Programs: Microsoft Windows 2000: Introduction

Introduction: In this lesson we will learn the background and history of Microsoft Windows 2000.
By the end of this tutorial, you will:
  • Understand Microsoft Windows 2000imgBoxPro.gif (7703 bytes)
  • Be able to use the mouse and keyboard
  • Understand the Desktop and Start Menu
  • Understand how to use the window
  • Be able to navigate through dialog boxes
  • Learn how to use the Help system
  • Manage disks and files
  • Create and utilize folders
  • Modify files
  • Explore the Internet
  • Learn how to properly shut-down Windows
Introduction: Microsoft Windows 2000
Figure Intro.1 Versions of Windows
Versions of Windows

Several Versions of Windows
There are many versions of Microsoft Windows.  Each new version of Windows has improved upon the previous version.  Each revision leaves in place the features users find helpful and attempts to resolve any problems of the previous version.  In this course, we will focus on Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.
Figure Intro.2 Evolution/History of Windows
Microsoft Windows 2000

Windows 95
Microsoft designed Windows 95 as a major change in interfaces.  The release of Windows 95 began the history of Windows 2000.
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Windows NT 4.0
At at same time Windows 95 was released for the home computer, Windows NT 4.0 was released for use on corporate computer systems.
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Windows 98
Windows 98 was created as an improved version of Windows 95, and contained features reflecting the onset of the Internet age.  This version came packaged with Microsoft Internet Explorer and broke down the barrier between the home PC and the web. There were, however, several small security issues.
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Windows 2000
To rectify the issues of Windows 98, Microsoft, combined the Windows 95/98 platform with the security of its Windows NT 4.0 platform.

The result was Microsoft Windows 2000.

It is important to realize the software is generally backwards compatible, that is files and settings from older versions of the program can easily be handled by the new version, but going from newer to the older versions does not always work correctly.

Self Graded Practice Quiz

1. Why are there so many different versions of Windows?
A. There aren't that many different versions of Windows, and most of them are exactly the same.
B. Each version focuses on a specific program such as Windows, Word, Excel, and Access
C. Each new version of Windows improves upon the previous one
D. None of the above

2. The History of Windows 2000 begins with which Windows version?
A. Windows 90
B. Windows 95
C. Windows 98
D. Windows 99

3. Windows 95 was intended for what type of computers?
A. The Home Computer
B. The Office Computer
C. Large Network Computers
D. All of the above

4. The network version counterpart to Windows 95 is:
A. Windows 2000
B. Windows ME
C. Windows NT 3.5
D. Windows NT 4.0

5. The Windows 98 version came packaged with which program?
A. Microsoft Excel
B. Microsoft Access
C. Microsoft Internet Explorer
D. Microsoft Front Page

6. How did Microsoft fix the problem of the security issues with Windows98?
A. Set up a protection program for the next version of Windows
B. Combined the Windows 95/98 platform with the security of its Windows NT 4.0 platform
C. Created the Windows 99 version
D. Combined with MAC to create a new security system

7. Which of the following is a correct chronological list of Windows' versions?
A. Windows NT 4.0, Windows95, Windows98, Windows 2000
B. Windows95, Windows NT 4.0, Windows98, Windows 2000
C. Windows95, Windows98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000
D. Windows95, Windows NT 4.0, Windows97, Windows 2000
E. Windows95, Windows97, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000

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Programs: Microsoft Windows 2000: Introduction