Introduction Windows
What is Windows?
Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft. It allows users to view and store files, run the software, play games, watch videos, and provides a way to connect to the internet. It was released for both home computing and professional works.
Microsoft introduced the first version as 1.0
It was released for both home computing and professional functions of Windows on 10 November 1983. Later, it was released on many versions of Windows as well as the current version, Windows 11.
Why is Microsoft Windows called Windows?
When Microsoft Windows was not introduced, all of the Microsoft users were used MS-DOS operating system. Microsoft gave one word to most of its products; it required a new Word that can represent its new GUI
operating system. Microsoft decided to call it Windows because it has the ability to perform several tasks and run applications simultaneously.
History of Microsoft Windows
Since 1983, Microsoft is producing Windows. The founder of Microsoft 'Bill Gates' announced for Microsoft Windows on 10 November 1983 and released the first version of Windows in 1985. The following table contains history of Windows from edition 1 to 10.
Windows 1.0
Microsoft introduced Windows with its first version 1.0. It was released on 20 November 1985, and at the beginning, it was sold for $100.00. Additionally, it was the first effort by Microsoft to produce a graphical user interface in 16-bit.
Windows 2.0
The second version, Windows 2.0, was produced by Microsoft on 9 December 1987 as well as it also introduced the Window 386 on the same day. Initially, the price was the same $100.00 for both of the Windows in the market. It came with new features such as it was able to overlap each other, and it also introduced the new way to maximize and minimize the window, instead of using 'zooming' and 'iconizing' respectively. Furthermore, it also included the control panel feature where several system settings and configuration options are available in one place. Even Microsoft Word and Excel were also used for the first time on Windows 2.
Windows 286
It was released in June 1988, and at the beginning, its price was $100.00.
Windows 3.0
It was the first Windows that needed a hard drive. It was launched by Microsoft on 22 May 1990. Its full version was sold for $149.95, and the updated version was $79.95. Additionally, the multimedia supported Windows 3 was introduced in October 1991. Windows version 3.0 gained more success, and it became a challenge for Apple's Macintosh and the Commodore Amiga GUI as it was provided pre-installed on computers by PC compatible manufacturers as well as Zenith Data Systems. It was also able to run the MS-DOS program in Windows that allowed multitasking in legacy programs as well as supported 256 colors, which made the interface more colorful and advanced.
Windows 3.1
It was launched in April 1992, when it was in development its code name was Sparta. It was the commonly used operating system for the PC graphical user interface. In the first two months after its release, more than one million copies were sold. It made the Windows usable publishing platform for the first time by introducing the TrueType fonts. Minesweeper was also used for the first time on the Windows 3.1. It was needed only 1MB of RAM to run, and it allowed users to control the MS-DOS programs with the help of a mouse for the first time. Furthermore, it was also the first operating system to be distributed on a CD-ROM. Some other generations of version 3.1 are as follows:
In 1992, the Windows for Workgroups 3.1 was launched.
Microsoft introduced Windows NT 3.1 on 27 July 1993.
An updated version of Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11, was introduced on 31 December 1993.
In February 1994, the Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was launched.
On 21 September 1994, the Windows NT 5 was introduced.
The next version Windows NT 3.51, was introduced on 30 May 1995.
Windows 95
As the name specifies, Windows 95 was launched on 24 August 1995, and within four days of its release, more than one million copies were sold. It introduced the Start button and Start menu features for the first time, including important features such as a 32-bit environment, multitasking, and taskbar. Furthermore, MS-DOS still played a vital role in Windows 95, with the help of some programs and elements. Internet Explorer was also used on the Windows 95 for the first time, but it could not be installed by default, it needed the Windows 95 plus pack for it. Later, Windows 95 improved and included the IE browser by default.
Windows 95 Service Pack
It was introduced on 24 February 1996.
Windows NT 4.0
On 29 July 1996, Windows NT 4.0 was launched.
Windows CE
The first version 0 of Windows CE was introduced in November 1996.
The Second version 0 of Windows CE was launched in November 1997.
The next version 1 of Windows CE was released in July 1998.
