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In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft began small, but had a huge vision—a computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoft began to change the ways we work.
In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen formed a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft began small, but had a huge vision—a computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoft began to change the ways we work.
In June 1980, Gates and Allen hired Gates’ former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to help run the company.
In June 1980, Gates and Allen hired Gates’ former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to help run the company.
Microsoft worked on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager was the code name and was considered as the final name, but Windows prevailed because it best described the boxes or computing “windows” that were fundamental to the new system. Windows was announced in 1983, but it took a while to develop. Skeptics called it “vaporware.”
Microsoft worked on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager was the code name and was considered as the final name, but Windows prevailed because it best described the boxes or computing “windows” that were fundamental to the new system. Windows was announced in 1983, but it took a while to develop. Skeptics called it “vaporware.”
On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft shipped Windows 1.0.
On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft shipped Windows 1.0.
Windows 1.0 (1985)
Windows 1.0 (1985)
Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256 kilobytes (KB), two double-sided floppy disk drives, and a graphics adapter card. A hard disk and 512 KB memory was recommended for running multiple programs or when using DOS 3.0 or higher. It was originally developed by Microsoft for IBM-compatible personal computers. Although the first version of OS from Microsoft, MS-DOS was little-used or preferred alternative to Apple’s Macintosh. Despite witnessing little success, Microsoft continued to offer support for MS-DOS till the development of Windows XP.
Instead of typing MS-DOS commands, Windows 1.0 allowed users to point and click to access the windows.
Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256 kilobytes (KB), two double-sided floppy disk drives, and a graphics adapter card. A hard disk and 512 KB memory was recommended for running multiple programs or when using DOS 3.0 or higher. It was originally developed by Microsoft for IBM-compatible personal computers. Although the first version of OS from Microsoft, MS-DOS was little-used or preferred alternative to Apple’s Macintosh. Despite witnessing little success, Microsoft continued to offer support for MS-DOS till the development of Windows XP.
Instead of typing MS-DOS commands, Windows 1.0 allowed users to point and click to access the windows.
Windows 2.0 (1987)
Windows 2.0 (1987)
In 1987 Microsoft released Windows 2.0, which was designed for the designed for the Intel 286 processor. This version added desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts and improved graphics support.
In 1987 Microsoft released Windows 2.0, which was designed for the designed for the Intel 286 processor. This version added desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts and improved graphics support.
Windows 3.0 - 3.1 (1990–1994)
Windows 3.0 - 3.1 (1990–1994)
Microsoft released Windows 3.0 in May, 1900 offering better icons, performance and advanced graphics with 16 colors designed for Intel 386 processors. Its popularity grew by manifolds following the release of SDK that helped software developers focus more on writing and less on writing device drivers. With Windows 3.0 Microsoft completely rewrote the application development environment. The OS included Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager and games, remember Solitare, a complete time waster??
Microsoft released Windows 3.0 in May, 1900 offering better icons, performance and advanced graphics with 16 colors designed for Intel 386 processors. Its popularity grew by manifolds following the release of SDK that helped software developers focus more on writing and less on writing device drivers. With Windows 3.0 Microsoft completely rewrote the application development environment. The OS included Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager and games, remember Solitare, a complete time waster??
Windows 95 (August 1995)
Windows 95 (August 1995)
A major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system that caused Apple’s Market share to decline or shrink was Windows 95. Windows 95 as the name suggests was released in 1995 represented a significant advance over its precursor, Windows 3.1. By the way, this was also the time when the first version of Microsoft’s proprietary browser – Internet Explorer 1 was rolled out in August 1995 to catch up the Internet wave.
A major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system that caused Apple’s Market share to decline or shrink was Windows 95. Windows 95 as the name suggests was released in 1995 represented a significant advance over its precursor, Windows 3.1. By the way, this was also the time when the first version of Microsoft’s proprietary browser – Internet Explorer 1 was rolled out in August 1995 to catch up the Internet wave.
Windows NT 3.1 – 4.0 (1993-1996)
Windows NT 3.1 – 4.0 (1993-1996)
A version of the Windows OS with 32-bit supported for preemptive multitasking. Two versions of Windows NT:
A version of the Windows OS with 32-bit supported for preemptive multitasking. Two versions of Windows NT:
- Windows NT Server – Designed to act as a server in networks
- Windows NT – Workstation for stand-alone or client workstations
Windows 98 (June 1998)
Windows 98 (June 1998)
Described as an operating system that “Works Better & Plays Better, ‘Windows 98’ offered support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32, AGP, MMX, USB, DVD, and ACPI. Also, it was the first OS to include a tool called Windows Update. The tool alerted the customers when software updates became available for their computers.
Described as an operating system that “Works Better & Plays Better, ‘Windows 98’ offered support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32, AGP, MMX, USB, DVD, and ACPI. Also, it was the first OS to include a tool called Windows Update. The tool alerted the customers when software updates became available for their computers.
