A history of Windows operating system versions for 30 years

Tram Ho

overview

Microsoft Windows was first introduced with version 1.0 on November 20, 1985. Since its launch, there have been more than a dozen variants of Windows with the current version being Windows 10. This article shows We have an overview of the 30-year journey of Windows since its first launch.

When it comes to an operating system, Windows or win is an operating system created by Microsoft, it provides the user with an interface, called Graphical User Interface (GUI), for computer systems. Windows eliminates the hassle of having to remember commands for the command line (MS-DOS) through using the mouse to navigate through menus, dialog boxes, buttons, tabs, and icons.

Available Windows versions

Windows 1.0

This was the first version released on November 20, 1985. Microsoft worked with Apple Computer to build this application for the original Macintosh (the first personal computer with a GUI).

When Windows 1.0 starts, it starts MS-DOS Executive. MS-DOS Executive is like File Manager or Explorer, besides it doesn’t have any icons and doesn’t have drag and drop features. Programs and folders can be opened by double-clicking.

Windows 2.0

The second version of Windows was released in 1987, which is an improved version based on Windows 1.0. This new version has added windows that can be stacked and allows to minimize windows to switch between the desktop with the mouse.

In this version, Windows 2.0 included Microsoft Word and Excel applications. Now Word and Excel were the graphics applications competing with then-rivals WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft applications needed a graphical interface to run properly, so Microsoft integrated them with Windows.

There aren’t many Windows-compatible applications right now. The only notable exception is the Aldus PageMaker program.

Windows 3.0

Released in 1990. Microsoft made their interface much nicer. Windows 3.0 has improved the Windows body, command buttons, and additional features. Its good color rendering makes it ready for photo editing. The programs were launched through the new Program Manager, and the new File Manager replaced the old MS-DOS Executive program in file management. There is also a Protected / Enhanced mode that allows native Windows applications to use more memory than their DOS operating system.

Windows 3.1

Windows 3.1, released in 1992 was the main widely used version of Microsoft Windows at the time, however, from a user interface point of view, Windows 3.1 didn’t introduce much new in comparison to Windows 3.0.

Windows For Workgroup 3.1

Also released in 1992, Windows for Workgroups 3.1 (originally codenamed Winball and then Sparta). Originally developed as an add-on to Windows 3.1, it does add necessary drivers and protocols (TCP / IP) for peer-to-peer networking. This is the Windows version suitable for the corporate environment.

Windows NT

Released in 1993. Instead of Windows NT as a simple upgrade to Windows For Workgroup 3.1, it is a true 32-bit operating system designed for network-connected organizations. (Client versions are maintained on 16-bit operating systems).

Windows NT is also a member of Microsoft’s OS / 2 development cooperation with IBM. However, when the relationship between IBM and Microsoft collapsed, IBM continued with OS / 2, while Microsoft changed the version name of OS / 2 to Windows NT.

Windows 95

Windows 95, released in August 1995, was Microsoft’s first hybrid consumer 32-bit operating system. While a lot of its internal software is 16-bit and a large amount is mainly based on older Windows 3.1, Windows 95’s capabilities surpass those of Windows 3.1 with Win32.

Windows 95 also revolutionized the PC interface by moving from Program Manager to Explorer desktop shell. Windows 95 is significantly simpler for first-time users, and it’s hugely loved by the GUI itself.

Windows 98

Windows 98, also named the year of its release (1998), is a revolutionary change from its predecessor. Its appearance is much nicer than Windows 95, and it even has many useful improvements inside. The improvements here include support for USB, network tethering, and the FAT32 file system, all of which are worthwhile, but don’t overwhelm the world as the launch of Windows 95. .

Microsoft released an upgraded “Second Edition” version of Windows 98 in 1999. This version has few notable changes, but only most patches.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 launched on February 17, 2000. Windows 2000 is an evolution from the basic NT platform, and aimed at the enterprise market, this release also eliminates the need for multiple reboots when Use software settings or change system settings. Windows 2000 was very successful and welcomed by businesses, of course, personal computers could fully use Windows 2000 at that time. Windows 2000 comes in 5 different versions from Professional to Server, Advanced Server or Datacenter Server and Small Business Server. All of these versions run very stable and inherited features from Windows 95, 98 so it has a nice interface compared to that time.

