WINDOWS 95 (required 4MB RAM but 8MB to 16MB is recommended)

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In 1995 Microsoft Corporation introduced a new operating system that was no longer dependent on DOS to operate. All the systems before, needed DOS in order to continue operation of the system. WINDOWS 95 was also able to improve on the graphical interface of the previous window versions.

Features to Note:

• In this version, the interface allows the icons (also called objects) on the screen to be documents, programs, files, and disk drives. By clicking on the icons, immediate access is allowed.
• The object icons are now able to be brought to the front of the interface for easy access by dragging and dropping the icons unto the desktop. The icons are no longer buried under the layers of the interface.

• The WINDOWS 95 operating system will also run software that has been developed for WINDOWS 3.1 and DOS (backward compatibility).

Newest Features: WINDOWS95 includes multitasking, electronic mail, networking capabilities, and a 32 bit operating system (faster processing). It is known for overcoming the the limitations of memory and disk drive space of DOS. It can access more memory, access more disk space, and is quite a bit faster.

How Has WINDOWS Changed?

• A copy utility is included in the WINDOW'S EXPLORER and the file menu that allows the program to copy one or more files.

• There is a confirmation dialog box for file deletion which reduces user error.

• Documentcentricity: This allows you to select (mouse click) the data file you want to work on and it automatically starts up the application program associated with it so you can work on the document.

• Spaces are allowed in filenames and the maximum character filename is 255 characters (plus a 3 character file extension).

• There is a user recycle bin for drag and drop to delete items. (You drag the document or item to the recycle bin to get rid of it.) There is also drag and drop file management. You can drag a file to a drive to save or move it around into another folder.

• Plug and Play: This feature automatically detects new devices and installs them. Programs can be installed and removed automatically through the operating system.

Note: WINDOWS 95 software will run only on a WINDOWS 95 operating system.

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OS/2

This is an operating system designed jointly by IBM Corporation and Microsoft Corporation. It is designed for more powerful and newer computers. This system has a graphical interface, but also can run DOS programs. The most important features of this software are the availability to use objects on the screen, to run tasks , and select options from menus while running DOS. Data transfer between both WINDOWS and DOS applications is enhanced. This system will run DOS software, WINDOWS software, and also software designed for OS/2.

UNIX

UNIX was originally developed for minicomputers (computers used in business and large industries that are programmed for specific tasks). These computers are much larger than the personal computers we use today. UNIX was developed by AT&T at Bell Laboratories in 1969. It is a multi-user operating system. Many people are able to run many applications from one central computer. . It is a very powerful system. Not many individuals run UNIX on their personal computers as an operating system. Many versions exist, but basically they are all the same in terms of operating systems. UNIX uses a command-line user interface. It does have a graphical interface that can be added with pull down menus, but most die hard UNIX users prefer the command line prompt. UNIX is used as the standard operating system on the INTERNET so that computer network computers and servers can manage and speak a universal language.

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