Windows 2000 (February 2000)
Windows 2000 (February 2000)
W2K (abbreviated form) was an operating system for business desktop and laptop systems to run software applications, connect to Internet and intranet sites, and access files, printers, and network resources. Windows 2000 4 versions released by Microsoft
W2K (abbreviated form) was an operating system for business desktop and laptop systems to run software applications, connect to Internet and intranet sites, and access files, printers, and network resources. Windows 2000 4 versions released by Microsoft
- Professional (for business desktop and laptop systems)
- Server (both a Web server and an office server)
- Advanced Server (for line-of-business applications)
- Datacenter Server (for high-traffic computer networks)
Windows ME – Millennium Edition (September 2000)
Windows ME – Millennium Edition (September 2000)
The Windows Millennium Edition, referrd as “Windows Me” was an update to the Windows 98 core that included some features of the Windows 2000 operating system. The version had the “boot in DOS” option removed but included other enhancements like Windows Media player and Movie Maker for basic video editing.
The Windows Millennium Edition, referrd as “Windows Me” was an update to the Windows 98 core that included some features of the Windows 2000 operating system. The version had the “boot in DOS” option removed but included other enhancements like Windows Media player and Movie Maker for basic video editing.
Windows XP (October 2001)
Windows XP (October 2001)
The longest running Windows version. This version of the OS was built on Windows 2000 Kernel and was introduced in 2001 along with a redesigned look and feel. It was made available to public in 2 versions
The longest running Windows version. This version of the OS was built on Windows 2000 Kernel and was introduced in 2001 along with a redesigned look and feel. It was made available to public in 2 versions
- Windows Xp Home
- Windows XP Professional
Microsoft focused on mobility for both editions, including plug and play features for connecting to wireless networks was introduced in this version of Windows and it proved to one of Microsoft’s best-selling products. Its use started declining with more Windows 7 deployments.
Microsoft focused on mobility for both editions, including plug and play features for connecting to wireless networks was introduced in this version of Windows and it proved to one of Microsoft’s best-selling products. Its use started declining with more Windows 7 deployments.
Windows Vista (November 2006)
Windows Vista (November 2006)
People expected too much from its WOW factor. Windows Vista released in November 2006 was widely criticized for performance related issues.
People expected too much from its WOW factor. Windows Vista released in November 2006 was widely criticized for performance related issues.
Windows 7 (October, 2009)
Windows 7 (October, 2009)
Windows 7 made its official debut on October 22, 2009. The OS included enhancements in the form of fast start-up time, Aero Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a new and improved Windows Media Center, and better security features.
Windows 7 made its official debut on October 22, 2009. The OS included enhancements in the form of fast start-up time, Aero Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a new and improved Windows Media Center, and better security features.
Windows 8 (October 26, 2012)
Windows 8 (October 26, 2012)
Bill Gates’ vision of the future computing was Touch and voice replacing mouse and keyboard. We already have the touch with Windows 8, a completely redesigned OS built from the ground up. But the biggest setback, fort the first time in many years, the disappearance of the iconic Start button on the taskbar and having it full screen.
Bill Gates’ vision of the future computing was Touch and voice replacing mouse and keyboard. We already have the touch with Windows 8, a completely redesigned OS built from the ground up. But the biggest setback, fort the first time in many years, the disappearance of the iconic Start button on the taskbar and having it full screen.
Windows 8.1 (October 26, 2012)
Windows 8.1 (October 26, 2012)
A refinement of Windows 8, bringing back the Start button and offering more customization. It improved compatibility and usability for both touch and non-touch devices.
A refinement of Windows 8, bringing back the Start button and offering more customization. It improved compatibility and usability for both touch and non-touch devices.
Windows 10 (July 29, 2015)
Windows 10 (July 29, 2015)
Microsoft's Windows operating system and the successor to the underwhelming Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1). Marked a return to a more traditional desktop experience with the Start Menu reintroduced. It brought Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and Windows Store. Also introduced a continuous update model, with regular feature updates and security patches. Windows 10 is widely regarded as a stable and user-friendly version.
Microsoft's Windows operating system and the successor to the underwhelming Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1). Marked a return to a more traditional desktop experience with the Start Menu reintroduced. It brought Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and Windows Store. Also introduced a continuous update model, with regular feature updates and security patches. Windows 10 is widely regarded as a stable and user-friendly version.
Windows 11 (October 5, 2021)
Windows 11 (October 5, 2021)
Focused on a fresh, modern UI with a centered taskbar, rounded corners, and a new Start Menu. It also introduced features like Snap Layouts for better multitasking, improved support for virtual desktops, and a revamped Microsoft Store. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which raised concerns regarding hardware compatibility.
Focused on a fresh, modern UI with a centered taskbar, rounded corners, and a new Start Menu. It also introduced features like Snap Layouts for better multitasking, improved support for virtual desktops, and a revamped Microsoft Store. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which raised concerns regarding hardware compatibility.
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