What is the difference between features and capabilities?

Sorry, I might need to explain the context. I’m trying to learn DISM and its Powershell equivalent. And learn features can be added via Server Manager, DISM & Powershell. Currently I’m more into Windows 2016 server, but there is no selection here in this forum to select Server 2016 OS topic, maybe I’m in the wrong forum. B(

From : 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-capabilities-package-servicing-command-line-options

 “Capabilities are a Windows package type allows you to request services like .NET or languages without specifying the version. Use DISM to search multiple sources like Windows Update or your corporate servers to find and install the latest version.

To see the available capabilities, go toFeatures On Demand. “   

 Which link to  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/features-on-demand-v2--capabilities

 “Commonfeatures include language resources like handwriting recognition or other features like the .NET Framework (.NetFx3).”

 https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/features-on-demand-non-language-fod

“You can use either DISM /image:<path_to_image> /get-capabilities orDISM /online /get-capabilities to see which Features on Demand are available in your image of Windows 10. To see how to add Features on Demand, seeFeatures on Demand.”

 Which provide a list of capabilities like;

Capability name: OpenSSH.Server~~~~0.0.1.0

Capability name: Rsat.ActiveDirectory.DS-LDS.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0

Capability name: Rsat.DHCP.Tools~~~~0.0.1.0              

… etc.

Then link to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/features-on-demand-language-fod      For Capabilities for languages.

Using DISM /get-features, found NetFX4 and NetFX3. No languages..

Using DISM /get-capabilities, found “NetFX3~~~~” and lot of languages..  No NetFX4

I noticed “DISM /online /get-capabilities” or Get-WindowsCapability will report error when it can’t connect to Windows Update. (or I did not provide it a source)

From the Control Panel “Manage optional feature”, to add Windows feature which add Windows Capabilities in DISM. I added one language and found 3 Capabilities was installed; Basic, Font and OCR. It is clear that terms (feature & capability) are loosely used, likely not to confuse users.

So, I kind of lost what is classified as Windows Capabilities. What is the relationship and difference between FODs, capabilities, features and packages in this context. Not so much from developer point of view.. how to explain to user or other.

Hello, my name is Arif Ahmed, Windows Advisor.

I would be happy to help you.

Features are more like what an app or program can deliver as output.

For example Photos app can view photo as well as edit photos. these are features.

Whereas, Capabilities are more like internal accessibility of the service or program.

For example, a program can modify and access storage without user's permission.

Hence, Photos app can not only display a picture (Feature) when you double tap on an image file, but also it can display a preview of all pictures in your computer across all folders and partitions when you launch Photos app. So, this preview of all pictures inside the Photos app requires access of your computer's storage. That's a capability.

You may learn more about different types of capabilities here:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/pa...

Is there a clear definition of package, feature and capabilities?

Nope. They have no special meaning beyond their general use in English. Don't over-think them.

I suggest you do a Google search, something like this, (package, computer) or (feature, computer). Barnes and Noble and other credited book stores provide lots of books with information about computers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feature_(computer_vision)

https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/concepts/package.html