Windows Version 6.2 Build 9200
Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1: 6.2.9200: Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012: 6.3.9200: Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2: 6.3.9600: Windows 8.1 with Update 1: 10.0.10240: Windows 10 Version 1507: 10.0.10586: Windows 10 Version 1511 (November Update) 10.0.14393: Windows 10 Version 1607 (Anniversary. Windows NT is a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft, the first version of which was released on July 27, 1993. It is a processor-independent, multiprocessing and multi-user operating system. The first version of Windows NT was Windows NT 3.1 and was produced for workstations and server computers. How can I tell if I have Windows 2012 R2 or just '2012'? I can't seem to see any signs of 'R2' anywhere yet I ordered a (remote) server with this installed and I want to verify I have the correct.
A version of the Windows NT operating system | |
Windows 8 Start screen, showing default live tile arrangement. | |
Developer | Microsoft |
---|---|
Source model |
|
Released to manufacturing | August 1, 2012; 7 years ago[2] |
General availability | October 26, 2012; 6 years ago[3] |
Final release | 6.2 (Build 9200) / August 1, 2012; 7 years ago |
Update method | Windows Update, Windows Store, Windows Server Update Services |
Platforms | IA-32, x64 |
Kernel type | Hybrid |
License | Trialware, Microsoft Software Assurance, MSDN subscription, DreamSpark |
Preceded by | Windows 7 (2009) |
Succeeded by | Windows 8.1 (2013) |
Official website | windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/meet (archived at Wayback Machine) |
Support status | |
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Part of a series on |
Windows 8 |
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Windows 8 is a personal computeroperating system that was produced by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. The operating system was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, with general availability on October 26, 2012.[5]
Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and user interface to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS.[6] In particular, these changes included a touch-optimized Windows shell based on Microsoft's 'Metro'design language, the Start screen (which displays programs and dynamically updated content on a grid of tiles), a new platform for developing 'apps' with an emphasis on touchscreen input, integration with online services (including the ability to synchronize apps and settings between devices), and Windows Store, an online store for downloading and purchasing new software. Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format hard drives, near field communications, and cloud computing. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreenphishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot on supported devices with UEFI firmware, to prevent malware from infecting the boot process.
Windows 8 was released to a mixed critical reception. Although reaction towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating system was widely criticized for being potentially confusing and difficult to learn, especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen. Despite these shortcomings, 60 million Windows 8 licenses were sold through January 2013, a number that included both upgrades and sales to OEMs for new PCs.[7]
Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October 2013, addressing some aspects of Windows 8 that were criticized by reviewers and early adopters and incorporated additional improvements to various aspects of the operating system.[8][9] Windows 8 was ultimately succeeded by Windows 10 in July 2015. Microsoft stopped providing support and updates for Windows 8 RTM on January 12, 2016, and Windows 8.1 must be installed to maintain support and receive further updates per Microsoft lifecycle policies regarding service packs.[10]
In August 2019, researchers reported that Windows 10 users may be at risk for 'critical' system compromise due to design flaws of hardware device drivers from multiple providers.[11] In the same month, computer experts reported that the BlueKeepsecurity vulnerability, CVE-2019-0708, that potentially affects older unpatched Microsoft Windows versions via the program's Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing for the possibility of remote code execution, may now include related flaws, collectively named DejaBlue, affecting newer Windows versions (i.e., Windows 7 and all recent versions) as well.[12] In addition, experts reported a Microsoftsecurity vulnerability, CVE-2019-1162, based on legacy code involving Microsoft CTF and ctfmon (ctfmon.exe), that affects all Windows versions from the older Windows XP version to the most recent Windows 10 versions; a patch to correct the flaw is currently available.[13]
- 1Development history
- 2New and changed features
- 2.3Windows Store apps
- 4Hardware requirements
- 7Reception
Development history[edit]
Early development[edit]
Windows 8 development started before Windows 7 had shipped in 2009.[14] At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, it was announced that the next version of Windows would add support for ARMsystem-on-chips alongside the existing x86 processors produced by vendors, especially AMD and Intel. Windows division president Steven Sinofsky demonstrated an early build of the port on prototype devices, while Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the company's goal for Windows to be 'everywhere on every kind of device without compromise.'[15][16][17][18] Details also began to surface about a new application framework for Windows 8 codenamed 'Jupiter', which would be used to make 'immersive' applications using XAML (similarly to Windows Phone and Silverlight) that could be distributed via a new packaging system and a rumored application store.[19]
Three milestone releases of Windows 8 leaked to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011.[20] It was the first build where the text of a window was written centered instead of aligned to the left. It was also probably the first appearance of the Metro-style font, and its wallpaper had the text shhh.. let's not leak our hard work. However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was created on September 22, 2010.[21] The leaked copy was Enterprise edition. The OS still reads as 'Windows 7'. Milestone 2, Build 7955, was leaked on April 25, 2011. The traditional Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) was replaced by a new black screen, although this was later scrapped.[22] This build introduced a new ribbon in Windows Explorer. Build 7959, with minor changes but the first 64-bit version was leaked on May 1, 2011. The 'Windows 7' logo was temporarily replaced with text displaying 'Microsoft Confidential'. On June 17, 2011, build 7989 64-bit edition was leaked. It introduced a new boot screen featuring the same fish as the default Windows 7 Beta wallpaper, which was later scrapped, and the circling dots as featured in the final (although the final version comes with smaller circling dots throbber). It also had the text Welcome below them, although this was also scrapped.[23]
On June 1, 2011, Microsoft unveiled Windows 8's new user interface, as well as additional features at both Computex Taipei and the D9: All Things Digital conference in California.[24][25]
The 'Building Windows 8' blog launched on August 15, 2011, featuring details surrounding Windows 8's features and its development process.[26]
Previews[edit]
Microsoft unveiled more Windows 8 features and improvements on the first day of the Build conference on September 13, 2011.[27] Microsoft released the first public beta build of Windows 8, Windows Developer Preview (build 8102) at the event. A Samsung tablet running the build was also distributed to conference attendees.
The build was released for download later in the day in standard 32-bit and 64-bit versions, plus a special 64-bit version which included SDKs and developer tools (Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend) for developing Metro-style apps.[28] The Windows Store was announced during the presentation, but was not available in this build.[29][30] According to Microsoft, there were about 535,000 downloads of the developer preview within the first 12 hours of its release.[31] Originally set to expire on March 11, 2012, in February 2012 the Developer Preview's expiry date was changed to January 15, 2013.[32]
On February 19, 2012, Microsoft unveiled a new logo to be adopted for Windows 8. Designed by Pentagram partner Paula Scher, the Windows logo was changed to resemble a set of four window panes. Additionally, the entire logo is now rendered in a single solid color.[33]
On February 29, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. Alongside other changes, the build removed the Start button from the taskbar for the first time since its debut on Windows 95; according to Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen, the Start button was removed to reflect their view that on Windows 8, the desktop was an 'app' itself, and not the primary interface of the operating system.[34][35] Windows president Steven Sinofsky said more than 100,000 changes had been made since the developer version went public.[35] The day after its release, Windows 8 Consumer Preview had been downloaded over one million times.[36] Like the Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview expired on January 15, 2013.
