Windows Operating System was launched in 1985 by Microsoft and since then it has been the most popular and user friendly operating system. It was the first Graphical User Interface operating system launched by Microsoft for IBM compatible PCs which were using MS-DOS. Since then it is the dominating computer operating system among the common users around the globe.
The special feature of Windows Operating System is that it can be used by common users easily for the day to day use. Windows doesn’t need any knowledge of commands or coding to use it. Introduction of Microsoft Office tools further powered the strength to the operating system. The first Windows launched in 1985 was Windows 1.0. Windows 10 is the latest version of the operating system which was introduced during 2015.
Windows 1.0
Windows 1.0 was launched on November 20 1985. It is a 16 bit operating system which needed only 1MB storage, which was big ask at that time, to install on the computer. It is the first operating system produced by Microsoft based on Graphical User Interface. It replaced the commands used in MS DOS as graphical interface. The code name of the OS was ‘Interface Manager’.
This version of operating system included the graphical tools such as drop-down menus, dialog boxes, scroll bars and icons. This version of OS included several programs such as Calculator, Notepad, MS-DOS File Management etc. In 1986. Its enhanced version was introduced which needed 2.2MB of memory space in the computer. The operating system went less popular among the computer users. But it laid foundation for the big revolution made by the Windows Operating System.
Windows 2.0
In 1987 Microsoft released Windows 2.0, which was designed for the designed for the Intel 286 processor. This was also a 16 bit OS with desktop icons and expanded memory. The operating system costed less than 2.5MB storage in hard disk. The OS had the code name of ‘Nixa’. The highlight of this version is that Control Panel made its debut in this version.
Microsoft’s second OS allowed applications to overlap one another. It also introduced the “Minimize” and “Maximize” options that remain so central to our use of computers today. This feature laid foundation for multi tasking researches which is the biggest change in modern day computer. As a result sales was also increased to more than the double times of the previous version. It also had a release of an enhanced version during 1989.
Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0 had a bit of revolutionary launch as it contained some special features like managers, games, icon etc in it. Windows 3.0 was launched on May 22 1990 and soon this version became popular. It had the code name of ‘Cedar’ and more than 10 million copies sold for this version which was ten times more than the previous version.
This version is the first release that provides the standard “look and feel” of Microsoft Windows for many years to come. Different Managers like Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager were included in Windows 3.0. This Windows was faster and supported advanced graphics with 16 colors. This version also enhanced some features of networking and computer programming. Windows 3.0 was succeeded by Windows 3.1 which was launched in 1992. With the success of these versions, Windows started to make a mark in Operating Systems field.
Windows NT
Windows NT, which supports advanced engineering and scientific programs, was launched on July 27 1993. maintains consistency with the Windows 3.1, a well-established home and business operating system at the time, the new Windows NT operating system began with version 3.1. Unlike all the previous versions of Windows, it was an 32-bit operating system. The release of Windows NT also brought the curtains down on the Microsoft’s project of developing a new advanced operating system that began in late 1980’s. An enhanced version of this was launched on 1995, providing more protection for data.
Windows 95
Windows 95 was the more enhanced version of Windows compared to all the preceding versions. This was launched on August 24 1995. This operating system got a huge reception than the previous versions as within five weeks of its release, 7 million copies of Windows 95 were sold. It gives full graphical user interface support, integrated a 32-bit TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) stack for built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easy for users to install hardware and software.
The minimum requirements for the OS was a PC with a 386DX or higher processor and at least 4 MB of RAM. The stand out features of this version are- Start Menu, Taskbar, Maximize, Minimize and Close Button appeared for the first time. For Windows 95 the desktop design was given a makeover, significant elements of which adhere to this day. Now, running applications were displayed on the taskbar across the bottom of the screen, while the Start button on the bottom left opened a menu that could also be used to open documents and applications. The OS had a code name of ‘Chicago’ and over 40 million copies were sold.
Windows 98
Windows 98 was the extended version of Windows 95. Windows 98 was specifically designed for consumers as the number of PC users at home and at work were on surge. Windows 98, which was launched on June 25 1998, was more faster, more steadier and had the ability to open and close programs quickly. This edition of Windows contained more improved features like support for reading DVD disc and USBs.
The operating system also gave a special feature called ‘Quick Launch’ which is a most popular GUI feature in the Windows operating system. Its most visible feature, though, is the Active Desktop, which integrates the Web browser (Internet Explorer) with the operating system. The operating system had the iconic startup sound for Windows 98. The OS had the code name of ‘Memphis’.
