It has been 35 years since the Windows operating system was present on this Earth. Since its inception in 1985, 16 versions have been released by Microsoft, starting from Windows 1 to the recently announced Windows 11.
Each version always brings a number of changes. Not only does it look polished, a series of new features are embedded by the company founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
We invite you to study a brief history of Windows from the beginning to the latest referring to various sources:
Windows 1
Windows 1 was launched in November 1985. This is a computer operating system based on a graphical user interface (GUI) that was first created by Microsoft.
Using a bitmap display (device-independent bitmap or DIB for short) and adding a mouse as another device that can be used to operate Windows.
This operating system also supports multitasking between many programs. This is a significant improvement over DOS which could only run one program at a time.
Microsoft integrates many additional programs, such as Microsoft Paintbrush, Write, Notepad, Calendar, Calculator, CardFile, and even Clipboard. There is only one game available, which is Reversi.
Windows 2
Two years after the release of Windows 1, Microsoft replaced it with Windows 2 which was launched in December 1987. Major changes were made by this operating system.
Application windows can now overlap each other. Additionally Microsoft introduced the ability to minimize or maximize windows.
There is a Control Panel where various system settings and configuration options are presented. This feature is still maintained today.
Microsoft Word and Excel made their first appearance in Windows 2.
Windows 3
Windows 3 was launched in 1990 and became Microsoft's first commercially successful operating system. Therefore Windows 3 is considered as a challenger to Apple Macintosh.
This operating system brings significant improvements from the previous version. The interface looks nicer, and for the first time users can change the background color.
It was also the first version of Windows to feature Solitaire.
Windows 3.1
Windows 3.1 was launched in 1992. This operating system brought significant improvements from Windows 3.0.
Microsoft provides support for TrueType fonts that provide more realistic font rendering as these are outline fonts that can be scaled to any point size.
Wider multimedia support, as well as support for combining OLE documents (documents that combine elements from different programs).
Minesweeper also makes his first appearance. Windows 3.1 required 1MB of RAM to run and allowed supported MS-DOS programs to be operated with a mouse for the first time.
Windows 3.1 was also the first Windows distributed on CD-ROM, although once installed on a hard drive, it only required 10 to 15MB.
Windows NT 3.5
Windows NT 3.5 was the second version of NT released and marked Microsoft's efforts to expand business computers with important security and file sharing features. The operating system, which was launched in 1994, also supports TCP/IP, the communication network protocol we use to access the internet today.
Windows 95
As the name suggests, Windows 95 arrived on August 24, 1995 and with it brought the first Start button and Start menu. It also introduced Windows Explorer as a File Manager replacement, plug-and-play support, and the preferred Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.
Windows 95 was met with great success in many countries, where people lined up to buy it. Although the price at that time was quite expensive, USD 210.
Windows 95 commercials on television also used the Rolling Stones song "Start Me Up" to introduce the Start button. Therefore, Microsoft paid Rolling Stone up to USD 8 million.
Windows 98
Released in June 1998, Windows 98 built on Windows 95 and brought IE 4, Outlook Express, Windows Address Book, Microsoft Chat and Windows Media Player.
Windows 98 introduced forward and backward navigation buttons and the address bar in Windows Explorer, among other things. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Windows Driver Model for computer components and accessories - a single driver to support all future versions of Windows.
USB support was much better in Windows 98 and led to widespread use, including USB hubs and USB mice.
Windows Me
As the name suggests Windows ME (Millennium Edition) was launched in 2000. This operating system focuses on home and multimedia users. Windows Movie Maker was first introduced in Windows ME, along with the latest versions of Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer.
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 is designed for client and server computers used by companies. Designed based on Windows NT, this operating system prioritizes security with new file protection, DLL cache and plug and play for hardware.
Microsoft's automatic updates played an important role in Windows 2000 and became the first Windows to support hibernation.
Windows XP
Arguably one of the best versions of Windows, Windows XP was launched in October 2001. The operating system is based on Windows NT like Windows 2000, but brings the user-friendly elements of Windows ME.
The Start Menu and Taskbar got a visual overhaul. Featuring the iconic green Start button, blue Taskbar and wallpaper.
The biggest problem is security. Despite having a built-in firewall, Microsoft disables it by default. The sheer popularity of Windows XP has tempted hackers to exploit its vulnerabilities, especially in Internet Explorer.
Windows Vista
Windows XP lasted nearly six years before being replaced by Windows Vista in January 2007. Vista updated the look and feel of Windows with a greater focus on elements of transparency, search, and security.
Additionally, this operating system brings support for DirectX 10, Windows Media Player 11 and IE 7. Microsoft has embedded Windows Defender to ward off spyware.
Vista also included voice recognition, Windows DVD Maker and Photo Gallery, and was the first Windows to be distributed on DVD.
Unfortunately Windows Vista failed, one of the reasons is slow performance even using high-end hardware. Many users end up using Windows XP.
Windows 7
Windows 7 came in 2009 to free users from Vista. Microsoft brings a number of improvements ranging from a new interface and faster performance. It's no wonder Windows 7 is one of the most popular versions of Windows.
Windows 8
Windows 8 launched in 2012 brought quite drastic design changes. Microsoft ditched the Start menu and replaced it with a Start Screen that fills the screen. This operating system is also designed for laptops with touchscreens and tablet PCs.
Windows 8.1
Introduced in October 2013, Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button. Its function is so that users can easily return to the initial screen display when in desktop mode.
Another advantage offered in Windows 8.1 is the customization of live tiles on the start screen. Users can now easily specify 'stacks' of available boxes of the size they want.
In addition, to open the desired application, the user can now easily swipe from the bottom of the screen, immediately the user will find all the installed application icons.
Another thing that is also interesting is that users can now set the Windows 8.1 default that they use directly to the desktop view, instead of the start screen.
Windows 8 users can update Windows 8.1 through the available windows update option without having to purchase it.
Windows 10
Announced on September 30, 2014, Windows 10 brings back the Start menu and more balance for traditional desktop computer users.
Some interesting features include the ability to switch between desktop and tablet modes, digital assistant Cortana, Microsoft Edge and the ability to play Xbox One games on PC.
Windows 11
Microsoft officially launched Windows 11 on June 24, 2021. This operating system brings a simple interface, new Windows Store look, improved performance and multitasking experience.
Windows 11 includes a new Start menu and button. Its position is no longer on the far left of the screen, the Redmond-based company moved it to the center.
Microsoft installed an AI-powered widget panel, displaying a variety of information that can be personalized. Also introducing Snap Layout. This new function allows users to choose the layout when the application is run according to their needs.
Microsoft Teams is part of Windows 11, for both consumers and commercial users. Teams is integrated directly into the taskbar, allowing Windows 11 users to call friends, family, or colleagues.
No less interesting than all the new features of Windows 11 is the size of the update itself. Microsoft keeps the size smaller than before, which is 40%.
Windows 11 will be available later this year and can be downloaded for free for Windows 10 users.
Tags
NEWS & FACT