintosh?

3. What does Windows 98 integrate into the operating system?

4. Why do you need Windows on your PC?

5. Name 5 programs that come with Windows 95.

6. What is the minimum amount of RAM recommended to run Windows 95?

7. Who wrote MS-DOS?

8. What is the DOS command for "directory"?

9. What is the Notepad?

Fill in the missing words.

You can use a ........................................ to do all sorts tasks but it is useless ........................................ a special program which operates it . This is called an Operating System. ......................................... 1990 Microsoft released Windows ........................................ Windows was an easier operating system ........................................ use because ........................................ was operated by clicking ........................................ a series of pictures ........................................menus. Windows lets your ........................................ run other software ........................................ as applications or programs. ........................................ machines will now have Pentium processor inside so will have no trouble Windows 95. Windows 95 ........................................ written to improve computers and make them truly

This page was last updated on 04-Mar-2002.

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