Lite OS is not Windows.
Oddly enough, but the official name of the new operating system is “Windows Lite”, and it played a cruel joke on itself and the IT community. Instead of the correct name, journalists everywhere write “Lite OS”, I cause readers to have a wrong idea about the upcoming product, so the concepts are substituted, and the new version of the operating system is regarded as a separate different operating system. Here’s a pun.
Why Lite OS is practically the same Windows:
- Built on the Windows kernel.
- Windows programming interfaces.
- Compatible with Windows applications.
- It is called “Windows”.
- The developers are the same as Windows.
- The copyright holders are the same as for Windows.
The name “Lite” became known from a new item in the list of existing editions of Windows 10, available in the software development kit for Windows.
The above fake gives rise to new ones, for example, the fact that Microsoft is abandoning its WinNT kernel, in which a lot of money and effort has been invested, and is switching to a Linux kernel. This myth is fueling the emergence of news about the appearance of the Linux kernel from Microsoft in the next releases of Windows 10, on which the system will run, instead of WinNT.
But in every joke there is a grain of common sense, and Windows will even have a version of the Linux kernel from Small Soft, but only as a Subsystem on Linux (WSL) subsystem that allows you to run software in Windows, developed for Linux.
Technical requirements
Minimum hardware requirements Windows 8.
| Architecture | 32-bit | 64-bit |
| CPU | 1 GHz clock frequency; IA-32; Support for PAE, and SSE2. [49] [50] | 1 GHz clock frequency; x86-64; Supports PAE, NX and SSE2. [49] [50] |
| RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Video card | Video adapter supporting DirectX 9 and WDDM version 1.0 or later. | |
| Free hard disk space | 16 GB free space | 20 GB free space |
Additional requirements for using some OS functions:
- To use touch capabilities, you need a tablet or monitor that supports multi-touch technology.
- To access the Windows Store, which requires an Internet connection, a screen with a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 pixels is required.
- To pin apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768 pixels.
- Internet access required (ISP fees may apply).
- Secure Boot requires firmware that supports UEFI version 2.3.1 Errata B and has a Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI Signature Database.
- For optimal performance, some games and programs may require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or later.
- Some features require a Microsoft account.
- Watching DVDs requires separate software.
- BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only).
- BitLocker requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 or USB flash drive (Windows 8 Pro only).
- The Hyper-V client requires a 64-bit system with Level 2 Address Translation (SLAT) capabilities and an additional 2 GB of RAM (Windows 8 Pro only).
- A TV tuner is required to watch and record TV in Windows Media Center (Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro with Windows Media Center only).
- Free Internet TV content varies by geographic location. Additional fees may apply for some content (Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro with Windows Media Center).
Lite OS will replace Windows 10
Where do the legs grow from in this myth? Microsoft has officially announced that Windows Lite is being created to replace the failed Windows 10S.
Did you miss anything? The “S” prefix in the name of the operating system. What is Windows 10 S? It is a Windows 10 distribution designed to be sold as part of off-the-shelf devices such as laptops and tablets. Designed for the educational segment, as a competitor to Google’s Chrome OS. For a number of reasons, it did not gain popularity and the development was curtailed.
The myth was also supported by the earlier statement made by Melkomyagkikh that Windows 10 is the latest version of the operating system. This is actually the latest version to be sold on physical media, not at all.
Working interface
MSConfig on Windows 10: how to enter system configuration
from the very first version of its operating system has set a specific shell style. Then this style was repeatedly modified, refined and made more modern. Some elements are added, while others, on the contrary, are removed.
Windows interface
The interface now looks completely different from what it looked like when the first version appeared. However, some basic elements remain the same:
- Desktop. Large free space on the screen, where you can display all the necessary shortcuts for quick access to the folders or applications of interest;
- task bar. The bar is at the bottom of the screen. It displays the date, time, system status, parameters of some programs and other information. Here you can also display the necessary shortcuts to quickly launch applications;
- Start key. A business card of the operating system and an extremely convenient way to open a menu to gain access to all shell functions.
Note! All programs and documents can be launched directly from their directory or through a special shortcut. This small file contains a link to the object of interest and allows you to get started without delay.
Only UWP apps will work on Windows Lite.
Until recently, this news was true. Indeed, it was previously planned that the new operating system will run only UWP applications (store-type), and classic Win32 applications will be delivered later, more precisely, their support.
Suddenly, Microsoft abandoned its own browser engine EdgeHTML (UWP), and began to finish its EDGE on the free Blink engine, which is the code for Win32. It is also used by the browsers Google Chrome, Opera, Yandex and others. All this can mean only one thing: if Lite OS does not support Win32 applications, then it will not have browsers either. Without a browser, no one will need an operating system, especially the target audience of a new product.
As a result, the release of Windows Lite has been delayed until support for Win32 is developed.
The old computer will receive a modern OS.
The main feature of Lite OS is its lightness and modularity. The system requirements of the new OS are expected to be much lower than those of the giant Windows 10. This left many people on a flight of fantasies, and everyone decided that Lite OS would work well on older computers.
With a high degree of probability, this will not happen. There is currently no information about the distribution of Windows Lite, whether it will be sold separately. Most likely, the OS will be distributed as a Full Flash Update (FFU) for manufacturers of ready-made devices. That is, at best, some Windows 10 tablets will be able to upgrade to Lite if the manufacturer allows. And then – only sale as part of finished devices, like smartphones on Android.
