To perform its functions, the computer must be equipped with a modern operating system compatible with its hardware components. Today's OS market offers a wide selection of appropriate solutions. Traditional leadership on them is held by the "RAMs" of Microsoft, and one of the most successful products from this developer today is Windows 7. What has become a factor in Microsoft's leadership in the OS market? What features does the modern user specifically Windows 7 give?
Operating system concept
What is an operating system? What are the main functions of the OS? According to a common definition, an operating system is a collection of programs and applications that create a basic environment for using the capabilities of a computer. Application software - text, graphic editors, browsers, games - cannot work without an OS.
There are a large number of operating systems presented on the modern IT market. Among the most common commercial - Windows, MacOS. Considered by many IT experts as the most popular of the free ones - Linux. It is noteworthy that its modifications are much larger than the versions of commercial OSes.
Operating system features
There are specific OS features. Modern IT-specialists prefer to single out the following main ones.
Firstly, it is the organization of the exchange of digital data between PCs and peripheral-type devices - disks, printers, network resources, etc. Secondly, the functions of the OS are to provide user file management procedures (or in automatic mode). Thirdly, operating systems are responsible for the correct launch and execution of programs. Fourth, the main functions of the OS include organizing an environment for the effective interaction of PC and user resources. Practical implementation in the relations of each of the above may consist in the presence of regular resources in the operating system or in its compatibility with third-party software. Which, of course, has the required capabilities.
We examined the basic functions of operating systems. Which brands' OSs most closely match them? To answer this question, we will be helped by a short excursion into determining the needs of modern users. OS manufacturers can offer a wide range of solutions. The question is whether consumers will need them.
What does a modern user need?
What are the needs of modern PC users? How can they be satisfied by the functions and purpose of the OS present in the software market today? First of all, it is convenient, and most importantly, safe access to the Internet, as well as the organization of the PC in local computer networks. The next set of needs of PC owners today is related to multimedia capabilities. The operating system must either contain regular, pre-installed samples of application software for the corresponding purpose, or be compatible with third-party programs.
Modern users are people who strive to minimize the time costs associated with setting up and ensuring stable operation of computers. It is important, in this regard, what functions the OS performs automatically, without the participation of the PC owner. Ideally, the connection of devices and the installation of programs should occur with a minimum of user time.
One of the modern trends of the IT industry in the aspect of interaction between software developers and their consumers is the minimalism of interfaces. The modern user wants to see on the screen only the most necessary options. This applies to both application software and operating systems. If the nature of the software implies multifunctionality, as is the case with the OS, then its manufacturer must put elements of flexible configuration of options in the interfaces. To (in the event that the screen contains unnecessary OS functions) the user could disable them at any time.
Is Windows the most functional OS?
The most widespread in the world was the Windows operating system from Microsoft. Many experts attribute this to the fact that the functions of Windows and its capabilities are best adapted to the needs of modern users. In addition, the practical implementation of the corresponding options is sufficiently simplified. The user does not need to be an IT expert in order, for example, to connect the printer to a PC or install some kind of program.
This distinguishes Windows from many competing operating systems, which, in principle, may not be much inferior to it in capabilities. For example, the functions of Linux as a whole also meet the needs of modern users. However, their use often requires PC owners the skills inherent in IT professionals. Automation of the processes of installing programs and connecting devices in Linux is not as advanced as in Windows. In many cases, the user has to make adjustments to the installation of the corresponding software or drivers manually.
Actually, almost everything that we talked about above is implemented in the Windows interfaces, defining the needs of modern users.
Due to the above and a number of other reasons (in particular, those that are of a marketing nature), Windows has thus become the most popular OS in the world. To date, several versions of this operating system have been consistently released. One of the newest is Windows 7. OS features from Mirosoft in this version are presented in a wide variety. We study the main ones.
