A History of Microsoft Windows OS

MIS: History of Microsoft Operating System

A history of Windows: Highlights from the first 25 years 1975 –1981: Microsoft boots up

Getting started: Microsoft co-founders Paul Allen (left) and Bill Gates

It’s the 1970s. At work, we rely on typewriters. If we need to copy a document, we likely

use a mimeograph or carbon paper. Few have heard of microcomputers, but two young computer enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, see that personal computing is a path to the future. In 1975, Gates and Allen form a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft begins small, but has a huge vision —a computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoft begins to change the ways we work. The dawn of MS-DOS

In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire Gates’ former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to

help run the company. The next month, IBM approaches Microsoft about a project codenamed "Chess." In response, Microsoft focuses on a new operating system—the software that manages, or runs, the computer hardware and also serves to bridge the gap between the computer hardware and programs, such as a word processor. It’s the

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foundation on which computer programs can run. They name their new operating system "MS-DOS." When the IBM PC running MS-DOS ships in 1981, it introduces a whole new language to the general public. Typing ―C:‖ and various cryptic commands gradually becomes part

of daily work. People discover the backslash (\) key. MS-DOS is effective, but also proves difficult to understand for many people. There has to be a better way to build an operating system. Geek trivia: MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System. History of Microsoft Operating Systems Timeline


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History of Microsoft Operating Systems Timeline Microsoft has been effective in Operating Systems bazar since 1980. From the start Microsoft divided Operating System into two family lines. The one is MS DOS family and the other is Windows NT. Each family line has multiple families like as windows 3.x,9x,NT 3x, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8. And also in Server’s

section Windows Server 2003 is the new edition in the Windows family. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operation System): The Began IBM came up to Microsoft in regarding developing a new OS for their computers machines in 1980s. That’s before; Microsoft had never created any Operating System before. Tim Paterson created the OS for IBM on ―Quick and Dirty Operating

System(QDOS). That he sold to Microsoft for $50000, and Microsoft modify that and sold it to IBM under the name ―Personal Computer Disk Operating System‖ (PC -DOS).

Microsoft keeps hold on the rights of the OS. The allowed them to market the OS to vendors other than IBM under the name Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS). MS-DOS was officially released in 1981. 1982 –1985: Introducing Windows 1.0

Microsoft works on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager is the code name and is considered as the final name, but Windows prevails because it best


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describes the boxes or computing ―windows‖ that are fundamental to the new system.

Windows is announced in 1983, but it takes a while to develop. Skeptics call it ―vaporware.‖

The fully-packaged Windows 1.0 On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0. Now, rather than typing MS-DOS commands, you just move a mouse to point and click your way through screens, or ―windows.‖ Bill Gates says, ―It is unique software designed for the serious PC user…‖

There are drop-down menus, scroll bars, icons, and dialog boxes that make programs easier to learn and use. You're able to switch among several programs without having to quit and restart each one. Windows 1.0 ships with several programs, including MS-DOS file management, Paint, Windows Writer, Notepad, Calculator, and a calendar, card file, and clock to help you manage day-to- day activities. There’s even a game— Reversi. Geek trivia: Remember floppy disks and kilobytes? Windows 1.0 requires a minimum of 256 kilobytes (KB), two double-sided floppy disk drives, and a graphics adapter card. A hard disk and 512 KB memory is recommended for running multiple programs or when using DOS 3.0 or higher.


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1987 –1992: Windows 2.0 –2.11—More windows, more speed

On December 9, 1987 Microsoft releases Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and expanded memory. With improved graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work. Some software developers write their first Windows –based programs for this release.

Windows 2.0 Windows 2.0 is designed for the Intel 286 processor. When the Intel 386 processor is released, Windows/386 soon follows to take advantage of its extended memory capabilities. Subsequent Windows releases continue to improve the speed, reliability, and usability of the PC. In 1988, Microsoft becomes the world’s largest PC software company based on sales. Computers are starting to become a part of daily life for some office workers.


