Windows 3.1 to Windows Vista

Windows 1.0 was the first operating system introduced and released by Microsoft in November 1985. It was still somehow an extension only to MS-DOS. However, with its contemporary, the Apple’s own operating system, this version of Windows failed to boom. Still, the first version has introduced a new graphical user interface (GUI) and was also commendable for making use of bitmap displays and various mouse pointing devices.

Come 1987, Windows 2.0 was then introduced. With improved features, this new version showed to be more popular to the market than version 1.0. Processing was at a faster speed and applications were already Windows-based. Eventually, it also gave way to a follow-up – the Windows 2.03, where memory was also expanded, among others. There were also improvements on the capabilities of the personal computer (PC) as well as on the GUI design.

With its performance the best of its time, Windows 3.0, which was launched in 1990, gained remarkable popularity in the market. Among the distinctions and innovations introduced in the newest edition of Windows were the advanced graphics, multitasking, and a more powerful processor. Several follow-ups were eventually introduced.

Meanwhile, you can also try to visit the following website:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryDesktop.mspx. It offers a short but comprehensive timeline and history of Windows. You can hear its history from Windows itself. In 1993, Microsoft introduced Windows NT, which was the first of its kind especially designed for business operations. NT represents “New Technology”, which expressed the change Windows then introduced – pre-emptive multitasking. This version of Windows was the perfect business operating system, thanks to the stability and security of this version. In the words of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates during its release, “Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements.”

The need to improve and innovate continued, which gave way to the release of Windows 95. This was the new version designed for the specific needs of the consumers. This updated edition of Windows, like the previous ones, contained an improved and better-than-ever interface. Its new featured Plug and Play capabilities allowed an easier installation of various software and hardware compared to the previous versions. This most recent operating system also included, among others, mobile computing features and an integrated networking system.

Windows 95 also was the first Windows operating system where the Microsoft Plus! add-on pack was included in. Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95 included a dial-up networking server, an Internet Jumpstart Kit, and even more graphical improvements.Also, you can use the following site for your reference -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Microsoft_Windows.
Wikipedia offers a very informative chapter on the history of Windows alone.

Going back, In July 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0. Compared to Windows 95 which was consumer oriented, this latest version was designed for business needs, similar to other NT operating systems. It has the user interface and a graphical environment like that of Windows 95 and even other applications also available in Windows 95. Windows NT 4.0 was also available in both workstation and server computers.

Two years after, Microsoft paved the way for the release of Windows 98. Although there were only minimal changes and revisions from Windows 95, the 98 version was found to be better in terms of stability and reliability. New and improved hardware drivers were included. Access to information over the Internet was also made easier. Later on, Windows 2000 was introduced to the public. This newest edition was the follow-up of Windows NT 4.0 that is why it was also called Windows NT 5.0. Windows 2000 was, according to most users, easier to use, more reliable, and hardware was faster to install.

With the Windows 2000 for the server, Windows Millennium Edition, more commonly known as Windows Me, was also released for computer users at home. This version was an updated and improved Windows 98, and more features were enhanced, including those for the multimedia and the Internet.

Windows XP was by far the longest existing Microsoft operating system, being used from 2001 up to 2007. A year after Windows Me was introduced, Microsoft released Windows XP, with the same usability as that of Windows 95 and others. It also had two different editions: Home and Professional.

Eventually, Windows 2000 was formally replaced by Windows Server 2003, where stronger security was emphasized. It also contained several new features.

Windows Vista is the latest version released for home computer users and even for business consumers. New features on graphics are seen on this version. There are even new versions of some applications like Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer (IE). Security was also enhanced to further the strength of users’ computers.

A history on video? Check it out yourself.
The website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrMNHwmd9Hc
shows a video of how Microsoft Windows has evolved through time.


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