On this occasion, we'll take a look at how the most widely used operating system in the world, Windows, has evolved with each version, starting from Windows 1.0 to the current Windows 11. First, we'll talk about the concept of Windows and when it first appeared.
What is Windows?
Windows, MS Windows, or Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems for personal computers, smartphones, and other computing systems, created and marketed by the American company Microsoft for various system architectures (such as x86 and ARM).
Windows is, more than an operating system itself, a series of distributions of MS-DOS (MicroSoft Disk Operating System) or Windows NT, the company's former operating systems, framed within a visual operating environment based on the virtual reproduction of a desktop and other office implements, such as folders, files, and even a recycle bin.
Windows first appeared in 1985, as a step forward in the modernization of MS-DOS toward graphical user interfaces (GUI). Since then, it has become the most widely used operating system in the world, capturing virtually the entire available market share (90%) for years.
Windows offered its users a growing variety of available and updated versions of the program, with notable differences in appearance, stability, and performance. The introduction of the Internet also allowed for automatic software updates anywhere in the world.
Windows 1.0
On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0 was launched. It was a 16-bit operating system created by Microsoft. Its requirements were that the computer had certain features to be compatible and execute commands correctly, including RAM, which had to be at least 320 KB, a floppy disk drive, and a graphics card. This system used to cost $99. It took 55 programmers to complete its creation, but users considered it a system riddled with errors and flaws. It was also described as having an ugly and very slow design, so its interface was unremarkable in any way.
Windows 2.0
On December 9, 1987, Windows 2.0 was released. It featured several improvements to the user interface and memory management, and introduced new keyboard shortcuts. It could also make use of expanded memory.
Windows 3.0
On May 22, 1990, Windows 3.0 was announced, followed by Windows 3.1 in 1992. It was a huge success and featured a significantly improved user interface over previous versions of Windows, as well as new technical improvements to make better use of memory management capabilities. Windows now also includes games such as Solitaire, Hearts, and Minesweeper. On July 27, 1993, Windows NT was released, representing nothing less than a fundamental change in the way companies could address their business computing requirements. Unlike Windows 3.1, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system.
Windows 95
On August 24, 1995, Windows 95 was released. It featured built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new features to make installing hardware and software easier. The 32-bit operating system also offered improved multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile devices, and integrated networking. This system was available in 12 different languages. It also marked the first appearance of the Start menu, the taskbar, and the minimize, maximize, and close buttons on each window.
Windows 98
On June 25, 1998, Windows 98 was released, a minor revision of Windows 95. This is an improved version compared to the previous version. Windows 98 incorporates all the new features introduced between 1995 and 1998. The major improvements in Windows 98 aren't visually noticeable, and they can even be subtle, but the real improvements were in the internal structure of the operating system.
Windows ME (2000)
Windows ME (Millennium Edition) is a 32-bit graphical operating system released on September 14, 2000, by Microsoft. It is an update to Windows 98 that borrows some features from Windows 2000, but is geared toward home or small business computing. It improved some security and functionality aspects. However, this version introduced several compatibility issues. It also presents some problems with older hardware for which driver updates are not available.
Windows XP
On October 25, 2001, Windows XP was released with a redesigned look and feel focused on usability and a unified Help and Support center. It is fast and stable. Navigation in the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel is more intuitive. It also offers a sleek, simplified visual design that makes frequently used features more accessible. Designed for home use, Windows XP offers improvements such as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and improved digital photography capabilities.
Windows Vista
Windows Vista was released on January 30, 2007. The release of Windows Vista came more than five years after the introduction of Windows XP. At the time, it featured a robust security system, providing better data protection for your computer. The taskbar and borders around windows have a completely new look. Search has a new emphasis, helping people find files on their computers more quickly. Windows Vista also introduced improvements to Windows Media Player, allowing you to view photos, edit videos, and more.
Windows 7
Windows 7 was released on October 22, 2009. This system includes numerous updates, including improvements in speech, touch, and handwriting recognition, support for virtual disks, improved power management, improved performance on multi-core processors, improved boot speed, and kernel enhancements. New features such as Aero Snap were also included. This feature allows you to resize two windows so you can view them simultaneously.
Windows 8
Windows 8 was initially released on October 26, 2012. It's a revamped operating system featuring a completely new interface that works seamlessly with touch, mouse, and keyboard functionality. It also includes improvements to the familiar Windows desktop, with a new taskbar and streamlined file management. However, following its release, many users complained that it was a confusing and unintuitive system, so Microsoft decided to release a new version called Windows 8.1, which includes new features and also fixes several of the bugs from the previous version.
Windows 10
Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015. The user interface was revamped with a flatter design, live tiles, and larger information tiles. Additionally, the background color adjusts to the system and the wallpaper currently set, with a slight touch of transparency. It also introduces Task View, a virtual desktop system, the new Microsoft Edge web browser, and other new or updated applications. It includes new security features for business environments, new improvements, improved performance, and improved graphics capabilities.
Windows 11 is the name of the most recent version of the Windows operating system developed by Microsoft, and is the successor to the previous version of the operating system, Windows 10, released in 2015. It was officially released on October 5, 2021, as a free upgrade via Windows Update to Windows 10 for those computers that meet certain compatible technical specifications of the new operating system.
Microsoft promoted that Windows 11 would have improved performance and usability over Windows 10. It features major changes to the Windows Shell influenced by the canceled Windows 10X, including a redesigned Start menu and the replacement of its live tiles.
