A history of Windows
Highlights from the first 25 years
1975–1981: Microsoft boots up
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 code-named "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
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.
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 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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
release simply begins: “It’s here.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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