Many other builds were released until the Japan's Developers Day conference, when Steven Sinofsky announced that Windows 8 Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first week of June.[37] On May 28, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview (Standard Simplified Chinese x64 edition, not China-specific version, build 8400) was leaked online on various Chinese and BitTorrent websites.[38] On May 31, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the public by Microsoft.[39] Major items in the Release Preview included the addition of Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated version of Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer.[40] Like the Developer Preview and the Consumer Preview, the release preview expired on January 15, 2013.
Release[edit]
On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200[41]) was released to manufacturing with the build number 6.2.9200.16384 .[42] Microsoft planned to hold a launch event on October 25, 2012[43] and release Windows 8 for general availability on the next day.[44] However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (a version for European markets which lacks bundled media players to comply with an antitrust ruling) leaked online, followed by leaks of the final versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise a few days later.[45][46] On August 15, 2012, Windows 8 was made available to download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers.[47] Windows 8 was made available to Software Assurance customers on August 16, 2012.[48] Windows 8 was made available for students with a DreamSpark Premium subscription on August 22, 2012, earlier than advertised.[49]
Relatively few changes were made from the Release Preview to the final version; these included updated versions of its pre-loaded apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-colored theme, and the addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock screen, and desktop.[50] Prior to its general availability on October 26, 2012, updates were released for some of Windows 8's bundled apps, and a 'General Availability Cumulative Update' (which included fixes to improve performance, compatibility, and battery life) was released on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Microsoft indicated that due to improvements to its testing infrastructure, general improvements of this nature are to be released more frequently through Windows Update instead of being relegated to OEMs and service packs only.[51][52]
Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012.[6] Microsoft's advertising budget of US$1.5–1.8 billion was significantly larger than the US$200 million campaign used to promote Windows 95.[53] As part of its campaign, Microsoft set up 34 pop-up stores inside malls to showcase the Surface product line, provided training for retail employees in partnership with Intel, and collaborated with the electronics store chain Best Buy to design expanded spaces to showcase devices. In an effort to make retail displays of Windows 8 devices more 'personal', Microsoft also developed a character known in English-speaking markets as 'Allison Brown', whose fictional profile (including personal photos, contacts, and emails) is also featured on demonstration units of Windows 8 devices.[54]
In May 2013, Microsoft launched a new television campaign for Windows 8 illustrating the capabilities and pricing of Windows 8 tablets in comparison to the iPad, which featured the voice of Siri remarking on the iPad's limitations in a parody of Apple's 'Get a Mac' advertisements.[55][56] On June 12, 2013 during game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals, Microsoft premiered the first ad in its 'Windows Everywhere' campaign, which promoted Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the company's suite of online services as an interconnected platform.[57][58]
New and changed features[edit]
New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new 'Hybrid Boot' mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot),[59] a new lock screen with a clock and notifications,[60] and the ability for enterprise users to create live USB versions of Windows (known as Windows To Go).[61][62] Windows 8 also adds native support for USB 3.0 devices, which allow for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices,[63][64] and hard disk 4KB Advanced Format support,[65] as well as support for near field communication to facilitate sharing and communication between devices.[66]
Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now includes a ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.[67] A new 'File History' function allows incremental revisions of files to be backed up to and restored from a secondary storage device,[68] while Storage Spaces allows users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.[69] For easier management of files and folders, Windows 8 introduces the ability to move selected files or folders via drag and drop from a parent folder into a subfolder listed within the breadcrumb hierarchy of the address bar in File Explorer.[70]
Task Manager has been redesigned, including a new processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and background processes, a heat map using different colors indicating the level of resource usage, network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes.[71] Additionally, the Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed.[72][73]
Safety and security[edit]
New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords),[74] the addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials).[75]SmartScreen filtering integrated into Windows,[76]Family Safety offers Parental controls, which allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls.[77][78][79] Windows 8 also provides integrated system recovery through the new 'Refresh' and 'Reset' functions,[80] including system recovery from USB drive.[81] Windows 8's first security patches would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes deemed 'critical' by the company.[82]
Windows 8 supports a feature of the UEFI specification known as 'Secure boot', which uses a public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as bootkits from infecting the device's boot process.[83] Some pre-built devices may be described as 'certified' by Microsoft; these must have secure boot enabled by default, and provide ways for users to disable or re-configure the feature. ARM-based Windows RT devices must have secure boot permanently enabled.[84][85][86]
Factorytalk view studio 8.0 download free. Because they would only give it to use one time. We had to keep calling them back and they would give us a new ticket number each time. Which the would put no history attached to it. The would give us admin rights one time.
Online services and functionality[edit]
Windows 8 provides heavier integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log into Windows with a Microsoft account, which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices. Windows 8 also ships with a client app for Microsoft's SkyDrivecloud storage service, which also allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately.[87] Bundled multimedia apps are provided under the Xbox brand, including Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and the Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their profile and gamerscore.[88] Other bundled apps provide the ability to link Flickr and Facebook.[89] Due to Facebook Connect service changes, Facebook support is disabled in all bundled apps effective June 8, 2015.[90]
Sylenth1 vst free full version. Sylenth1 3.055 Crack Full Version free is a perfect editor that will save your time to mix two or more tracks into the single music file. Sylenth1 3.055 Crack Full Version free is a perfect editor that will save your time to mix two or more tracks into the single music file.
