History

• Microsoft announced the upcoming development of its first graphical user interface (GUI) operating system in October of 1983. Before then, Microsoft's only operating system was the command-based MS-DOS. In November of 1985, Windows 1.0 was released.
  
  At the same time, Microsoft was developing its word processing application, Word, which was originally called "Multi-Tool Word." The company didn't release its first version of the word-processing application until a few years later in 1989. Microsoft based the ideas for Word on the Xerox PARC graphical user interface writing word processor, Bravo. When it was released 1983, Word was found exclusive on the IBM PC. Soon it was packaged for other systems, such as the Atari ST. Word first became available for Windows in 1989.
  
  

Function

• Microsoft Windows is an operating system, and its basic function is to act as an interface between you and your computer. The operating system intercepts requests made by you (from your keystrokes of your keyboard or clicks of a mouse button) and translates them into the component or software program. Windows also has a set of system tools that maintain the overall performance of the system, such as System Restore, Disk Deframentor, Control Panel and Task Scheduler.
  
  Microsoft Word is a word processing program with a set of functions that allows you to create, edit and share documents. Word consists of a main document window (where you type in the text) and toolbars (with icons to edit, format and use advanced options on the text). After creating the document, you can check the spelling and grammar, indent paragraphs, apply text styles, add and edit images, save the document, print it out or email it to a mailing list.
  
  

Features

• As new versions of Windows were released, its list of features grew. The features include system tools, such as Active X Installer Service, Indexing Service, Internet Informational Services (FTP publishing and web management tools for running a web server), Microsoft .Net Framework 3.0, Microsoft Message Queue Server, Print Services and Removal Storage Management. Windows also have a set of entertainment features, like games (Spider Solitaire, Purble Palance, FreeCell and Hearts), Windows Media Center (for watching live TV with a TV Tuner or Netflix queue), Window Media Player and Windows Movie Maker.
  
  The basic features for Microsoft Word are spell checker, Overtype (to type over present text), AutoText, multilingual support, reference tools, shortcut keys, pre-made templates, clip art and drawing tools.
  
  

Types

• With each new version of Windows, Microsoft releases different editions of the program. The editions differ based on cost and features. The editions are Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. Choose the edition based on your needs and budget. The Home Basic is the least expensive and has the least set of additional features. The Ultimate edition includes everything Windows has to offer.
  
  Word has only one edition for each version released. The Office suite has different editions, but this only relates to which programs are included in the suite. Microsoft Word is included in each of the different editions of Microsoft Office suite.
  
  

Considerations

• Do not change the automatic updates option in Windows. Fixes for bugs and security updates are downloaded and installed in these updates. Windows are set up with automatic updates when it is installed so there is nothing you have to do to turn it on. Just be careful when changing these options in Windows.
  
  As new versions of Microsoft Windows and Word are released, consider upgrading the programs on your computer. Not only will you benefit from the new set of added features, but Microsoft tends to offer more support to its newer versions than it does for versions it releases two or three versions ago. It is almost impossible to find help and information for Windows 3.1. Plus, you will have more driver support for hardware and software components.