What can prevent this system from running on an ordinary personal computer?
One very important thing is the licensing policy; it is possible that it will be tied to equipment and ping through the Internet for verification, as has long been the case on computers with Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. This activation method has not yet been hacked by pirates, and the availability of alternative options is out of the question can. And it will hardly be possible to use Lite OS without activation.
The possibility of various numerous dances with tambourines is not excluded, which will still allow you to install and fully use the closed Lite OS operating system on ordinary PCs.
History and varieties of Windows
Android on a laptop – installing an operating system instead of Windows
The first version of Windows 1.0 appeared in 1985. It was an add-on over MS-DOS equipped with a graphical interface. This add-on significantly expanded the capabilities of the standard OS and made it possible to simultaneously solve several problems at once. The name was specially chosen as simple as possible and at the same time describing the principle of the system’s operation.
Two years later, Windows 2.0 saw the light of day, which practically did not differ externally from its predecessor. However, here the developers have provided improved support for processors, and also tried to optimize the most popular functions. It was here that the ability to overlap windows first appeared without having to switch every time.
A real sensation was made by Windows 3.0, released in 1990. Now it was possible to use the simplest editors, the file system, and track the activity of programs. The programs “Notepad”, “Calculator” and a set of standard card games were built in. Perfect for simple entertainments like crosswords.
Two years later, the company decided to upgrade the system and offered Windows 3.1 users, supporting 32-bit access to the drive. Support for networks, fonts and a computer mouse has become available. Additionally, there was a built-in antivirus for operational protection.
What Windows 95 looked like
Windows 95 since 1995 can be called a new milestone in operating systems. Due to new technologies, the performance of systems has significantly increased, and the main frame of the interface here has received a recognizable look. The characteristic “Start” button has become the most important element in the management, through which it is possible to access all programs.
The stability of the OS was significantly increased in 1998 with the release of Windows 98. Now there is full support for tuners and graphics programs. With this release, for the first time, Microsoft was able to push updates directly from its servers.
Note! Users could see the first variation of Windows Media Player, as well as use hibernation.
Windows 2000 is a logical evolutionary stage, which, in addition to many different innovations, could also support 64-bit processors. According to the descriptions, the version continues the tradition of Windows NT, designed for use on servers.
In the same year, a version of Windows Me is released with an improved Windows Media Player, a convenient Windows Movie Maker, and an optimized Internet Explorer. The usability of the conductor was significantly improved, and the system itself could now support almost all peripheral devices that were relevant at that time.
Windows XP 2001 became much brighter and more functional. The developers managed to increase the system stability, expand the functionality, and also prepare the basis for further development. Even now, quite a few computers are running on this OS. The system has been improved for a long time with service packs. This, without a doubt, the correct approach delayed the release of the new version by as much as 5 years.
Windows Vista 2007 would seem familiar to many now. It was in this version that the Windows Aero style appeared, as well as the recognizable rounded outlines of windows. Improved support for third-party software, as well as drivers for routers, printers and similar peripherals.
Important! The main disadvantage of the system is considered to be very weak optimization.
Windows 7 still suits many
It took the company two years to refine and fix Vista, and in 2009 Windows 7 was introduced to the world. The advantages include optimization, speed, functionality and Bluetooth support. The OS has become extremely popular and is still one of the most widespread in many countries around the world.
In 2012, Windows 8 entered the market, representing a rather bold decision by developers to deviate from accepted standards. And despite the fact that the system has been severely criticized, it is difficult not to note a lot of useful innovations. In particular, it provides enhanced driver support and a smart recovery procedure. On the eight, the Windows To Go environment appeared, which helps to connect to the OS from any removable drives.
The product of a thorough analysis of past mistakes and taking into account current trends was Windows 10. The Metro interface, which appeared in the eight, was somewhat transformed, and a new browser, Microsoft Edge, appeared for using the Internet. The system is constantly being updated, refined and improved.
Note! All updates are managed by the Windows Modules Installer Worker program, which practically does not interfere with the user’s work. Through it, you can remove unnecessary options if necessary.
Windows 10 is a breakthrough
Several dozen versions available. For weak computers or laptops, Windows 10 LTSC is best. However, even the standard version boasts excellent optimization.
The developers managed to bring to mind the Windows Ink module as a convenient way of touch input, and using the Form interface, you can write your own programs. The standard command line remains, but now the same operations can be performed through the more advanced operate-PowerShell application. Through it, you can check the system, as well as gain access to hidden options.
For security reasons, all OS installation files are stored on the system drive in a folder marked “bt” or “old”. If necessary, you can easily restore damaged items or block the changes made.
So what is Lite OS (Windows Lite)?
Obviously, this software product is another attempt by Microsoft to squeeze into the market of budgetary, low-hardware devices, suitable only for surfing the Internet and for simple mobile games. As for its modularity and lightness, there is already a similar product – Windows Embedded, which during installation can be assembled from components, like a constructor, Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs and Windows Thin PC – lightweight Windows XP and 7, respectively, Windows 10 IoT for the Internet of Things (replaced Embedded), with very meager functionality.
As a result, Windows Lite OS should turn out to be very interesting: it should be released for individuals, on weak ready-made devices and support Win32 applications.