Microsoft Windows history
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating
System) (1981-2000)
Originally developed by
Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS
was the standard operating
system for IBM-compatible
personal computers.
The initial versions of DOS
were very simple and
resembled another operating
system called CP/M.
Windows 1.0 – 2.0 (1985-1992): Introduced in 1985, Microsoft Windows 1.0 was named due
to the computing boxes, or "windows" that represented a fundamental aspect of the operating
system. 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.
Windows 3.0 – 3.1 (1990–
1994)
Windows 3.0 was released in
May, 1900 offering better
icons, performance and
advanced graphics with 16
colors designed for Intel 386
processors.
This version is the first
release that provides the
standard "look and feel" of
Microsoft Windows for many
years to come.
Windows 3.0 included
Program Manager, File
Manager and Print Manager
and games
Windows 95 (August 1995)
Windows 95 was released in 1995 and was a major upgrade to the Windows operating system.
Windows 98 (June 1998)
Windows 98 offers support for a number of new technologies, including FAT32, AGP, MMX,USB,
DVD, and ACPI
Windows 2000 (February 2000)
Windows ME - Millennium Edition
(September 2000)
Windows XP (October 2001)
Windows XP was released in
2001.Along with a redesigned look
and feel to the user interface, the
newoperating system is giving the
user a more stable and reliable
environment than previous versions
of Windows.
Windows XP comes in two
versions, Home and Professional.
Microsoft focused on mobility for
both editions, including plug and
play features for connecting to
wireless networks.
Windows Vista (November 2006)
Windows Vista offered an
advancement in reliability, security,
ease of deployment, performance
and manageability, faster start-up
time and low power consumption of
the new sleep state.
Windows 7 (October, 2009)
Windows 7 was released by
Microsoft on October 22, 2009
as the latest in the 25- year-old
line of Windows operating
systems and as the successor
to Windows Vista.
Enhancements and new
features in Windows 7 include
multi-touch support, Internet
Explorer , improved
performance and start-up time,
Aero Snap, Aero Shake,
support for virtual hard disks,
a new and improved Windows
Media Center, and improved
security.
Windows 8
Windows 8 was released on August. 1, 2012 and is a completely redesigned operating
system that's been developed from the ground up with touchscreen use in mind as well as
near-instant-on capabilities that enable a Windows 8 PC to load and start up in a matter of
seconds rather than in minutes.
Its replace the more traditional Windows OS look and feel with a new "Metro" design
system interface.
The Metro user interface primarily consists of a "Start screen" made up of "Live Tiles,"
which are links to applications and features that are dynamic and update in real time.
Windows 8 supports both x86 PCs and ARM processors.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is Microsoft's Windows successor to Windows 8. Windows 10 debuted on July
29, 2015, following a "technical preview" beta release of the new operating system that
arrived in Fall 2014 and a "consumer preview" beta in early 2015
Windows 11(2021-Present)
Windows CE (Embedded Compact) (November 2006): A version of the Windows
operating system designed for
small devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) The Windows CE graphical user
interface (GUI) is very similar to Windows 95.
Windows Mobile 6.5: A mobile operating system for smartphones and mobile devices from
Microsoft based on the Windows CE kernel and designed to look and operate similar to
desktop versions of Microsoft Windows.
Windows Phone (November 2010)
A mobile operating system for smartphones and mobile devices that serves as the
successor to Microsoft's initial mobile OS platform system, Windows Mobile.