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Geek trivia: Control Panel makes its first appearance in Windows 2.0. 1990 –1994: Windows 3.0 –Windows NT—Getting the graphics

On May 22, 1990, Microsoft announces Windows 3.0, followed shortly by Windows 3.1 in 1992. Taken together, they sell 10 million copies in their first 2 years, making this the most widely used Windows operating system yet. The scale of this success causes Microsoft to revise earlier plans. Virtual Memory improves visual graphics. In 1990 Windows starts to look like the versions to come. Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons. A new wave of 386 PCs helps drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, programs run noticeably faster. Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager arrive in Windows 3.0.

Bill Gates shows the newly-released Windows 3.0


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Windows software is installed with floppy discs bought in large boxes with heavy instruction manuals. The popularity of Windows 3.0 grows with the release of a new Windows software development kit (SDK), which helps software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers. Windows is increasingly used at work and home and now includes games like Solitaire, Hearts, and Minesweeper. An advertisement: ―Now you can use the incredible power of Windows 3.0 to goof off.‖ Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support and, for the first time, PCs become an integral part of the emerging client/server computing evolution. Windows NT

When Windows NT releases on July 27, 1993, Microsoft meets an important milestone: the completion of a project begun in the late 1980s to build an advanced new operating system from scratch. "Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements," Bill Gates says at its release. Unlike Windows 3.1, however, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system, which makes it a strategic business platform that supports high-end engineering and scientific programs. Geek trivia: The group that develops Windows NT was originally called the "Portable Systems" team.


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1995 –2001: Windows 95—the PC comes of age (and don't forget the Internet)

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft releases Windows 95, selling a record-setting 7 million copies in the first five weeks. It’s the most publicized launch Microsoft has ever taken

on. Television commercials feature the Rolling Stones singing "Start Me Up" over images of the new Start button. The press rel ease simply begins: ―It’s here.‖

Launch day: Bill Gates introduces Windows 95

This is the era of fax/modems, e-mail, the new online world, and dazzling multimedia games and educational software. Windows 95 has built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that make it easy to install hardware


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and software. The 32-bit operating system also offers enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile computing, and integrated networking. At the time of the Windows 95 release, the previous Windows and MS-DOS operating systems are running on about 80 percent of the world’s PCs. Windows 95 is the

upgrade to these operating systems. To run Windows 95, you need a PC with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended) and at least 4 MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM recommended). Upgrade versions are available for both floppy disk and CD-ROM formats. It’s available in 12 languages.

Windows 95 features the first appearance of the Start menu, taskbar, and minimize, maximize, and close buttons on each window.

Windows 95 Catching the Internet wave

In the early 1990s, tech insiders are talking about the Internet —a network of networks that has the power to connect computers all over the world. In 1995, Bill Gates delivers a memo titled ―The Internet Tidal Wave,‖ and declares the Internet as ―the most important development since the advent of the PC.‖

In the summer of 1995, the first version of Internet Explorer is released. The browser joins those already vying for space on the World Wide Web. Geek trivia: In 1996, Microsoft releases Flight Simulator for Windows 95 —the first time in its 14-year history that it’s available for Windows.


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1998 –2000: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me Windows 98

Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. PCs are common at work and home, and Internet cafes where you can get online are popping up. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that ―Works Better, Plays Better.‖ With Windows 98, you can find information more easily on your PC as well as the Internet. Other improvements include the ability to open and close programs more quickly, and support for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices. Another first appearance is the Quick Launch bar, which lets you run programs without having to browse the Start menu or look for them on the desktop. Geek trivia: Windows 98 is the last version based on MS-DOS.


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Windows 98 Windows Me

Designed for home computer use, Windows Me offers numerous music, video, and home networking enhancements and reliability improvements compared to previous versions. First appearances: System Restore, a feature that can roll back your PC software configuration to a date or time before a problem occurred. Movie Maker provides users with the tools to digitally edit, save, and share home videos. And with Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 technologies, you can find, organize, and play digital media. Geek trivia: Technically speaking, Windows Me was the last Microsoft operating system to be based on the Windows 95 code base. Microsoft announced that all future operating system products would be based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernel.