Windows ME
Windows Millennium Edition was launched in between Windows 98 and Windows 2000. “Windows Me” was an update to the Windows 98 core and included some features of the Windows 2000 operating system. This edition of operating system was made targeting the casual users. It included Internet Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and Windows Movie Maker software.
The operating system was called with an code name of ‘Millennium’. In market a very number of copies were sold compared to the previous nearby editions and often it is referred to as ‘Mistake Edition’ in PC world. In this version, System Restore was introduced for the first time. This important feature enabled the user to roll back the PC to last know good configuration before a problem occurred. Windows Me happened to be the last operating system to be based on Windows 95 code.
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 was launched in February 2000 and it was the first Windows Operating System which was designed with more than one edition. Windows 2000 had four editions namely, Professional (for business desktop and laptop systems), Server (both a Web server and an office server), Advanced Server (for line-of-business applications) and Data center Server (for high-traffic computer networks). Windows 2000 Professional version was designed with an intention to replace all the previous versions on all business desktops. Windows 2000 was based on Windows NT 4.0 Workstation Code.
It came out with a large number of improvements in reliability, internet capability, support for mobile computing, support for advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices etc. It is often named as ‘Odyssey’ with the code name. The OS had a warm reception as more than one million copies were sold during the first month of its release. But Windows 2000 would fall victim to several virus attacks, including the notorious Code Red.
Windows XP
Windows made a come back into the PC market with Windows XP after the failure in Windows 2000 due to the virus attack. It was one of the best-selling products ever in the history of Microsoft (nearly 400 million copies in five years), was launched on October 25 2001 in 25 languages. Along with a redesigned look and feel to the user interface, the new operating system is built on the Windows 2000 kernel, giving the user a more stable and reliable environment than previous versions of Windows. Windows XP comes in two versions, Home and Professional.
It introduced a more intuitive user interface, better hardware support, and more multimedia capabilities. This OS was named as ‘Whistler’ in code name. Accessing different screens, Handling the Control Panel, Start Menu, Taskbar became more spontaneous. Much focus was put on security updates in this edition to counter the virus and hackers attacks. Windows XP also provided Help and Support feature. The OS was made with using more than 45 millions lines of code.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista Came more than 5 years after it’s predecessor Windows XP, Vista is the longest timeline break for Microsoft between two operating system. Windows Vista, which was regarded as the most secure operating system, was launched in 2006 in 35 languages. Enhancements were made to the Windows Media Player as digital media became the center of attraction. The taskbar and Start button got a brand new look in this edition. User Account Control, BitLocker Drive Encryption were provided to protect the system data.
Windows Vista focused more on connecting the hardware devices easily to the computer. New in this version was capabilities to detect hardware problems before they occur, security features to protect against the latest generation of threats, faster start-up time and low power consumption of the new sleep state. In many cases, Windows Vista is noticeably more responsive than Windows XP on identical hardware. The OS was named with a code name of ‘longhorn’.
Windows 7
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 (which itself had followed Windows XP). Windows 7 was released in conjunction with Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7’s server counterpart. It was code named as ‘Blackcomb’.
Enhancements and new features in Windows 7 include multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8, 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. The interface with the introduction of live thumbnail previews was simple and interesting to use. Windows 7 is available in mainly 6 editions- Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.
Windows 8
Windows 8 was the latest version of Windows from Microsoft which was launched for Tablets, Laptops and PCs. This version is completely different from the previous versions. This iteration contains some of the biggest changes Microsoft has made to their operating system since Windows 95. It features new programming and technology that makes run faster than the previous versions. It also has a more streamlined look and feel. The interface is completely redesigned, and the Live Tiles were introduced which provided the rich viewing experience for the user. 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. It was code named as ‘Jupiter’. Along with Windows 8, Windows RT was launched for Tablets and PCs. It was designed to run the apps exclusively from Windows Store.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s Windows successor to Windows 8. Windows 10 debuted on July 29, 2015. Microsoft claims Windows 10 features fast start up and resume, built-in security and the return of the Start Menu in an expanded form. This version of Windows will also feature Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s new browser. Any qualified device (such as tablets, PCs, smartphones and Xbox consoles) can upgrade to Windows 10. Windows 10 is widely considered the most secure enterprise operating system ever.
Microsoft Windows 10 integrated support for multi factor authentication technologies, such as smart cards and tokens. In addition, Windows Hello brought bio metric authentication to Windows 10, allowing users to log in with a fingerprint scan, iris scan or facial recognition technology. The operating system also includes virtualization-based security tools such as Isolated User Mode, Windows Defender Device Guard and Windows Defender Credential Guard. These Windows 10 features keep data, processes and user credentials isolated in an attempt to limit the damage from any attacks.
