Throughout time, Microsoft Windows has been categorized as one of the most complete operating systems. Therefore, it dominates this market with great comfort and thanks to this, it is installed in more than 90% of computers with Internet access.
In this sense, such an operating system can be defined as a set of programs that simplify the management of a PC’s resources. In particular, due to the extensive development that during its 36 years of existence. In this way, it is considered of great relevance to know what are the versions of Windows to date.
That is why, in this post, we will focus on detailing the most important aspects around to the origin and evolution of Microsoft Windows. Apart from that, chronologically, we will indicate the known versions of this OS, naming its most interesting features.
What unique features did the first version of Windows that came out have?
To begin to learn more about how Microsoft Windows was in its beginnings, it is necessary to delimit the main characteristics that its first version exhibited. Which, we can exemplify by explaining a little about the origin and history of this renowned operating system.
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First of all, it should be noted that the OS in question owes its name to an English word that, in Spanish, means “Window” and of course, it is associated with the way in which the system presents the user with the resources of his computer. Thus simplifying the execution of the most common tasks to be carried out on the PC.
Now this computer system It was developed and commercialized from the year 1985 by the company Microsoft, which was founded by Bill Gates 10 years ago. That is, in 1975 and initially, it began to distribute the old MS-DOS operating system.
In this sense, at first, Windows was only created as an MS-DOS plugin. However, in view of the innovative Graphical User Interface (GUI) that it showed to the public, it was considered one of the best computing proposals.
Although, certainly, it had some limitations and among them, the inability to include a recycle bin or guarantee window overlap. Since, this was prevented by Apple to protect its operating system and thus prevent Microsoft from plagiarizing its product.
History
In reference to its history, Microsoft Windows did not have as easy beginnings as the public believes. Since, this SO was highly criticized and accused of engage in unfair competition against Apple And with it, he was involved in a great controversy.
However, after this and thanks to its popularity for being free software in constant growth and development, it took on a notable boom and attracted many manufacturers and buyers. This, from its version 1.0 in which around 55 programmers were used and it was released on November 20, 1985, specifically.
This version would originally be called “Interface Manager”but one of the marketing managers of the Microsoft company, stated that it would be better to name it “Windows” to attract more to the whole market. Basically, it supported mouse, device-independent screen and printer graphics, as well as drop-down menus.
Timeline of all versions of the Windows operating system that exist
Now, we have reached the section of the post where we will detail each and every one of the versions that have existed of Microsoft Windows. Which of course we will chronologically and accentuating the characteristics of greatest interestnext:
Windows 1.0
Release date: November 20, 1985
As we indicated before, the first version of Windows was known as 1.0, which could be called “Interface Manager”but when analyzing certain aspects of marketing, they decided to simply call “Windows”.
Among all, this version was distinguished by the criticism it received from the be a kind of “copy” of the Apple interface. Indeed, it failed to include certain native Apple ideas, such as the recycle bin. Which, he added some time later when reaching an agreement with the apple company.
Taking some other details into account, we specify that Windows 1.0 arose as a graphical complement to the DOS operating system. In addition, his best novelty it was simply the addition of the Control Panel.
Windows 2.0
Release date: December 09, 1987
Two years later, the second official version of the operating system in question is launched on the market. Which, although it was also designed to operate as an MS-DOS plugin, gained slightly more popularity than its predecessor.
In this sense, its success was thanks to the incorporation of new applications to facilitate certain tasks for its users, among which are: Excel and Word. In addition to this, it also added overlapping windows, icons, and PIF files to Microsoft’s DOS operating system.
It should be noted that this version received updates for 14 yearsso it only had technical support from the company until 2001.
Windows NT
Release Date: November 1988
Before the publication of Windows NT, apart from version 2.0, others were also known as: Windows/286 2.10 and Windows/386 2.10. Which were launched around May 27 of the year 88′ and were characterized by using memory in real mode and supporting, for the first time, HMA or High Memory Area (high memory area, in Spanish).