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Windows 2000 Professional

Windows 2000 Professional

More than just the upgrade to Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional is designed to replace Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Built on top of the proven Windows NT Workstation 4.0 code base, Windows 2000 adds major improvements in reliability, ease of use, Internet compatibility, and support for mobile computing. Among

other

improvements,

Windows 2000

Professional

simplifies

hardware

installation by adding support for a wide variety of new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices, and infrared devices. Geek trivia: The nightly stress test performed on Windows 2000 during development is the equivalent of three months of run time on up to 1,500 computers.


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2001 –2005: Windows XP—Stable, usable, and fast

On October 25, 2001, Windows XP is released with a redesigned look and feel that's centered on usability and a unified Help and Support services center. It’s available in 25

languages. From the mid-1970s until the release of Windows XP, about 1 billion PCs have been shipped worldwide. For Microsoft, Windows XP will become one of its best-selling products in the coming years. It’s both fast and stable. Navigating the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel

are more intuitive. Awareness of computer viruses and hackers increases, but fears are to a certain extent calmed by the online delivery of security updates. Consumers begin to understand warnings about suspicious attachments and viruses. There’s more

emphasis on Help and Support.

Ship it: Windows XP Professional rolls to retail stores


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Windows XP Home Edition offers a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently used features more accessible. Designed for home use, Windows XP offers such enhancements as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo capabilities. Windows XP Professional brings the solid foundation of Windows 2000 to the PC desktop, enhancing reliability, security, and performance. With a fresh visual design, Windows XP Professional includes features for business and advanced home computing, including remote desktop support, an encrypting file system, and system restore and advanced networking features. Key enhancements for mobile users include wireless 802.1x networking support, Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance. Windows XP has several editions during these years: 

Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001) is the first Microsoft operating system for 64-bit processors designed for working with large amounts of memory and projects such as movie special effects, 3D animations, engineering, and scientific programs.



Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002) is made for home computing and entertainment. You can browse the Internet, watch live television, enjoy digital music and video collections, and watch DVDs.

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Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002) realizes the vision of pen-based computing. Tablet PCs include a digital pen for handwriting recognition and you can use the mouse or keyboard, too.

Geek trivia: Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code.


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2006 –2008: Windows Vista —Smart on security

Windows Vista is released in 2006 with the strongest security system yet. User Account Control helps prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate, BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection for your computer, as laptop sales and security needs increase. Windows Vista also features enhancements to Windows Media Player as more and more people come to see their PCs as central locations for digital media. Here you can watch television, view and send photographs, and edit videos.

Windows Vista Ultimate


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Design plays a big role in Windows Vista, and features such as the taskbar and the borders around windows get a brand new look. Search gets new emphasis and helps people find files on their PCs faster. Windows Vista introduces new editions that each have a different mix of features. It's available in 35 languages. The redesigned Start button makes its first appearance in Windows Vista. Geek trivia: More than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista at launch. 2009: Windows 7

Windows 7 was built for the wireless world that arose in the late 2000s. By the time it was released, laptops were outselling desktops, and it had become common to connect to public wireless hotspots in coffee shops and private networks in the home. Windows 7 included new ways to work with windows —like Snap, Peek, and Shake— which both improved functionality and made the interface more fun to use. It also marked the debut of Windows Touch, which let touchscreen users browse the web, flip through photos, and open files and folders.


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Improvements to the Windows 7 taskbar include live thumbnail previews

Geek trivia: Windows 7 was evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide before it was released. 2012: Windows 8

Windows 8 is Windows reimagined from the chipset to the user experience. It functions as both a tablet for entertainment and a full-featured PC for getting things done. It introduces a totally new interface that works smoothly for both touch and mouse and keyboard. Windows 8 also includes enhancements of the familiar Windows desktop, with a new taskbar and streamlined file management. Windows 8 features a Start screen with tiles that connect to people, files, apps, and websites. Apps are front and center, with access to a new place to get apps —the Windows Store—built right in to the Start screen.