Work with computer networks and the Internet
Windows 7 has advanced communications capabilities. At the same time, it is easy to use them even for an unprepared user. There is no problem connecting to the Internet through most of the communication channels available today - through a modem, Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. In addition, according to many IT experts, the 7th version of Windows has well-developed network security algorithms . There are also regular traffic filtering modules for unwanted connections.
When creating a network, it is possible to activate a function such as a Windows domain. It is a software algorithm that establishes uniform rules and standards for computers working in a single network. This option is most useful for corporate users.
Convenient search
According to many IT experts, among the most notable features of Windows 7 is the new file search system. First of all, one can note an improvement in the corresponding interface, in comparison with previous versions of the OS. In particular, after the system performs a search, its results will be displayed not just in the form of file names, but also supplemented with information about their contents. There is also a function to organize the found files based on their best fit to the specified criteria. It can also be noted that the search functions of Windows are characterized by the ability to use a large number of filters.
Security
Above, we noted the fact that in the operating system in question the algorithms for protecting a PC from unwanted network connections are relatively well developed. However, apart from this possibility, there are other OS functions implemented in Windows 7 in terms of security. Of particular note is the BitLocker encryption algorithm. Note that it was first implemented in a previous version of the operating system - Vista. However, its capabilities in the new OS have been improved. The BitLocker algorithm is designed to protect files located on the disk - standard or portable (including flash drives). The features of its implementation in Windows 7 make it possible to read protected files in earlier versions of the OS - Vista or XP.
Another file security algorithm is EFS. It also allows you to encrypt data on disks. The level of its security is estimated by experts as very high. In general, many IT experts note that the security aspect of data access in Windows 7 is implemented in the highest degree of quality.
Compatibility Mode
Windows 7 features include an option such as compatibility mode with earlier versions of the operating system. Why is this opportunity needed? The fact is that many programs created in past years cannot work correctly in environments in which version 7 of Windows functions. To run them, you need earlier OSes. However, in cases where they are not available, Windows 7 may offer the user an alternative in the form of compatibility mode.
His work is based on the launch of a "virtual machine" that simulates the environment characteristic of one of the most popular versions of Windows of yesteryear - XP. Running programs is possible through standard interfaces of the 7th version of the OS, such as, for example, the taskbar and file manager.
IT experts note that since Windows 7 is closest to Vista in architecture, with applications adapted for the latter, the newer OS will work almost guaranteed. Exceptions may be such types of software as, for example, antiviruses. But this problem was obvious only in the first years after the release of the 7th version. Now almost all modern antiviruses can work with Windows 7 in standard mode without a "virtual machine" compatibility.
Let's move on to the main application options that are presented in the operating system.
Beauty AERO
In the previous version of the OS, Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced a very stylish and beautiful interface, called AERO. It is a set of translucent window elements, accompanied by graphic effects. In addition, the structure of the new interface makes access to files and programs more convenient than in previous versions. AERO successfully combines with the basic software environments of the operating system, under the control of which the basic functions of Windows 7 are performed.
Its interface lends itself to flexible configuration based on a set of effects and how to visualize them. If, for example, the computer is not efficient enough to run all the AERO options, then some of them can be disabled by the user.
Mobility Center
Among the most notable OS application options is the Mobility Center. He has the greatest demand among laptop users - mainly due to the flexibility of energy saving settings. However, its capabilities, of course, are not limited to this. Using the interface of the Mobility Center, you can adjust the sound volume, network options. In some cases, computer manufacturers add features.
Control
In the years when Windows 7 was preparing to enter the market, mobile devices — smartphones and tablets — began to gain immense popularity. Most of them have a touch screen with support for multi-touch technology, when the display matrix can be controlled by just a few touches. This greatly expands the capabilities of the computer. In the multi-touch mode, for example, several users can control the screen at once. Using simple movements of the screen with your fingers, you can increase or decrease the displayed elements.
And therefore, Microsoft, based on current market trends, implemented multi-touch support in Windows 7. This solution turned out to be so successful that later this technology began to be included in the functions of operating systems - Windows 8, 8.1. It is assumed that she will be present in the latest version, the 10th.
