Introduction to windows:-Windows is basically a software program that makes IBM PC easy to use. It does this by simplifying the computer's user interface-a buzzword that refers to the way you give your computer commands, the way you interact with it what has been missing from the PC is a program that makes the computer easy to use. Windows is just such a program. With windows you can run programs, enter amd move data around, and perform DOS related tasks simply by using the mouse to print at objects on the screen. Windows owes its name to the fact that it runs each program or ducument in its own separate window. A window is a box or frame on the screen. You can have numerous window on the screen at a time, each containing its own program. You can then easily switch between programs without having to close one down and open next
 Windows provies the means for joining the capabilities of very different application program.
                Windows provides a complete directory of all the applications the user can access. All that the user has to do is to select one and this selection is done by simply double-clicking the mouse button. A mouse is a small device that you move around on a table next to your computer.
Evolution of windows:- The first version of window (windows 1.0) was introduced in 1985. It left a lot to be desired. The second version appeared during 1987. Then came many other version of windows and it made DOS easier to use. Then came 80286, 80386 versions of windows which allowed the user to do multitask applications. Then 3.0 version was introduced during 1990 which was a step in right direction. It offered an attractive interface and exchanged memory support. Here ICONS were used. It could run more than one task simultaneously. Then came windows 95, windows 98/2000, and till data windows XP which provides many more facilities.
Relevance of windows:- It is often perceived that windows as an operating  system has its own advantages of being easy to use because of its graphical represention. User use it easily because of its simplistic approach. 
                   This is true, but actually there is much more about windows that is often ignored during comment. Windows is not just a face-lift to the new generation of operating systems on the personal computer. Numerous are its wide ranging capabilities that enable large and complex tasks to come right on to your desktop in the most simple way possible.
                 Windows as an operating system has the capabilities to complement changes. In short windows is powerful, friendly and open to such changes that may be expected of the future. Calling it friendly, pictorial and simple to use. Behind its attractive look comes the power which is camonflaged by aesthetics and simplicity.
Starting windows:- The short menu is used to access the systems shut down options, files folder, windows help, configuration options, recently opened documents, programs and windows updates.
                 To access start menu click on the start button by the help of mouse. This will result in windows starting and option. Will be displayed on the screen.
➡Elements of START MENU:-
1. Windows update:- This feature connects to www.windows up date. Microsoft.com and it enables the computer to automatically update with this new features, device drivers etc.
2. Programs:- These programs are in the from of a group. We can reach to these programs with the help of mouse button. It also contains some sub programs such as Accessories, Internet, MS-DOS and windows explorer etc.
3. Document:- It brings up a sub menu which contains an option for opening the my document folder. It also displays a list of short cuts of access files. Click a file to open it.
4. Settings:- There is a provision in windows set different programs and contains option of control panel to customize and configure desktop and computer.
5. Find:- This brings up a submenu for searching files and folders on your computer and in the network. But these programs, documents and files should have a different name.
6. Help:- Click start menu of the taskbar on the find element. Now click find the help program of windows starts which helps to answer windows related questions by browsing the contents, querying the index, searching by keywords or adding and then clicking back on favourite topics.
7. Run:- It displays the run dialog box and which helps to run programs and open folders, documents or internet resources.
8. Shut down:- It displays shutdown windows dialog box and from there we can choose to shut down the computer or log off the current user.
IMPORTANT TERMS USED IN WINDOWS:-
1. Cursor:- It is a vertical blinking line. It points out the place of typing new text. Whenever something is typed then cursor moves character by character.
2. Pointer:- It is an arrow and when mouse is used it moves on the screen it points and selects the clicked item. It performs many other tasks also.
3. Click and Double click:- When the button on the mouse is pressed it is called click and when it is pressed twice quickly it is called double click. When an item has to be selected move the arrow near the item and click it. When a program is to be loaded or an application is to run double click it.
4. Drag and Drop:- It is a graphical user interface (GUI) to move a selected object on to another object with the mouse to intiate a process.
           If we drag a document icon and then drop it on to word processor's icon the program will run and the document will be opened. If we want to print a file we can drag it to the printer icon using mouse and when the mouse button is released the file is printed. Drag and drop can also be used to copy a file from one disk to another to move a marked block of text to a new location inside a word processed document.
5. Icon:- In graphical user interface, a small screen image representing a specific element that the user can manipulate in same way. Select the item by clicking a mouse or other pointing device. An icon may represent an application program, a document, linked object a hard disk drive or several programs collected together in a group icon.
MAXIMIZE/MINIMIZE WINDOWS:-
A. MAXIMIZE:- In a graphical user interface, to increase a window to its maximum size. To maximize a window click the mouse on the button pointing upward in the upper right corner of the window or use the maximize command from the control menu. After a window has been maximized, the maximized button changes into the restore button with both up and down arrows which you can use to return the window to its original size.
B. MINIMIZE:- In a graphical user interface to reduce the active window to an icon. To minimize a window click on the button pointing downward on the top right corner of the window or use minimize command from the control menu. The window becomes an icon at the bottom of the desktop where it occupies only a small amount of space but is ready to be opened up again at a moment's notice. After a window has been maximized double click on the icon to return the window to its original size.