Operating systems
Lab 1: Introduction to operating System
‘Windows’
© Fall 2025 – Eng Taghreed Salem ,Eng. Nahla hafez , [Link] Haitham
Table of Contents
● Introduction to Operating System
● Major Windows Versions
● Comparison between CLI vs. GUI
● Directory commands
Introduction
Introduction (cont.)
Operation System
- Is an interface between user & hardware which is responsible for the management of
activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer
- A program which is responsible for controlling the execution of other programs and allocate
devices between them
- Performs three types of functions
○ Manages computer resources
○ Provides user interface
○ Runs applications
Introduction(cont.)
- Hundreds of operating systems
- Three basic categories
• Embedded – hand-held, PDAs, Windows CE
• Network O S – linked computers
• Stand-alone O S – desktop
- O S often called software environment or platform
- Operating systems commonly used by individuals
o Windows – most widely used
o Mac OS – powerful and easy to use
o UNIX – network; originally designed for Web
o LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web
Introduction to Windows OS
• Windows OS is developed by Microsoft.
• First released in 1985.
• Provides Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• Most widely used operating system in the world.
• Versions include Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11.
Windows OS Features
• User-friendly graphical interface.
• Multitasking support.
• Networking capabilities.
• Wide hardware and software support.
• Security features like User Account Control and Windows Defender.
Major Windows Versions
1. Windows 1.0 (1985)
The first version of Windows, introduced as a graphical user interface for M S - DOS.
2. Windows 3.0 (1990)
A significant improvement over its predecessors, it introduced a more user-friendly interface and better
multitasking capabilities.
3. Windows 95 (1995)
Marked a major milestone with a new user interface, the Start menu, and plug and play hardware support.
4. Windows 98 (1998)
Built on Windows 95, it included improved hardware support and Internet integration.
5. Windows 2000 (2000)
Aimed at businesses, it offered enhanced stability and support for advanced networking.
6. Windows M E (Millennium Edition) (2000)
Focused on home users, it included features for multimedia and Internet use but was criticized for stability
issues.
Major Windows Versions
[Link] XP (2001)
A highly popular version known for its stability and user-friendly interface, it combined features
from both consumer and professional versions.
[Link] Vista (2007)
Introduced a new graphical user interface and improved security features, but faced criticism for
performance issues.
[Link] 7 (2009)
Built on the foundation of Vista, it was well-received for its performance improvements and user
interface enhancements.
[Link] 8 (2012)
Introduced a new tile-based interface optimized for touch screens, which received mixed
reviews.
Major Windows Versions
11. Windows 8.1 (2013)
An update to Windows 8 that addressed some user concerns and reintroduced the Start button.
12. Windows 10 (2015)
Combined features from previous versions and introduced a more unified experience across
devices. It also marked the return of the Start menu.
13. Windows 11 (2021)
The latest version, featuring a redesigned interface, improved performance, and new features
aimed at enhancing productivity.
CLI vs. GUI
● CLI (Command Line Interface): is a text-based user
interface that allows users to interact with a
computer's operating system or software by typing
commands into a console or terminal. Unlike
graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which use visual
elements like windows and buttons, CLIs require
users to input specific commands and parameters
to perform tasks, such as file management, system
configuration, and program execution.
● GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a type of user
interface that allows users to interact with software
or hardware through graphical elements such as
icons, buttons, windows, and menus, rather than
text-based commands. It provides a visual way to
control computers and devices, making it easier for
users to perform tasks without needing to know
complex commands or programming.
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Directory Commands
1. DIR - List Directory Contents
DIR : displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
● Syntax: dir [directory]
● Example:
o dir – Lists the contents of the current directory.
o dir C:\Users – Lists the contents of the C:\Users directory.
Note: in each command you can use (command /?) for help to get all information
about attributes that are used in this command.
• Example:
o dir /s C:\Users – Lists all files and directories within C:\Users and its
subdirectories.
Page - 1o1 dir /a:h for hidden files.
[Link] – Change Directory
CD: changes the current directory to another directory.
• Syntax: cd [directory]
• Examples:
o cd C:\Windows\System32 – Changes the current directory to
C:\Windows\System32.
o cd .. – Moves up one directory level (to the parent directory).
o cd \ – Moves to the root directory of the current drive.
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[Link] – Make a New Directory
Mkdir :This command creates a new directory.
• Syntax: mkdir [directory_name]
• Example:
o mkdir C:\NewFolder – Creates a directory
named NewFolder in the C:\ drive.
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4. . rmdir – Remove Directory
Rmdir : removes (deletes) a directory. It can delete both empty and non-empty directories with
additional options.
• Syntax: rmdir [directory]
• Examples:
o rmdir Testfolder .
o rmdir /s C:\TestFolder – Deletes TestFolder and all its contents (subdirectories and
files).
• Options:
o /s – Removes all directories and files in the specified directory ,it will remove the
entire directory.
o /q – Quiet mode, suppresses confirmation prompts when deleting directories.
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5. ren – Rename the directory
Ren : This command renames a file or directory.
• Syntax: ren oldName newname
• Example: ren C:\OldFolder NewFolder
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6. tree – Display Directory Structure
Tree: displays the directory structure in a tree-like format.
• Syntax: tree [directory]
• Example:
o tree C:\ – Displays the entire directory structure of the C:\ drive.
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Creating subdirectories :
Create two directories named PLANTS and ANIMALS (using the mkdir command).
Change directories to PLANTS, and create the directories HERBS, TREES, and
VEGETABLES. Continue until you have created the following directory tree structure as
the following commands :
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ANY Questions ?