Internet Explorer 10 is included as both a desktop program and a touch-optimized app, and includes increased support for HTML5, CSS3, and hardware acceleration. The Internet Explorer app does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a version of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power usage. Initially, Adobe Flash would only work on sites included on a 'Compatibility View' whitelist; however, after feedback from users and additional compatibility tests, an update in March 2013 changed this behavior to use a smaller blacklist of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used on most sites by default.[91] The desktop version does not contain these limitations.[92]
Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for mobile broadband; the operating system can now detect the insertion of a SIM card and automatically configure connection settings (including APNs and carrier branding), and reduce its Internet usage in order to conserve bandwidth on metered networks. Windows 8 also adds an integrated airplane mode setting to globally disable all wireless connectivity as well. Carriers can also offer account management systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically installed as a part of the connection process and offer usage statistics on their respective tile.[93]
Windows Store apps[edit]
Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps. According to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are to be optimized for touchscreen environments and are more specialized than current desktop applications. Apps can run either in a full-screen mode or be snapped to the side of a screen.[94] Apps can provide toast notifications on screen or animate their tiles on the Start screen with dynamic content. Apps can use 'contracts'; a collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing.[94] Apps can also provide integration with other services; for example, the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services (such as Facebook, Skype, and People service), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.[89]
Windows Store apps run within a new set of APIs known as Windows Runtime, which supports programming languages such as C, C++, Visual Basic .NET, C#, along with HTML5 and JavaScript.[94] If written in some 'high-level' languages, apps written for Windows Runtime can be compatible with both Intel and ARM versions of Windows,[95] otherwise they are not binary code compatible. Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting consumption by all compatible languages.[96] To ensure stability and security, apps run within a sandboxed environment, and require permissions to access certain functionality, such as accessing the Internet or a camera.[97]
Retail versions of Windows 8 are only able to install these apps through Windows Store — a namesake distribution platform that offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8.[95][97] A method to sideload apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a domain; Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices that are not part of a domain can also sideload apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing.[98]
The term 'Immersive app' had been used internally by Microsoft developers to refer to the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8, after which they were referred to as 'Metro-style apps' in reference to the Metro design language. The term was phased out in August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the change was related to a potential trademark issue, and stated that 'Metro' was only a codename that would be replaced prior to Windows 8's release.[19][99] Following these reports, the terms 'Modern UI-style apps',[100] 'Windows 8-style apps'[101] and 'Windows Store apps' began to be used by various Microsoft documents and material to refer to the new apps. In an interview on September 12, 2012, Soma Somasegar (vice president of Microsoft's development software division) confirmed that 'Windows Store apps' would be the official term for the apps.[102] An MSDN page explaining the Metro design language uses the term 'Modern design' to refer to the language as a whole.[103]
Web browsers[edit]
Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to web browsers. The user's default browser can distribute a Metro-style web browser in the same package as the desktop version, which has access to functionality unavailable to other apps, such as being able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use Windows API code instead of WinRT (allowing for code to be re-used with the desktop version, while still taking advantage of features available to Windows Store apps, such as charms). Microsoft advertises this exception privilege 'New experience enabled' (formerly 'Metro-style enabled').
![9200 9200](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/4/48/Cmd_in_Windows_8.png)
The developers of both Chrome and Firefox committed to developing Metro-style versions of their browsers; while Chrome's 'Windows 8 mode' (discontinued on Chrome version 49) uses a full-screen version of the existing desktop interface, Firefox's version (which was first made available on the 'Aurora' release channel in September 2013) uses a touch-optimized interface inspired by the Android version of Firefox. In October 2013, Chrome's app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by Chrome OS.[104][105][106][107][108][109] Development of the Firefox app for Windows 8 has since been cancelled, citing a lack of user adoption for the beta versions.[110]
Interface and desktop[edit]
Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone 7 as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through 'live tiles'.[94] As a form of multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen.[94] Alongside the traditional Control Panel, a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as 'PC Settings' is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel.[111]
A vertical toolbar known as the charms[112] (accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, swiping from the right edge of a trackpad, or pointing the cursor at hotspots in the right corners of a screen) provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button.[112][113] The traditional desktop environment for running desktop applications is accessed via a tile on the Start screen. The Start button on the taskbar from previous versions of Windows has been converted into a hotspot in the lower-left corner of the screen, which displays a large tooltip displaying a thumbnail of the Start screen. However, Windows 8.1 added the start button back to the taskbar after many complaints.[114][115] Swiping from the left edge of a touchscreen or clicking in the top-left corner of the screen allows one to switch between apps and Desktop. Pointing the cursor in the top-left corner of the screen and moving down reveals a thumbnail list of active apps.[115] Aside from the removal of the Start button and the replacement of the Aero Glass theme with a flatter and solid-colored design, the desktop interface on Windows 8 is similar to that of Windows 7.[116]
Removed features[edit]
Several notable features have been removed in Windows 8; support for playing DVD-Video was removed from Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include optical disc drives at all) and the prevalence of online streaming services. For the same reasons, Windows Media Center is not included by default on Windows 8, but Windows Media Center and DVD playback support can be purchased in the 'Pro Pack' (which upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or 'Media Center Pack' add-on for Windows 8 Pro. As with prior versions, third-party DVD player software can still be used to enable DVD playback.[117]
Backup and Restore, the backup component of Windows, is deprecated. It still ships with Windows 8 and continues to work on preset schedules, but is pushed to the background and can only be accessed through a Control Panel applet called 'Windows 7 File Recovery'.[118]:76Shadow Copy, a component of Windows Explorer that once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local files and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on a Windows Server computer.[118]:74 The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use.[118]:74
Hardware requirements[edit]
PCs[edit]
The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are slightly higher than those of Windows 7. The CPU must support the Physical Address Extension (PAE), NX bit, and SSE2. Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher to run; a resolution of 1366×768 or higher is required to use the snap functionality.[119] To receive certification, Microsoft requires candidate x86 systems to resume from standby in 2 seconds or less.[120]
Component | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
Processor | 1 GHzclock rate IA-32 or x64 architecture Support for PAE, NX and SSE2[122][123] | x64 architecture Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) support for Hyper-V |
Memory (RAM) | IA-32 edition: 1 GB x64 edition: 2 GB | 4 GB |
Graphics Card | DirectX 9 graphics device WDDM 1.0 or higher driver | DirectX 10 graphics device |
Display screen | N/A | 1024×768 pixels |
Input device | Keyboard and mouse | |
Hard disk space | IA-32 edition: 16 GB x64 edition: 20 GB | N/A |
Other | N/A | UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B with Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in its database Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Internet connectivity |
Microsoft's Connected Standby specification, which hardware vendors may optionally comply with, sets new power consumption requirements that extend above the above minimum specifications.[124] Included in this standard are a number of security-specific requirements designed to improve physical security, notably against Cold Boot Attacks.
