The Evolution of Windows

Before Windows, computers existed, but were challenging to use; you had to know DOS. But today, believe it or not, kids currently graduating college have had access to Windows based operating systems since their infancy.

The next big step in evolution for Microsoft Windows OSs is Windows 7. But well before Windows 7 was in beta stage, Microsoft was hard at work fine tuning Windows based operating systems for over 20 years. The rapid evolution of the Windows OS slowly transformed the computer from the confounding tech of scientists and engineers to an indispensable every day gadget.

The Origin of Windows

1983 – First version of Windows is announced.

1985 – Windows 1.0 is released, introducing tiled windows and a graphical user interface. Mouse prompts and bitmap displays come into use as well as the ability to run more than one application at once.

1987 – Windows 2.0 released. Inter–application communication, improved graphics support, the ability to overlap windows and the first windows based applications are developed.

1990 – Windows 3.0 emerges with improved graphics with 16 color ability and icons. File, print and program managers included.

The NT Years

1993 – Windows NT 3.1 released. NT stands for New Technology and was a 32–bit OS. First OS to unite support for high–end, client and server business applications with security features.

1993 – Windows for Workgroups 3.11 supported peer to peer workgroups and networks.

1994 – Windows NT Workstation 3.5 appears with more security, OpenGL graphics standard and more.

The Modern Era

1995 – Windows 95 is released. This is likely the first OS that most people remember using. It added more Internet and mobile capacities, dial–up networking, plug and play abilities and enhanced 32–bit operating.

1996 – Windows NT Workstation 4.0, included the Windows 95 interface with increased networking and administration abilities.

1998 – Windows 98 is released and is an upgrade to Windows 95.

1999 – Windows 98 Second Edition or Windows SE emerges with improved hardware and Internet abilities.

2000 – Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) appears for home use.

2000 – Windows 2000 Professional released as an improvement over the NT business OSs with improved networking and the ability to work with wireless products or connections.

The XP Age

2001 – Windows XP is released. XP stands for experience. Has added multimedia abilities, a new interface and increased multi–tasking support.

2001 – Windows XP Professional appears. This XP OS is still in use in an upgraded form.

2001 – Windows XP Home Edition is released for home users and is currently available in its upgraded form.

2001 – Windows XP Home Edition emerges for 64–bit computing.

2002 – Media Center appears for home entertainment use.

2002 – Windows XP Tablet PC Edition appears for tablet PC use.

The Vista Epoch

2007 – Vista is released with the intention of eventually replacing all XP versions of Windows. Vista was unstable upon release and was not immediately accepted by the mainstream market. Despite flaws, Vista built upon Window’s past, Vista providing enhanced security features, smoother integration with hardware, and a retooled, more graphically intense user interface.

2008 – Service Pack 1 is released for Windows Vista. SP1 effectively eliminated the lingering bugs of Vista and the OS blossomed into an effective performer.

2009 – Service Pack 2 enters beta testing and heralds the imminent arrival of Windows 7.
The Dawn of Windows 7

2009 – The Windows 7 Beta is released for public download. Users had a chance to experiment with upcoming technologies. Windows 7’s user interface emphasizes multitasking, touchscreen technology and general usability. Much to the community’s delight, Windows 7 will be much more forgiving as far as system requirements are concerned.

Windows 7 is slated for release sometime in mid 2009. Read our review of the Windows 7 Beta in the meantime.

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References

Microsoft Corporation. (2007). Windows History: Windows Desktop Products History. Retrieved August 25, 2007, from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryDesktop.mspx

Microsoft Corporation. (2007). Windows History: Windows Desktop Timeline. Retrieved August 25, 2007, from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/WinHistoryProGraphic.mspx