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Along with Windows 8, Microsoft also launched Windows RT, which runs on some tablets and PCs. Windows RT is designed for sleek devices and long battery life, and exclusively runs apps from the Windows Store. It also comes with a built-in version of Office that's optimized for touchscreens. Geek trivia: Power users will notice that Windows 8 has made the detection and correction of file system errors both more transparent and less intrusive. Facts: Microsoft Windows history Year

Event

1983 Bill Gates announces Microsoft Windows November 10, 1983. 1985

1987

1987

1988

1990

1991

1991

1992

Microsoft Windows 1.0 is introduced in November 20, 1985 and is initially sold for $100.00. Microsoft Windows 2.0 was released December 9, 1987 and is initially sold for $100.00. Microsoft Windows/386 or Windows 386 is introduced December 9, 1987 and is initially sold for $100.00. Microsoft Windows/286 or Windows 286 is introduced June, 1988 and is initially sold for $100.00. Microsoft Windows 3.0 was released May, 22 1990. Microsoft Windows 3.0 full version was priced at $149.95 and the upgrade version was priced at $79.95. Following its decision not to develop operating systems cooperatively with IBM, Microsoft changes the name of OS/2 to Windows NT. Microsoft Windows 3.0 or Windows 3.0a with multimedia was released October, 1991. Microsoft Windows 3.1 was released April, 1992 and sells more than 1 Million copies within the first two months of its release.

1992 Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1 was released October, 1992. 1993 Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 was released July 27, 1993.


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1993

1993

Microsoft Windows 3.11, an update to Windows 3.1 is released December 31, 1993. The number of licensed users of Microsoft Windows now totals more than 25 Million.

1994 Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was released February, 1994. 1994 Microsoft Windows NT 3.5 was released September 21, 1994. 1995 Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 was released May 30, 1995. 1995

1995

Microsoft Windows 95 was released August 24, 1995 and sells more than 1 Million copies within 4 days. Microsoft Windows 95 Service Pack 1 (4.00.950A) is released February 14, 1996.

1996 Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 was released July 29, 1996. 1996

Microsoft Windows 95 (4.00.950B) aka OSR2 with FAT32 and MMX support is released August 24, 1996.

1996 Microsoft Windows CE 1.0 was released November, 1996. 1997 Microsoft Windows CE 2.0 was released November, 1997. 1997

Microsoft Windows 95 (4.00.950C) aka OSR2.5 is released November 26, 1997.

1998 Microsoft Windows 98 was released June, 1998. 1998 Microsoft Windows CE 2.1 was released July, 1998. In October of 1998 Microsoft announced that future releases of Windows NT 1998 would no longer have the initials of NT and that the next edition would be Windows 2000. 1999 Microsoft Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released May 5, 1999. 1999 Microsoft Windows CE 3.0 was released 1999. 2000

On January 4th at CES Bill Gates announces the new version of Windows CE will be called Pocket PC.

2000 Microsoft Windows 2000 was released February 17, 2000.


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2000 Microsoft Windows ME (Millennium) released June 19, 2000. 2001 Microsoft Windows XP is released October 25, 2001. 2001

Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition (Version 2002) for Itanium systems is released March 28, 2003.

2003 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is released March 28, 2003. 2003

2003

2004

Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition (Version 2003) for Itanium 2 systems is released on March 28, 2003. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2003 is released on December 18, 2003. Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is released on October 12, 2004.

2005 Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is released on April 24, 2005. 2005

2006

2007

Microsoft announces it's next operating system, codenamed "Longhorn" will be named Windows Vista on July 23, 2005. Microsoft releases Microsoft Windows Vista to corporations on November 30, 2006. Microsoft releases Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 to the general public January 30, 2007.

2009 Microsoft releases Windows 7 October 22, 2009. 2012 Microsoft releases Windows 8 October 26, 2012.

Reference: 1. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/history 2. http://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/visitorcenter/timeline.htm


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A History of Microsoft Windows OS

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