Overall System Architecture

Windows 2000 presents arguably the most aggressive attempt at operating system control in the history of computers. This section tours the Windows 2000 architecture, highlighting the features of significant interest to a device driver author.

Design Goals for Windows 2000

The original goals for Microsoft's NT ("New Technology") operating system took form in early 1989. Interestingly, the original concept for NT did not even include a Windows operating environment. While the NT OS has indeed come a long way since 1989, the five fundamental goals remain intact.

  • Compatibility. The OS should support as much existing software and hardware as possible.

  • Robustness and reliability. The OS should be resilient to inadvertent ...

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