Windows ME

Windows Millennium Edition, also released in 2000, was the last in the DOS-based Windows product line. Like Windows 95 and Windows 98, it uses a hybrid 16/32 bit kernel that runs on MS-DOS 8.0.

Although Windows ME still runs on DOS platform, similar to previous versions of Windows, it is easy to crack and the system crashes easily. This has caused many customers and businesses to ignore this upgrade entirely.

Windows XP

On October 25, 2001 a legend was born, that is Windows XP, it can be said that this is a legend of all operating systems, the most popular version of the divine. The combination can be used in either corporate or private environments. With a polished interface, for the first time, the 64-bit concept was also used instead of 32-bit as other versions. Divided into many versions such as Home Edition or XP Professional, versions such as Media Center Edition or XP Tablet PC Edition and XP Starter Edition are for personal use. Windows XP is an operating system with a colorful interface, security improvements, and high compatibility compared to previous versions.

This was the first version in which Microsoft brought trust in the business line to the customer market – and brought friendliness into the enterprise marketplace. XP has the best blend of Windows 95/98 / Me versions with 32-bit manipulation of Windows NT / 2000 and a revamped user interface. In essence it can be assumed that XP was incorporating the interface of Windows 95/98 / Me into the NT / 2000 core, bypassing the DOS code base that had appeared in previous client versions of Windows.

Windows Vista

Released in 2007, this version of Windows evolved the features of XP and added security and reliability, improved digital media functionality, and the beautiful Aero 3D graphical user interface. But running this advanced interface requires highly configurable computers, and for this reason Vista is limited in its ability to upgrade from many older computers.

Vista is designed to run safer and better than Windows XP. However one of the security features: User Account Control, which contributes to interrupt the normal operation of the user when the program is executed by windows that require permission to appear too much. users proved very annoyed.

Even worse, many users have had problems upgrading their old devices to Vista. Many older peripherals do not have Vista compatible drivers (this can be a problem with any Windows upgrade), but there are some programs running on XP that may not work properly in the environment. Vista.

On April 11, 2017, the operating system was officially terminated.

Windows 7

To change and correct for the failure of its predecessor Vista, the release of Windows 7 in October 2009 is a worthwhile upgrade and is used so far because of its high compatibility and map. beautiful illustration.

For the first time, the Driver concept was forgotten when Windows 7 supports a lot of devices, Main types and this is also one of the strengths of Windows 7. Moreover, with a clear, clear and beautiful interface than Windows Vista Not to mention that Windows 7 runs stably and is lighter than the previous version, making this operating system successful.

The Control Panel system in Windows 7 is also great for the user as you can customize everything. Outside of the Windows 7 Desktop has made its operating system so minimal that anyone can use it.

This version has attracted a lot of praise from analysts, helping Microsoft assert its position in the face of the threat of the operating system platform from Apple.

Windows 8 / 8.1

Windows 8 was officially released on October 26, 2012. Windows 8 is a completely redesigned working system that supports the use of the touch screen and allows PCs to load and start much faster.

There’s a lot of debate about the success or failure of Windows 8, but it’s undeniable when the Start button is removed is a disaster. Although in the next update, Microsoft updated the functionality of MenuStart, but the default Windows Title interface gave users a lot of headache, along with that the Windows Store application store was not really developed, the interface was not yet. Visualization also makes a lot of users wonder when giving up the previous version to Windows 8, especially when it is no better than Windows 7, the Windows Store app store occupies the entire screen and does not run the software well. Traditional PC, many core settings have been hidden … which made this version a failure of not being able to get customers to leave the version before they were too satisfied with it.

Windows 10

Windows 10 officially launched on July 29, 2015 to replace Windows 8 / 8.1. Microsoft hopes to be able to delight users more with a series of new features. Windows 10 is probably the most tested and updated version in a short time. With so many names and version numbers, users feel quite confused @@.

Windows 10 is appreciated a lot higher than previous versions. The interface, features were practical and better served users, whether for work or play. The new features as well as the improvements that Windows 10 bring just a few lines are not enough to describe. Currently users can download Windows 10 updates to experience the fascinating features that this operating system brings.

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Source : Viblo