32-bit SKUs of Windows 8 only support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit SKUs, however support more: Windows 8 x64 supports 128 GB while Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise x64 support 512 GB.[125]
In January 2016, Microsoft announced that it would no longer support Windows 8.1 or 7 on devices using Intel's Skylake CPU family effective July 17, 2018, and that all future CPU microarchitectures, as well as Skylake systems after this date, would only be supported on Windows 10. After the deadline, only critical security updates were to be released for users on these platforms.[126][127][128][129] After this new policy faced criticism from users and enterprise customers, Microsoft partially retracted the change and stated that both operating systems would remain supported on Skylake hardware through the end of their Extended support lifecycle. Windows 8.1 remains officially unsupported on all newer CPU families, and neither AMD or Intel will provide official chipset drivers for Windows operating systems other than Windows 10.[130][131] However, on August 2016, Microsoft again extended the Skylake support policy until the end of support for Windows 7 and 8.1 (2020 and 2023, respectively).[132][131]
Tablets and convertibles[edit]
Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for tablet and laplet devices to be 'certified' for Windows 8 and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display, and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the display as the only input mechanism.[133][134] On March 12, 2013, Microsoft amended its certification requirements to only require that screens on tablets have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 (down from the previous 1366×768). The amended requirement is intended to allow 'greater design flexibility' for future products.[135]
Graphics card | DirectX 10 graphics device with WDDM 1.2 or higher driver |
---|---|
Storage | 10 GB free space, after the out-of-box experience completes |
Standard buttons | Power, Rotation lock, Windows key, Volume up, Volume down |
Screen | Touch screen supporting a minimum of 5-point digitizers and resolution of at least 1024×768. The physical dimensions of the display panel must match the aspect ratio of the native resolution. The native resolution of the panel can be greater than 1024 (horizontally) and 768 (vertically). Minimum native color depth is 32-bits. If the display is under 1366×768, disclaimers must be included in documentation to notify users that the Snap function is not available.[135] |
Camera | Minimum 720p |
Accelerometer | 3 axes with data rates at or above 50 Hz |
USB 2.0 | At least one controller and exposed port. |
Connect | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy) |
Other | Speaker, microphone, magnetometer and gyroscope. If a mobile broadband device is integrated into a tablet or convertible system, then an assisted GPS radio is required.Devices supporting near field communication need to have visual marks to help users locate and use the proximity technology.The new button combination for Ctrl + Alt + Del is Windows Key + Power. |
Updated certification requirements were implemented to coincide with Windows 8.1. As of 2014, all certified devices with integrated displays must contain a 720p webcam and higher quality speakers and microphones, while all certified devices that support Wi-Fi must support Bluetooth as well. As of 2015, all certified devices must contain Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips.[137][138]
Editions[edit]
Windows 8 is available in three different editions, of which the lowest version, branded simply as Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro, were sold at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. Each edition of Windows 8 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments. For example, Pro added BitLocker, Hyper-V, the ability to join a domain, and the ability to install Windows Media Center as a paid add-on. Users of Windows 8 can purchase a 'Pro Pack' license that upgrades their system to Windows 8 Pro through Add features to Windows. This license also includes Windows Media Center.[139][140][141]Windows 8 Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards business environments, and is only available through volume licensing.[141] A port of Windows 8 for ARM architecture, Windows RT, is marketed as an edition of Windows 8, but was only included as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it.[141]
Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on DVD, and through a digital download that could be converted into DVD or USB install media. As part of a launch promotion, Microsoft offered Windows 8 Pro upgrades at a discounted price of US$39.99 online, or $69.99 for retail box from its launch until January 31, 2013; afterward the Windows 8 price has been $119.99 and the Pro price $199.99.[142][143] Those who purchased new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 could digitally purchase a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for US$14.99.[144] Several PC manufacturers offered rebates and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through the promotion on select models, such as Hewlett-Packard (in the U.S. and Canada on select models), and Acer (in Europe on selected Ultrabook models).[145][146] During these promotions, the Windows Media Center add-on for Windows 8 Pro was also offered for free.[139]
Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail in 'Upgrade' licenses only, which require an existing version of Windows to install. The 'full version software' SKU, which was more expensive but could be installed on computers without an eligible OS or none at all, was discontinued. In lieu of full version, a specialized 'System Builder' SKU was introduced. The 'System Builder' SKU replaced the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed to be used on PCs meant for resale but added a 'Personal Use License' exemption that officially allowed its purchase and personal use by users on homebuilt computers.[147][148][148][149]
Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of Windows 8.1. Unlike 8, 8.1 is available as 'full version software' at both retail and online for download that does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. Pricing for these new copies remain identical.[150] With the retail release returning to full version software for Windows 8.1, the 'Personal Use License' exemption was removed from the OEM SKU, meaning that end users building their own PCs for personal use must use the full retail version in order to satisfy the Windows 8.1 licensing requirements.[147]Windows 8.1 with Bing is a special OEM-specific SKU of Windows 8.1 subsidized by Microsoft's Bing search engine.[151]
Software compatibility[edit]
The three desktop editions of Windows 8 support 32-bit and 64-bit architectures; retail copies of Windows 8 include install DVDs for both architectures, while the online installer automatically installs the version corresponding with the architecture of the system's existing Windows installation.[139][152] The 32-bit version runs on CPUs compatible with x86 architecture 3rd generation (known as IA-32) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 16-bitapplications, although 16-bit support must be enabled first.[153][154] (16-bit applications are developed for CPUs compatible with x86 2nd generation, first conceived in 1978. Microsoft started moving away from this architecture after Windows 95.[153])
The 64-bit version runs on CPUs compatible with x86 8th generation (known as x86-64, or x64) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 64-bit programs. 32-bit programs and operating system are restricted to supporting only 4 gigabytes of memory while 64-bit systems can theoretically support 2048 gigabytes of memory.[155] 64-bit operating systems require a different set of device drivers than those of 32-bit operating systems.[155]
Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with ARM processors, only supports applications included with the system (such as a special version of Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture. Windows RT does not support running IA-32 or x64 applications.[156] Windows Store apps can either support both the x86 and ARM architectures, or compiled to support a specific architecture.[157]
Reception[edit]
Pre-release[edit]
Following the unveiling of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from free software supporters) for mandating that devices receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Concerns were raised that secure boot could prevent or hinder the use of alternate operating systems such as Linux. In a post discussing secure boot on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste indicated that vendors would provide means to customize secure boot, stating that 'At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft's philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves.'[84][158] Microsoft's certification guidelines for Windows 8 ultimately revealed that vendors would be required to provide means for users to re-configure or disable secure boot in their device's UEFI firmware. It also revealed that ARM devices (Windows RT) would be required to have secure boot permanently enabled, with no way for users to disable it. However, Tom Warren of The Verge noted that other vendors have implemented similar hardware restrictions on their own ARM-based tablet and smartphone products (including those running Microsoft's own Windows Phone platform), but still argued that Microsoft should 'keep a consistent approach across ARM and x86, though, not least because of the number of users who'd love to run Android alongside Windows 8 on their future tablets.'[85][85][86][159] No mandate is made regarding the installation of third-party certificates that would enable running alternative programs.[160][161][162]
Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft for making its Windows Store a closed platform subject to its own regulations, as it conflicted with their view of the PC as an open platform. Markus 'Notch' Persson (creator of the indie gameMinecraft),[163]Gabe Newell (co-founder of Valve Corporation and developer of software distribution platform Steam),[164] and Rob Pardo from Activision Blizzard voiced concern about the closed nature of the Windows Store.[165] However, Tom Warren of The Verge stated that Microsoft's addition of the Store was simply responding to the success of both Apple and Google in pursuing the 'curated application store approach.'[166]
Critical reception[edit]
Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 have been mixed to negative. Tom Warren of The Verge said that although Windows 8's emphasis on touch computing was significant and risked alienating desktop users, he felt that Windows 8 tablets '[make] an iPad feel immediately out of date' due to the capabilities of the operating system's hybrid model and increased focus on cloud services.[166] David Pierce of The Verge described Windows 8 as 'the first desktop operating system that understands what a computer is supposed to do in 2012' and praised Microsoft's 'no compromise' approach and the operating system's emphasis on Internet connectivity and cloud services. Pierce also considered the Start Screen to be a 'brilliant innovation for desktop computers' when compared with 'folder-littered desktops on every other OS' because it allows users to interact with dynamic information.[167] In contrast, an ExtremeTech article said it was Microsoft 'flailing'[168] and a review in PC Magazine condemned the Metro-style user interface.[169] Some of the included apps in Windows 8 were considered to be basic and lacking in functionality, but the Xbox apps were praised for their promotion of a multi-platform entertainment experience. Other improvements and features (such as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager) were also regarded as positive changes.[166] Peter Bright of Ars Technica wrote that while its user interface changes may overshadow them, Windows 8's improved performance, updated file manager, new storage functionality, expanded security features, and updated Task Manager were still positive improvements for the operating system. Bright also said that Windows 8's duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an 'extremely ambitious' aspect of the platform as well, but criticized Microsoft for emulating Apple's model of a closed distribution platform when implementing the Windows Store.[170]
The interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of negative reaction. Bright wrote that its system of hot corners and edge swiping 'wasn't very obvious' due to the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the user interface, even by the video tutorial added on the RTM release (which only instructed users to point at corners of the screen or swipe from its sides). Despite this 'stumbling block', Bright said that Windows 8's interface worked well in some places, but began to feel incoherent when switching between the 'Metro' and desktop environments, sometimes through inconsistent means.[170] Tom Warren of The Verge wrote that the new interface was 'as stunning as it is surprising', contributing to an 'incredibly personal' experience once it is customized by the user, but had a steep learning curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and mouse. He noted that while forcing all users to use the new touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a whole, it was necessary in order to push development of apps for the Windows Store.[166] Others, such as Adrian Kingsley-Hughes from ZDNet, considered the interface to be 'clumsy and impractical' due to its inconsistent design (going as far as considering it 'two operating systems unceremoniously bolted together'), and concluded that 'Windows 8 wasn't born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft's part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction—touch and tablets – that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple's iPad.'[171]
In 2013, Frank X. Shaw, a Microsoft corporate vice president, said that while many of the negative reviews were extreme, it was a 'good thing' that Microsoft was 'listening to feedback and improving a product'.[172]
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) reported a decline in Microsoft's customer satisfaction, the lowest it has been since Windows Vista.[173]
Market share and sales[edit]
Microsoft says that 4 million users upgraded to Windows 8 over the weekend after its release,[174][175] which CNET says was well below Microsoft's internal projections and was described inside the company as disappointing.[176]
On November 27, 2012, Microsoft announced that it has sold 40 million licenses of Windows 8 in the first month, surpassing the pace of Windows 7.[177]
However, according to research firm NPD, sales of devices running Windows in the United States have declined 21 percent compared to the same time period in 2011.[178] As the holiday shopping season wrapped up, Windows 8 sales continued to lag, even as Apple reported brisk sales.[179] The market research firm IDC reported an overall drop in PC sales for the quarter, and said the drop may have been partly due to consumer reluctance to embrace the new features of the OS and poor support from OEM for these features.[180] This capped the first year of declining PC sales to the Asia Pacific region, as consumers bought more mobile devices than Windows PCs.[181]
Windows 8 surpassed Windows Vista in market share with a 5.1% usage rate according to numbers posted in July 2013 by Net Applications, with usage on a steady upward trajectory.[182] However, intake of Windows 8 still lags behind that of Windows Vista and Windows 7 at the same point in their release cycles. Windows 8's tablet market share has also been growing steadily, with 7.4% of tablets running Windows in Q1 2013 according to Strategy Analytics, up from nothing just a year before. However, this is still well below Android and iOS, which posted 43.4% and 48.2% market share respectively, although both operating systems have been on the market much longer than Windows 8.[183] Strategy Analytics also noted 'a shortage of top tier apps' for Windows tablets despite Microsoft strategy of paying developers to create apps for the operating system (in addition to for Windows Phone).[183]
In March 2013, Microsoft also amended its certification requirements to allow tablets to use the 1024×768 resolution as a minimum; this change is expected to allow the production of certified Windows 8 tablets in smaller form factors—a market which is currently dominated by Android-based tablets.[135] Despite the reaction of industry experts, Microsoft reported that they had sold 100 million licenses in the first six months. This matched sales of Windows 7 over a similar period.[184] This statistic includes shipments to channel warehouses which now need to be sold in order to make way for new shipments.[185]
In January 2014, Hewlett-Packard began a promotion for desktops running Windows 7, saying that it was 'back by popular demand'. Outside sources have suggested that this might be because HP or its customers thought the Windows 8 platform would be more appropriate for mobile computing than desktop computing, or that they were looking to attract customers forced to switch from XP who wanted a more familiar interface.[186][187]
In February 2014, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft would be lowering the price of Windows 8 licenses by 70% for devices that retail under US$250; alongside the announcement that an update to the operating system would allow OEMs to produce devices with as little as 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, critics felt that these changes would help Windows compete against Linux-based devices in the low-end market, particularly those running Chrome OS. Microsoft had similarly cut the price of Windows XP licenses to compete against the early waves of Linux-based netbooks.[188][189] Reports also indicated that Microsoft was planning to offer cheaper Windows 8 licenses to OEMs in exchange for setting Internet Explorer's default search engine to Bing. Some media outlets falsely reported that the SKU associated with this plan, 'Windows 8.1 with Bing', was a variant which would be a free or low-cost version of Windows 8 for consumers using older versions of Windows.[190] On April 2, 2014, Microsoft ultimately announced that it would be removing license fees entirely for devices with screens smaller than 9 inches,[191] and officially confirmed the rumored 'Windows 8.1 with Bing' OEM SKU on May 23, 2014.[151]
On the information gathered by Net Applications, adoption rate in March 2015 for Windows 8.1 was at 10.55%, while the original Windows 8 was at 3.52%.[192]
Chinese government ban[edit]
In May 2014, the Government of China banned the internal purchase of Windows 8-based products under government contracts requiring 'energy-efficient' devices. The Xinhua News Agency claimed that Windows 8 was being banned in protest of Microsoft's support lifecycle policy and the end of support for Windows XP (which, as of January 2014, had a market share of 49% in China), as the government 'obviously cannot ignore the risks of running an OS without guaranteed technical support.' However, Ni Guangnan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences had also previously warned that Windows 8 could allegedly expose users to surveillance by the United States government due to its heavy use of Internet-based services.[193][194][195][196]
In June 2014, state broadcasterChina Central Television (CCTV) broadcast a news story further characterizing Windows 8 as a threat to national security. The story featured an interview with Ni Guangnan, who stated that operating systems could aggregate 'sensitive user information' that could be used to 'understand the conditions and activities of our national economy and society', and alleged that per documents leaked by Edward Snowden, the U.S. government had worked with Microsoft to retrieve encrypted information. Yang Min, a computer scientist at Fudan University, also stated that 'the security features of Windows 8 are basically to the benefit of Microsoft, allowing them control of the users' data, and that poses a big challenge to the national strategy for information security.' Microsoft denied the claims in a number of posts on the Chinese social network Sina Weibo, which stated that the company had never 'assisted any government in an attack of another government or clients' or provided client data to the U.S. government, never 'provided any government the authority to directly visit' or placed any backdoors in its products and services, and that it had never concealed government requests for client data.[197][198][199]