However, in that same year, Windows NT emerged after the company contracted Digital Equipment Corporation, a group of developers that were led by Dave Cutler. Thus, it was considered one of the most important of that time due to the fact that it worked on multiple sets of computer architectural instructions and on multiple hardware platforms. Also, it was the first to introduce the Win32 API.
But, only until the year 2001, this version of Windows is publicly demonstrated. which, at the time, was called “Windows Advanced Server for Lan Manager” at a developer conference.
windows 3.0
Release date: May 22, 1990
In 1990, the Microsoft Windows 3.0 operating system is released, which had more notable changes compared to previously published versions. Although, at this point, still belonged to the graphical user interface of the MS-DOS operating system.
Through this version of the OS, it was already possible to make use of the File Manager and Program Manager, for the first time. Taking into account that, from this, one of the most important versions was designed (specifically, the 3.1 that we detail below).
windows 3.1
Release Date: April 06, 1992
With the emergence of version 3.0, the design and development of Microsoft Windows 3.1 began, which, in the original code, was known as “Janus”. In this, thanks to the TrueType font system that is classified as a set of highly readable fonts, Windows was considered a viable platformfor the first time and also worthy of being an operating system independent of Microsoft DOS.
In this sense, Windows 3.1 showed a great success for its use of TrueType fonts and additionally, for other highly relevant graphic additions. Because of this, Windows managed to outperform IBM’s operating system in terms of sales and the design of a new update called “Windows 3.11” began, which had even more sales.
Windows 95
Release date: August 24, 1995
Initially, this version of Windows was known under the code name Chicago and was completely consumer oriented. Since it was an operating system designed to support preemptive multitasking and one of its biggest changes was evidenced in the 32-bit code.
However, Chicago left some parts of the code in 16 bits, but without directly using real mode for reasons of performance, compatibility and development times. Now, shortly before its release, they decided to call the version as “Windows 95” and it exhibited three advantages of great interest:
- It was not possible to run this OS on non-Microsoft versions of DOS. That is, only accepted under MS-DOS.
- This only ran on 386 in enhanced mode, with virtual memory and a 32-bit address space. Therefore, I could even have 2 GB virtual RAM.
- Added the Start menu and taskbar, as well as the included internet support.
Windows 98
Release Date: June 25, 1998
Starting with this version of the operating system, excellent graphical improvements were made, which were much more noticeable than in the older versions. Standing out, in addition, for include the input of DVDs and the incorporation of the USB port. Taking into account that, at this point, the software and hardware requirements were increasingly demanding.
However, due to some errors caused by the Internet Explorer browser, the company decided to launch a second version of Windows 98, but in 1999. Which, I operate under the name “Windows 98 Second Edition” and in addition to eliminating these errors, it had the ability to allow several computers to connect to the same Internet connection, simultaneously.
It should be noted that the Windows 98 version was only supported by Microsoft until July 2006that is, for eight years in total.
windows 2000
Release date: February 17, 2000
During this year, users began to purchase the full version of Windows 2000. Which, was based on NT technology from one of the versions from years ago and was considered a more sophisticated operating system.
After that, specifically on September 14 of the same year, a new version called “Windows Millennium Edition” and just a few days later, on September 29, it was published “Windows 2000 Data Center Server” that it was a version with support for 32 processors and thus, it was aimed at large computing systems.
Windows Xp
Release date: October 25, 2001
Just a year later, the Windows XP version was launched, which is still one of the most recognized to date. Since, he starred in a great change that Microsoft had with Windows due to the extraordinary graphic improvements, greater agility and a large increase in speed.
Added to this, Windows XP is characterized by being the first Microsoft operating system to add a 64-bit version. It also incorporated excellent features such as system file encryption, remote assistance, WiFi network support and in view of this and many other features, it was able to make a huge explosion in the operating system market worldwide.
Windows Vista
Release date: January 30, 2007
It took six years for a new official version of Microsoft Windows to be released. Which concluded its development process on 08…
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