Majority of computer users in the world use Microsoft’s operating system (OS) called Windows. By August 2012, Windows 7 and Windows XP topped the market share of OS users worldwide with 54.5% and 24.8%, respectively.
But do you know how the first Windows OS looked like?
Since its launch in the early ‘80s, a lot of significant changes and upgrades have been made for the Windows OS to appear the way it does now. Thanks to the fast-evolving technology of today, it is now possible to do the things we do with our computers, whereas these were mere ideas and visions in the past.
Here is a brief summary of how Microsoft Windows became what it is now:
Microsoft Starts with MS-DOS
Bill Gates and Paul Allen started Microsoft in 1975 with the vision of delivering computers to every home in the world. They started working on an operating system that would function as the “bridge” between hardware and software.
In the early‘80s, MS-DOS was created. It proved to be very useful, but is still very difficult to understand by most users.
The Birth of Windows (1.0 – 3.1)
The first Windows OS was released in November 1985. This is where it all started. Unlike in DOS where you type commands on prompts, Windows introduced the use of a mouse—which is pretty much a necessity with desktop computers nowadays. The latter versions included more programs and upgrades, such as expanded memory, improved graphics, and keyboard shortcuts.
Introducing Windows NT
Microsoft released Windows NT in 1993, which targeted the business world. Unlike the previous versions that are an upgrade of their predecessors, NT was built from scratch. Running as a 32-bit operating system, NT was able to support a number of high-end software used by big and small companies.
Enter Windows 95, 98, and Me
With the rise of the Internet and telecommunication devices like faxes and modems, Microsoft released Windows 95 which allowed the use of Internet communication. This also marks the birth of Internet Explorer.
Three years later, the company released Windows 98 which is designed for consumers, as it includes a faster way to run programs and support for external devices (e.g. USB, DVD discs).
In 2000,Microsoft created Windows Me, which focused on multimedia and home use with its improved support for video, music, and other forms of computer entertainment.
The Windows 2000 and XP Experience
Windows 2000 was designed not only as an improved version of the NT line of operating systems, but also as a replacement to all the previous versions that are used in the business industry.
In 2001, Microsoft started making renovations in all aspects of the OS including the interface, performance, and usability. They came up with XP, which is regarded as the best selling OS Microsoft has developed.
Viewing the Windows Vista
Wanting to go further, Microsoft introduced Windows Vista in 2006. Its emphasis is both for better user experience and enhanced data security. Although there were many comments about the XP being better than Vista, the latter still has its fair share of popularity and trust from users.
Windows 7 of Today and 8 of Tomorrow
Microsoft relied on the feedback of consumers and testers worldwide, and decided to improve its next OS by taking out all the bad things from Vista and putting back the good things from XP. In 2009, the computer giant released Windows 7, which is so far the latest stable version of Windows. Windows 8 has already finished its development stages and is scheduled to launch in October of 2012.
Who knows what Microsoft will come up with next? Considering the fast evolution of technology, you can only imagine how the future would look like in the years to come.
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