Windows 8.1[edit]
A feature update to Windows 8 known as Windows 8.1 was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013.[200][201] Following a presentation devoted to it at Build 2013, a public beta version of the upgrade was released on June 26, 2013.[202][203] Windows 8.1 was released to OEM hardware partners on August 27, 2013, and released publicly as a free download through Windows Store on October 17, 2013.[150][204][205] Volume license customers and subscribers to MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson said the policy was changed to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs 'to ensure a quality experience at general availability.'[206][207] However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed its decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, 2013.[208]
Windows 8.1 addressed a number of criticisms faced by Windows 8 upon its release, with additional customization options for the Start screen, the restoration of a visible Start button on the desktop, the ability to snap up to four apps on a single display, and the ability to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. Windows 8's stock apps were also updated, a new Bing-based unified search system was added, SkyDrive was given deeper integration with the operating system, and a number of new stock apps, along with a tutorial, were added.[9][209][210][211] Windows 8.1 also added support for 3D printing,[212][213]Miracast media streaming, NFC printing, and Wi-Fi Direct.[214]
Microsoft marketed Windows 8.1 as an 'update' rather than as a 'service pack', as it had done with such revisions on previous versions of Windows.[215] Nonetheless, Microsoft's support lifecycle policy treats Windows 8.1 similarly to previous Windows service packs: upgrading to 8.1 has been required to maintain access to mainstream support and updates after January 12, 2016.[4][216][217] Although Windows 8 RTM is unsupported, Microsoft released an emergency security patch in May 2017 for Windows 8 RTM, as well as other unsupported versions of Windows (including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003), to address a vulnerability that was being leveraged by the WannaCry ransomware attack.[218][219] Updates to apps published on Windows Store after July 1, 2019 will not be available to Windows 8 RTM users.[220]
Retail and OEM installations of Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT can be upgraded through Windows Store free of charge. However, volume license customers, TechNet or MSDN subscribers and users of Windows 8 Enterprise must acquire a standalone installation media for 8.1 and install through the traditional Windows setup process, either as an in-place upgrade or clean install. This requires an 8.1-specific product key.[221][222][223][224]
See also[edit]
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- ^'Windows 8.1 now available on MSDN and TechNet following developer complaints'. The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
- ^'Windows 8.1 review: The great compromise'. PC World. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- ^'Hands-On with Windows 8.1: New Utility Apps'. Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
- ^Thurrott, Paul (June 17, 2013). 'In Blue: Windows Store 2.0'. Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows. Penton. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^'Windows 8.1 to support 3D printing through native API'. Engadget. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
- ^'3D Printing Support in Windows 8.1 Explained'. Extreme Windows. Microsoft. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^'Modern Business in Mind: Windows 8.1 at TechEd 2013'. Windows for your business. Microsoft. June 3, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- ^'When is a Windows update not an update? When it's an upgrade'. Computerworld. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
- ^'Microsoft mandates Windows 8.1 upgrade'. ComputerWorld. IDG. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^Singh, Manish (January 12, 2016). 'Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 8 on Tuesday'. Gadgets 360. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^'Microsoft issues 'highly unusual' Windows XP patch to prevent massive ransomware attack'. The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^'Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks'. Microsoft. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^Popa, Bogdan. 'Microsoft Kills Off Windows 8 App Updates Earlier than Anticipated'. softpedia. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
- ^'Small biz admins squawk over Windows 8.1 updates'. ComputerWorld. IDG. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^'Why can't I find the update in the Store?'. Windows portal. Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^'Windows 8.1 Upgrade Woes'. Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
- ^'Windows 8.1 Tip: Upgrade from Windows 8 Enterprise'. Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
Further reading[edit]
- Paul, Ian (November 20, 2012). 'Downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7: What you need to know'. PC World. IDG. Retrieved November 21, 2012.—Analysis of Windows 8 downgrade rights
Developer | Microsoft |
---|---|
Written in | C, C++, and Assembly language[1] |
Working state | Current |
Source model |
|
Initial release | July 27, 1993; 26 years ago (as Windows NT 3.1) |
Latest release | 1903 (10.0.18362.267) July 26, 2019; 60 days ago |
Latest preview | 20H1 (10.0.18956) August 7, 2019; 48 days ago |
Update method | Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services |
Platforms | IA-32, x86-64, ARM and Itanium (and historically DEC Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC) |
Kernel type | Hybrid |
Default user interface | Graphical (Windows shell) |
License | Depending on version, edition or customer choice: Trialware, commercial software, volume licensing, OEM-only, SaaS, S+S[a] |
Official website | www.microsoft.com/windows/ |
Windows NT is a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft, the first version of which was released on July 27, 1993. It is a processor-independent, multiprocessing and multi-user operating system.
The first version of Windows NT was Windows NT 3.1 and was produced for workstations and server computers. It was intended to complement consumer versions of Windows that were based on MS-DOS (including Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.1x). Gradually, the Windows NT family was expanded into Microsoft's general-purpose operating system product line for all personal computers, deprecating the Windows 9x family.
'NT' formerly expanded to 'New Technology' but no longer carries any specific meaning. Starting with Windows 2000,[2] 'NT' was removed from the product name and is only included in the product version string.[3]
NT was the first purely 32-bit version of Windows, whereas its consumer-oriented counterparts, Windows 3.1x and Windows 9x, were 16-bit/32-bit hybrids. It is a multi-architecture operating system. Initially, it supported several instruction set architectures, including IA-32, MIPS, and DEC Alpha; support for PowerPC, Itanium, x64, and ARM were added later. The latest versions support x86 (more specifically IA-32 and x64) and ARM. Major features of the Windows NT family include Windows Shell, Windows API, Native API, Active Directory, Group Policy, Hardware Abstraction Layer, NTFS, BitLocker, Windows Store, Windows Update, and Hyper-V.
- 6Supported platforms
Naming[edit]
It has been suggested that Dave Cutler intended the initialism 'WNT' as a play on VMS, incrementing each letter by one.[4] However, the project was originally intended as a follow-on to OS/2 and was referred to as 'NT OS/2' before receiving the Windows brand.[5] One of the original NT developers, Mark Lucovsky, states that the name was taken from the original target processor—the Intel i860, code-named N10 ('N-Ten').[6] A 1998 question-and-answer session with Bill Gates revealed that the letters were previously expanded to 'New Technology' but no longer carry any specific meaning.[7] The letters were dropped from the names of releases from Windows 2000 and later, though Microsoft described that product as being 'Built on NT Technology'.[2][8]
Major features[edit]
A main design goal of NT was hardware and software portability. Various versions of NT family operating systems have been released for a variety of processor architectures, initially IA-32, MIPS, and DEC Alpha, with PowerPC, Itanium, x86-64 and ARM supported in later releases. The idea was to have a common code base with a custom Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for each platform. However, support for MIPS, Alpha, and PowerPC was later dropped in Windows 2000. Broad software compatibility was achieved with support for several API 'personalities', including Windows API, POSIX,[9] and OS/2 APIs[10] – the latter two were phased out starting with Windows XP.[11] Partial MS-DOS compatibility was achieved via an integrated DOS Virtual Machine – although this feature is being phased out in the x86-64 architecture.[12] NT supported per-object (file, function, and role) access control lists allowing a rich set of security permissions to be applied to systems and services. NT supported Windows network protocols, inheriting the previous OS/2 LAN Manager networking, as well as TCP/IP networking (for which Microsoft would implement a TCP/IP stack derived at first from a STREAMS-based stack from Spider Systems, then later rewritten in-house).[13]
Windows NT 3.1 was the first version of Windows to use 32-bit flat virtual memory addressing on 32-bit processors. Its companion product, Windows 3.1, used segmented addressing and switches from 16-bit to 32-bit addressing in pages.