Multimedia features
At the disposal of the OS user is the Windows Media Center software package. It implements a large number of multimedia features. In addition, the corresponding interfaces allow the connection of peripheral devices to the computer, such as, for example, an HD TV, after which many WMC functions can be activated using the remote control.
Like the previous versions of the operating system from Microsoft, Windows 7 - provided that all the necessary drivers are correctly installed - does an excellent job of launching most modern games and processing data in multimedia applications.
System requirements and drivers
What hardware characteristics should a computer have to be able to use the basic functions of Windows 7 on it? The minimum requirements voiced by experts are as follows.
Firstly, the PC must be equipped with a processor with a clock frequency of at least 1 GHz. At the same time, the operating system is released in distributions that support both the 32-bit chip architecture and the 64-bit one.
Secondly, a RAM module with a capacity of at least 1 GB (if using 32-bit architecture) or 2 GB (with 64 bits) must be installed on the computer.
Thirdly, at least 16 GB of free space (with 32-bit architecture) or 20 GB (with 64-bit) should be free on the PC’s hard drive.
But these requirements are minimal. If available, only the basic functions of the OS will work. In order to be able to fully utilize the capabilities of Windows 7, it is desirable that the mentioned parameters (for each of the above resources) exceed the above two times.
Of course, in this case we are only talking about basic hardware components that affect performance. The PC must also be equipped with high-quality hardware of other types. First of all, this applies to the video card and the chip responsible for processing sound. As for the graphic components - they can also be characterized by such a parameter as the amount of memory. For the correct operation of Windows 7, experts recommend video cards with RAM of at least 256 MB.
However, among IT experts, there is a perception that Windows 7 is not as demanding on the performance of hardware components than the previous version of the OS - Vista. Although, of course, by this criterion it can not be compared with XP, not to mention earlier releases.
The optimal selection of hardware components also depends on the purpose for which the computer is most often used. If it is typically office, you can get by with components that meet the minimum system requirements. But if modern games are launched on it, then its owners should take care of installing modern hardware components, which, depending on the requirements of specific developers of "gaming" products, should more than double the hardware with minimal characteristics.
The most important aspect of the correct operation of the hardware is the driver. According to many IT experts, the developers of Windows 7 paid special attention to this component. The fact is that when you connect one or another peripheral device, for example, a printer or a video camera, the user may not have the right driver at hand. When working with earlier versions of Windows, this could mean that you probably won’t be able to use the hardware component. But in the 7th version of Windows there is, as many IT experts say, a large number of preinstalled drivers. Moreover, if even the right one is not found, the OS has algorithms for quickly searching for the necessary software on the Internet. Mostly in automated mode, that is, with minimal user intervention.
Sustainability
The purpose and main functions of Windows 7, according to many users and IT experts, are successfully complemented by the stability and stability of this operating system. While the corresponding aspect for Windows Vista and previous versions of the OS, many IT-specialists caused complaints. It is believed that Microsoft was able to make the OS stable, primarily by attracting a very large number of users to testing the OS during its development. Some sources indicate the figure of 10 million PC owners. The results of the "popular" testing were sent to Microsoft, after which the functions of the OS kernel, its interface and other software components were finalized.
There is a feedback
It is worth noting that the “social” component of Microsoft’s interaction with the consumers of its product also remained after the launch of the new OS on the market. Users still have access to tools to interact with the Windows 7 developer in terms of resolving potential problems. Among these are the Troubleshooting Platform interface. Using this resource, the user can find the problem that arose in his case in the list of typical ones. But even if this fails, then when contacting Microsoft support, he will be able to at least make it clear to IT specialists what the probable nature of the problems is. Also in Windows interfaces there is such an option as Problem Steps Recording. You should not think that she and others like her are unnecessary OS functions. Using this kind of options, the user can send a support file with technical information on the problem that has been compiled within the framework of the algorithms most understandable for Microsoft IT experts.