The third version, 3.0 of Windows CE, was introduced in 1999.
Windows 98
It was developed on Windows 95, and introduced in June 1998. It was released, including Internet Explorer 4, Windows Address Book, Outlook Express, Microsoft Chat, and NetShow Player. The second version of Windows 98 was introduced on 5 May 1999, in this version the NetShow Player was replaced by Windows Media Player 6.2. It was also brought with the address bar and back/forward navigation buttons in Windows Explorer, and more other features. Windows 98 came with the new feature Windows Driver model for computer components and accessories, which offered support to all future editions of Windows. Furthermore, it was improved USB support including USB mice and USB hubs.
Windows 2000
On 17 February 2000, it was launched.
Windows ME
It was invented in September 2000, and it was the last operating system, which was based on MS-DOS and in the Windows 9x line. According to the enterprise market, it was considered consumer-aimed Windows with the Windows 2000. It was also provided some useful features for consumers as well as more automated system recovery tools. Additionally, an Internet Explorer, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Media Player 7 were used on Windows ME for the first time.
Windows 2000
It was introduced on 17 February 2000. Basically, it was based on Microsoft business-oriented system Windows NT, and later it provided the base for the Windows XP. Furthermore, the automatic updating feature made their appearance for the first time on Windows 2000, and it was the first operating system to support hibernation.
Windows XP
Windows XP was considered the best edition of Windows; it was introduced on 25 October 2001. It followed Windows ME and provided consumer-friendly elements. The 64-bit version of Windows XP was introduced on 28 March 2003. Furthermore, Its Professional x64 version was introduced on 24 April 2005. The start button and taskbar were replaced by including the green Start button, blue task bar, and vista wallpaper, as well as several shadows and more visual effects. It also brought some important features, such as ClearType, which helps to read content on LCD screens, autoplay from CDs and other media, different automated update, and recovery tools. Additionally, It was used for the longest time, and even when it was discontinued, it was used at an estimated 430 m PC.
Windows Vista
It was introduced by Microsoft In January 2007. It was brought the better look and feel user interface and included transparent elements, security, and search. When it was in the development phase, its code name was "Longhorn." Windows Media Player 11 and Internet Explorer 7 were made their appearance for the first time on Windows Vista, included Windows Defender, an anti-spyware program. It was also provided some useful features such as Windows DVD Maker, speech recognition, and Photo Gallery. Furthermore, it was the first operating system to be distributed on DVD.
Windows Server 2008
On 27 February 2008, Microsoft introduced Windows Server 2008.
Windows 7
It was introduced on 22 October 2009 to overcome all problems that were faced by Windows Vista. It was released with user-friendly features and less dialogue box overload. It was more stable, faster, and easy to use as compared to release other previous versions. Additionally, the handwriting recognition feature was used for the first time on Windows 7. As IE was the default browser in Microsoft Windows, the antitrust investigations used Microsoft in Europe for making it a default browser. Consequently, it had to provide the users the option to choose and install the browser on the first boot.
Windows Server 2012
On 4 September 2012, Microsoft was released Windows Server 2012.
Windows 8
It was introduced by Microsoft on 26 October 2012. It was released with new features, such as a fast operating system, support for the USB 3.0 devices, and Web store. The Web store is a place where you can download different types of Windows applications; its full-screen mode was run for the first time on Windows 8.
Windows 8.1
It was launched by Microsoft on 17 October 2013. It was re-launched the Start button, which was able to display the Start screen from the desktop view of Windows 8.1. Furthermore, it provided a way to select boot directly into the desktop.
Windows 10
On 29 July 2015, Microsoft introduced Windows 10. It was released with some new features such as switching between a keyboard and mouse mode and a tablet mode, which was beneficial for the users who use computers like surface Pro 3 with a detachable keyboard. It was designed for all Windows platforms across several devices, as well as Windows tablets and Phones, including common applications.
Windows 11
Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows NToperating system, released in October 2021. It is a free upgrade to its predecessor, Windows 10 (2015), available for any Windows 10 devices that meet the new Windows 11 system requirements.