Windows NT 3.1 featured a core kernel providing a system API, running in supervisor mode (ring 0 in x86; referred to in Windows NT as 'kernel mode' on all platforms), and a set of user-space environments with their own APIs which included the new Win32 environment, an OS/2 1.3 text-mode environment and a POSIX environment. The full preemptive multitasking kernel could interrupt running tasks to schedule other tasks, without relying on user programs to voluntarily give up control of the CPU, as in Windows 3.1 Windows applications (although MS-DOS applications were preemptively multitasked in Windows starting with Windows/386).
Notably, in Windows NT 3.x, several I/O driver subsystems, such as video and printing, were user-mode subsystems. In Windows NT 4, the video, server, and printer spooler subsystems were moved into kernel mode. Windows NT's first GUI was strongly influenced by (and programmatically compatible with) that from Windows 3.1; Windows NT 4's interface was redesigned to match that of the brand new Windows 95, moving from the Program Manager to the Windows shell design.
NTFS, a journaled, secure file system, was created for NT. Windows NT also allows for other installable file systems; starting with versions 3.1, NT could be installed on FAT or HPFS file systems.[14]
Windows NT introduced its own driver model, the Windows NT driver model, and is incompatible with older driver frameworks. With Windows 2000, the Windows NT driver model was enhanced to become the Windows Driver Model, which was first introduced with Windows 98, but was based on the NT driver model.[15]Windows Vista added native support for the Windows Driver Foundation, which is also available for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and to an extent, Windows 2000.
Development[edit]
Microsoft decided to create a portable operating system, compatible with OS/2 and POSIX and supporting multiprocessing, in October 1988.[16] When development started in November 1989, Windows NT was to be known as OS/2 3.0,[17] the third version of the operating system developed jointly by Microsoft and IBM. To ensure portability, initial development was targeted at the Intel i860XR RISC processor, switching to the MIPSR3000 in late 1989, and then the Intel i386 in 1990.[18] Microsoft also continued parallel development of the DOS-based and less resource-demanding Windows environment, resulting in the release of Windows 3.0 in May 1990. Windows 3 was eventually so successful that Microsoft decided to change the primary application programming interface for the still unreleased NT OS/2 (as it was then known) from an extended OS/2 API to an extended Windows API. This decision caused tension between Microsoft and IBM and the collaboration ultimately fell apart. IBM continued OS/2 development alone while Microsoft continued work on the newly renamed Windows NT. Though neither operating system would immediately be as popular as Microsoft's MS-DOS or Windows products, Windows NT would eventually be far more successful than OS/2.
Microsoft hired a group of developers from Digital Equipment Corporation led by Dave Cutler to build Windows NT, and many elements of the design reflect earlier DEC experience with Cutler's VMS[19] and RSX-11, but also an unreleased object-based operating system developed by Dave Cutler for DEC Prism.[20] The team was joined by selected members of the disbanded OS/2 team, including Moshe Dunie.[4] The operating system was designed to run on multiple instruction set architectures and multiple hardware platforms within each architecture. The platform dependencies are largely hidden from the rest of the system by a kernel mode module called the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer).
Windows NT's kernel mode code further distinguishes between the 'kernel', whose primary purpose is to implement processor- and architecture-dependent functions, and the 'executive'. This was designed as a modified microkernel, as the Windows NT kernel was influenced by the Mach microkernel developed at Carnegie Mellon University,[21] but does not meet all of the criteria of a pure microkernel. Both the kernel and the executive are linked together into the single loaded module ntoskrnl.exe; from outside this module, there is little distinction between the kernel and the executive. Routines from each are directly accessible, as for example from kernel-mode device drivers.
API sets in the Windows NT family are implemented as subsystems atop the publicly undocumented 'native' API; this allowed the late adoption of the Windows API (into the Win32 subsystem). Windows NT was one of the earliest operating systems to use Unicode internally.
Releases[edit]
Version | Marketing name | Editions | Release date | Build number |
---|---|---|---|---|
3.1 | Windows NT 3.1 | Workstation (named just Windows NT), Advanced Server | July 27, 1993 | 528 |
3.5 | Windows NT 3.5 | Workstation, Server | September 21, 1994 | 807 |
3.51 | Windows NT 3.51 | May 30, 1995 | 1057 | |
4.0 | Windows NT 4.0 | Workstation, Server, Server Enterprise Edition, Terminal Server, Embedded | August 24, 1996 | 1381 |
5.0 | Windows 2000 | Professional, Server, Advanced Server | February 17, 2000 | 2195 |
Datacenter Server | September 26, 2000 | |||
5.1 | Windows XP | Home, Professional, Media Center (original, 2004 & 2005), Tablet PC (original and 2005), Starter, Embedded, Home N, Professional N | October 25, 2001 | 2600 |
Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs | N/A | July 8, 2006 | ||
5.2 | Windows XP | 64-bit Edition Version 2003 (IA-64)[22] | March 28, 2003 | 3790 |
Windows Server 2003 | Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web, Storage, Small Business Server, Compute Cluster | April 24, 2003 | ||
Windows XP | Professional x64 Edition (x86-64) | April 25, 2005 | ||
Windows Server 2003 R2 | Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web, Storage, Small Business Server, Compute Cluster | December 6, 2005 | ||
Windows Home Server | N/A | July 16, 2007 | ||
6.0 | Windows Vista | Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate |
|
|
Windows Server 2008 | Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web Server, HPC Server, Itanium-Based Systems[23] | February 27, 2008 |
| |
6.1[24] | Windows 7 | Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate[25] | October 22, 2009[26] |
|
Windows Server 2008 R2 | Foundation, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Web Server, HPC Server, Itanium-Based Systems | |||
Windows Home Server 2011 | N/A | April 6, 2011 |
| |
6.2 | Windows 8[27] | Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows RT[28] | October 26, 2012[29] | 9200 |
Windows Server 2012[30] | Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter[31] | September 4, 2012 | ||
6.3[32] | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows RT 8.1 | October 18, 2013 | 9600[33] |
Windows Server 2012 R2 | Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter | |||
10.0[34] | Windows 10 | Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations[35], Enterprise, Education, Windows 10 S, IoT Core, Mobile, Mobile Enterprise[36][37] | July 29, 2015 |
|
Windows Server 2016 | Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, Multipoint Premium Server, Storage Server, Hyper-V Server | September 26, 2016 |
| |
Windows Server 2019 | Essentials, Standard, Datacenter, Multipoint Premium Server | October 2, 2018 |
|
Windows NT 3.1 to 3.51 incorporated the Program Manager and File Manager from the Windows 3.1x series. Windows NT 4.0 onwards replaced those programs with Windows Explorer (including a taskbar and Start menu), which originally appeared in Windows 95.
