Overview
Microsoft is a technology company that develops and sells a range of products and services related to computing. Some of the products and services that Microsoft is known for include the Windows operating system, the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software, the Xbox gaming console, and the Azure cloud computing platform. Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company has a diverse range of business interests, including hardware, software, and services, and it is one of the largest and most successful technology companies in the world.
History of Microsoft
Microsoft is an American multinational technology company founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The company initially developed and sold BASIC interpreters for Altair 8800, one of the first personal computers. Microsoft's rise to dominance was largely due to the success of its Windows operating system, which has been the dominant operating system for personal computers since the 1990s. In addition to its Windows operating system, Microsoft has also released a number of other popular products, including the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software, the Xbox video game console, and the Azure cloud computing platform. Today, Microsoft is one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world.
Microsoft Windows Version
There have been several versions of Microsoft Windows released over the years. Some of the more recent versions include:
- Windows 10: This is the current version of Windows, which was released in July 2015.
- Windows 8.1: This version was released in October 2013 and is an update to Windows 8.
- Windows 8: This version was released in October 2012 and features a new user interface designed for touch screen devices.
- Windows 7: This version was released in October 2009 and is an update to Windows Vista. It is still widely used today.
- Windows Vista: This version was released in January 2007 and was an update to Windows XP.
- Windows XP: This version was released in October 2001 and was an update to Windows 2000. It is no longer supported by Microsoft.
Microsoft Windows 10
Windows 10 is the current version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It was released in July 2015 and includes a number of new features and improvements over previous versions of Windows. Some of the key features of Windows 10 include:
Start menu:
The start menu, which was removed in Windows 8, has been restored in Windows 10. It includes a combination of live tiles (which display real-time information such as the weather or news headlines) and a list of apps and programs.
Virtual desktops:
Windows 10 allows you to create multiple virtual desktops, which can be used to organize your apps and programs into separate groups. This makes it easier to work with multiple tasks at the same time.
Cortana:
Cortana is a personal assistant that can help you with tasks such as setting reminders, searching the web, and answering questions.
Microsoft Edge:
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser in Windows 10 and includes features such as annotation tools and a reading mode.
Universal apps: Windows 10 includes a number of universal apps that can be used on a variety of devices, including PCs, tablets, and phones.
Windows Hello:
Windows Hello is a feature that allows you to log into your device using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.
Continuum:
Continuum is a feature that allows you to switch between a desktop and tablet mode on devices that have touch screens.
Gaming:
Windows 10 includes a number of features for gamers, including the ability to stream games from an Xbox One console to a Windows 10 device.
Microsoft Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system that was released in October 2013. It is an update to Windows 8 and includes a number of new features and improvements. Some of the key features of Windows 8.1 include:
Start button:
In Windows 8.1, the start button, which was removed in Windows 8, has been restored. However, it does not function in the same way as the start button in previous versions of Windows. Instead of opening the start menu, it takes you to the start screen.
Start screen:
The start screen in Windows 8.1 is similar to the start screen in Windows 8, but it includes a number of new features. For example, you can now customize the background image and the size of the tiles.
Apps:
Windows 8.1 includes a number of new apps, such as Skype, OneDrive, and Photos. These apps can be accessed from the start screen and are designed to work in a full-screen mode.
Internet Explorer 11:
Windows 8.1 includes the latest version of Internet Explorer, which includes new features such as improved performance and support for web standards.
Search:
The search function in Windows 8.1 has been improved and now allows you to search for apps, files, and settings from a single interface.
Security:
Windows 8.1 includes a number of security enhancements, including the ability to boot from a USB drive and support for device encryption.
SkyDrive:
SkyDrive is a cloud storage service that is integrated into Windows 8.1. It allows you to store your files online and access them from any device.
Microsoft products and services
Microsoft is a technology company that offers a wide range of products and services, including:
Operating systems:
Windows: a series of operating systems for personal computers, servers, and other devices.
Productivity software:
Microsoft Office: a suite of productivity software that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Cloud computing services:
Microsoft Azure: a cloud computing platform and infrastructure created by Microsoft for building, deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.
Business applications:
Microsoft Dynamics: a line of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software applications.
Gaming:
Xbox: a line of gaming consoles and related accessories.
Other products and services offered by Microsoft include virtualization software, server software, and internet services.