Evolution of windows Operating System

Microsoft Windows

Origin

Windows relies on what’s called a graphical user interface (GUI), first developed — but left to gather dust — by Xerox back in 1975. A conventional GUI will consist primarily of the combination of “window, icon, menu and pointing device”, or WIMP.

Another term to describe this approach is “the desktop metaphor”, which means that your rectangular monitor is conceived of as if were a desktop, with different folders and documents arrayed upon it.

Windows 1.0

In 1985 Windows 1.0 was released as a graphical,16-bit multi-tasking shell on top of an existing MS-DOS installation. The first Windows received a very lukewarm critical reception (and some controversy too, as we’ll see). The dependence on the mouse was perhaps a little too new-fangled for many, and one memorable put-down by The New York Times compared its performance to “pouring molasses in the Arctic” (we think that means it was slow). Still, from humble beginnings…

Windows 2.0

Windows 2.0 is a 16-bit GUI-based operating environment that was released on December 9, 1987.Arguably the moment when Windows became Windows, Microsoft’s second OS allowed applications to overlap one another. It also introduced the “Minimize” and “Maximize” options that remain so central to our use of computers today. Sales consequently doubled.

Windows 3.0

Windows 3.0 launched in 1990.But it is not an operating system it is a graphical operating environment that runs on top of MS DOS.It has clickable icons for represent the applications, multimedia support for sound recording and playback, as well as support for CD-ROMs.

Windows 3.1

Windows 3.1 was the first in a series of 16-bit operating systems. It required a minimum of a 286 PC with 1 MB of RAM to run, adding greater system stability to 3.0, which was a little crash prone. It was also capable of accessing up to 4 GB in 386 Enhanced Mode.It was released on April 6, 1992.Also it was a MS DOS based platform,including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, TrueType fonts, and workgroup networking.Official support for Windows 3.1 ended on December 31, 2001

Windows 95

Windows 95 was the moment when Windows got real. That was released on August 15, 1995.Windows 95 merged Microsoft’s formerly separate MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows products, and featured significant improvements over its predecessor, most notably in the graphical user interface (GUI) and in its simplified “plug-and-play” features.There were also major changes made to the core components of the operating system, such as moving from a mainly cooperatively multitasked 16-bit architecture to a 32-bit preemptive multitasking architecture, at least when running only 32-bit protected mode applications.Windows 95 introduced numerous functions and features that were featured in later Windows versions, such as the taskbar, the “Start” button and the ways the user could navigate.

Windows 98

Like Windows 95, Windows 98 is a hybrid 16-bit and 32-bit product with an MS-DOS based boot stage. Microsoft sound engineer Ken Kato composed the iconic startup sound for Windows 98. He considered it a “tough act to follow.”hese include improved USB support and accessibility, as well as support for hardware advancements such as DVD players. It was the first Windows operating system to adopt the Windows Driver Model.Also it has Disk Cleanup,Windows Update,Multi-monitor support, and Internet Connection Sharing.Windows 98 released on June 25, 1998 and Windows 98 SE released on May 5, 1999 t

Windows 2000

Microsoft released four editions of Windows 2000: Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server. MS shared a core set of features, including many system utilities such as the Microsoft Management Console and standard system administration applications.Windows 2000 introduces NTFS 3.0,[8] Encrypting File System,[9] as well as basic and dynamic disk storage.Despite its best efforts, however, Windows 2000 would fall victim to several virus attacks, including the notorious Code Red and Nimda.

Windows Me(Windows Millennium Edition)

Cruelly referred to as the “Mistake Edition” in PC World, Windows ME was met with a mixture of derision and bewilderment that was pretty much unknown to Microsoft up to then. Targeted at home PC users, it included Internet Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and Windows Movie Maker software.It was released to general availability on September 14, 2000.

Windows xp

Windows XP is a part of the Windows NT family of operating systems.It was released to users on October 25, 2001.Development of Windows XP began in the late 1990s as “Neptune”, an operating system (OS) built on the Windows NT kernel which was intended specifically for mainstream consumer use.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista is an operating system that was produced by Microsoft and is a version of the Windows NT family of operating systems for use on personal computers.It was released on January 30, 2007.it was released worldwide[3] and was made available for purchase and download from the Windows Marketplace.New features of Windows Vista include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Aero, a new search component called Windows Search, redesigned networking, audio, print and display sub-systems, and new multimedia tools such as Windows DVD Maker.Vista aimed to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network, using peer-to-peer technology to simplify sharing files and media between computers and devices. Windows Vista included version 3.0 of the .NET Framework, allowing software developers to write applications without traditional Windows APIs.

Windows 7

Windows 7 is an operating system that was produced by Microsoft and released as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems.It was released on October 22,2009 to the general users. Windows 7 also shipped with updated versions of several stock applications, including Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player, and Windows Media Center.

Windows 8

It was released as part of the Windows NT family of OS.It was released on October 26, 2012.Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system’s platform and user interface to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS.It was included a touch-optimized Windows shell based on Microsoft’s “Metro” design language, the Start screen,a new platform for developing “apps” with an emphasis on touchscreen input, integration with online services and Windows Store, an online distribution for downloading and purchasing new software.Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format hard drives, near field communications, and cloud computing. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot on supported devices with UEFI firmware, to prevent malware from infecting the boot process.

Windows 10

Windows 10 is a member of Microsoft NT family of OS.It was published on July 29, 2015. Windows 10 was made available for download via MSDN and Technet, and as a free upgrade for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows RT users via the Windows Store.One of Windows 10’s most notable features is its support for universal apps, an expansion of the Metro-style apps first introduced in Windows 8.Windows 10 also introduced the Microsoft Edge web browser, a virtual desktop system, a window and desktop management feature called Task View, support for fingerprint and face recognition login, new security features for enterprise environments, and DirectX 12.Windows 10’s bundled software over Windows 8.1, Xbox Live integration, as well as the functionality and capabilities of the Cortana personal assistant and the replacement of Internet Explorer with Edge. However, media outlets have been critical of changes to operating system behaviors, including mandatory update installation, privacy concerns over data collection performed by the OS for Microsoft and its partners, and adware-esque tactics used to promote the operating system on its release.