The first release was given version number 3.1 to match the contemporary 16-bit Windows; magazines of that era claimed the number was also used to make that version seem more reliable than a '.0' release. Also the Novell IPX protocol was apparently licensed only to 3.1 versions of Windows software.[citation needed]
The NT version number is not now generally used for marketing purposes, but is still used internally, and said to reflect the degree of changes to the core of the operating system.[39] However, for application compatibility reasons, Microsoft kept the major version number as 6 in releases following Vista,[40] but changed it later to 10 in Windows 10.[34] The build number is an internal identifier used by Microsoft's developers and beta testers.
Programming language[edit]
Windows NT is written in C and C++, with a very small amount written in assembly language.[41] C is mostly used for the kernel code while C++ is mostly used for user-mode code. Assembly language is avoided where possible because it would impede portability.[42]
Supported platforms[edit]
32-bit platforms[edit]
In order to prevent Intel x86-specific code from slipping into the operating system by developers used to developing on x86 chips, Windows NT 3.1 was initially developed using non-x86 development systems and then ported to the x86 architecture. This work was initially based on the Intel i860-based Dazzle system and, later, the MIPS R4000-based Jazz platform. Both systems were designed internally at Microsoft.[43]
Windows NT 3.1 was released for Intel x86 PC compatible, PC-98, DEC Alpha, and ARC-compliant MIPS platforms. Windows NT 3.51 added support for the PowerPC processor in 1995, specifically PReP-compliant systems such as the IBM Power Series desktops/laptops and Motorola PowerStack series; but despite meetings between Michael Spindler and Bill Gates, not on the Power Macintosh as the PReP compliant Power Macintosh project failed to ship.
Intergraph Corporation ported Windows NT to its Clipper architecture and later announced intention to port Windows NT 3.51 to Sun Microsystems' SPARC architecture,[44] but neither version was sold to the public as a retail product.
Only two of the Windows NT 4.0 variants (IA-32 and Alpha) have a full set of service packs available. All of the other ports done by third parties (Motorola, Intergraph, etc.) have few, if any, publicly available updates.
Windows NT 4.0 was the last major release to support Alpha, MIPS, or PowerPC, though development of Windows 2000 for Alpha continued until August 1999, when Compaq stopped support for Windows NT on that architecture; and then three days later Microsoft also canceled their AlphaNT program,[45] even though the Alpha NT 5 (Windows 2000) release had reached RC1 status.[46]
Microsoft announced on January 5, 2011 that the next major version of the Windows NT family will include support for the ARM architecture. Microsoft demonstrated a preliminary version of Windows (version 6.2.7867) running on an ARM-based computer at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.[47] This eventually led to the commercial release of the Windows 8-derived Windows RT on October 26, 2012, and the implementation of NT over CE on Windows Phone 8.
According to Microsoft, it is a common misconception that the Xbox and Xbox 360 use a modified Windows 2000 kernel, for the Xbox operating system was built from scratch but implements a subset of Windows APIs.[48]
64-bit platforms[edit]
The 64-bit versions of Windows NT were originally intended to run on Itanium and DEC Alpha; the latter was used internally at Microsoft during early development of 64-bit Windows.[49][50] This continued for some time after Microsoft publicly announced that it was cancelling plans to ship 64-bit Windows for Alpha.[51] Because of this, Alpha versions of Windows NT are 32-bit only.
While Windows 2000 only supports Intel IA-32 (32-bit), Windows XP, Server 2003, Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 each have one edition dedicated to Itanium-based systems.[52][53][54] In comparison with Itanium, Microsoft adopted x64 on a greater scale: every version of Windows since Windows XP (which has a dedicated x64 edition),[55] has x64 editions.[52][56]
Hardware requirements[edit]
The minimum hardware specification required to run each release of the professional workstation version of Windows NT has been fairly slow-moving until the 6.0 Vista release, which requires a minimum of 15 GB of free disk space, a 10-fold increase in free disk space alone over the previous version.
Windows version | CPU | RAM | Free disk space |
---|---|---|---|
NT 3.1 | i386, 25 MHz | 12 MB | 90 MB |
NT 3.1 Advanced Server | 16 MB | ||
NT 3.5 Workstation[57] | 12 MB | ||
NT 3.5 Server[57] | 16 MB | ||
NT 3.51 Workstation[57] | 12 MB | ||
NT 3.51 Server[57] | 16 MB | ||
NT 4.0 Workstation[58] | i486, 25 MHz | 12 MB | 124 MB |
NT 4.0 Server[58] | 16 MB | ||
2000 Professional[59] | Pentium, 133 MHz | 32 MB | 650 MB |
2000 Server[59] | 128 MB | ||
XP[60] | Pentium, 233 MHz | 64 MB | 1.5 GB |
Server 2003[61] | 133 MHz | 128 MB | |
Vista Home Basic[62] | 800 MHz | 512 MB | 20 GB |
Vista (other editions)[62] | 1 GHz | 1 GB | 40 GB |
7 for IA-32[63] | 16 GB | ||
7 for x64[63] | 2 GB | 20 GB | |
8 for IA-32[64] | 1 GHz with NX bit, SSE2, PAE | 1 GB | 16 GB |
8 for x64[64] | 2 GB | 20 GB | |
8.1 for IA-32[64] | 1 GB | 16 GB | |
8.1 for x64[64] | 1 GHz with NX bit, SSE2, PAE, CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF | 2 GB | 20 GB |
10 for IA-32[65] | 1 GHz with NX bit, SSE2, PAE | 1 GB | 16 GB |
10 for x64[65] | 1 GHz with NX bit, SSE2, PAE, CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW and LAHF/SAHF | 2 GB | 20 GB |
See also[edit]
- ReactOS (an open source project with the goal of providing binary- and device driver-level compatibility with Windows NT)
Windows Version 6.2.9200.0
Notes[edit]
- ^For more information on how Microsoft licenses its products, see Microsoft Software Assurance, DreamSpark, DreamSpark Premium, BizSpark, MSDN § Software subscriptions, Microsoft TechNet § Subscriptions and downloads and client access license.
References[edit]
- ^Lextrait, Vincent (January 2010). 'The Programming Languages Beacon' (v10.0 ed.). Retrieved January 4, 2010.
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External links[edit]
- Windows (official page), Microsoft.
- Russinovich, Mark, 'Windows NT and VMS: The Rest of the Story', Win 2000 (discussion of ancestry of NT), archived from the original on May 3, 2002.
- A Brief History of the Windows NT Operating System (fact sheet), Microsoft PressPass, 1998, archived from the original on June 10, 2004.