Windows Series History

Microsoft Windows is the name of several families of operating systems of Microsoft software. Microsoft first introduced an operating environment named Windows in November 1985 as an add-on for MS-DOS in response to growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUI). The most recent client version of Windows is Windows Vista. The current version of Windows Server is Windows Server 2008.

Windows 1.0 (1985)

The first version of a new Windows software environment for developing and running applications that use bitmap displays and mouse pointing devices. Before Windows, PC users based on MS-DOS ® method of typing commands at the C prompt (C: \). With Windows, users moved a mouse to point and click your way through tasks such as starting applications.

In addition, Windows users can switch between multiple applications running simultaneously. The product includes a set of desktop applications, including MS-DOS file management program, a calendar, card file, notepad, calculator, clock, and telecommunications programs, which helped users manage every day.

Windows 2.0 (1987)

Windows 2.0 took advantage of the increased processing speed of Intel 286 processor, expanded memory and communication between applications via Dynamic Data capability possible Exchange (DDE). With improved graphics support, users can now overlap windows, control screen design, and use combinations of keys to move quickly through Windows operations. Many developers wrote their first Windows-based applications for this release.

Windows 3.0 (1990)

The third version of the Microsoft Windows platform that offers better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and the full support of the more powerful Intel 386 processor. A new wave of 386 PCs helped drive the popularity of Windows 3.0, which offers a wide range of useful features and functions, including:

Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager.

A completely rewritten application development environment.

A better set of icons in Windows.
Windows NT 3.1 (1993)

When Microsoft Windows NT ® was released to manufacturing on July 27, 1993, Microsoft met an important milestone: the completion of a project begun in late 1980 to build an advanced new operating system from scratch.

Windows NT was the first Windows operating system to combine support for high-end, client / server business applications with the industry leader in personal productivity applications.

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 (1993)

A superset of Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 added an equal work and the network domain. For the first time, Windows-based PC network were aware and became an integral part of the new client / server development.

Windows for Workgroups has been used in local area networks (LAN) and independent of PCs and laptops. Added features of special interest to corporate users, such as centralized configuration and security, improve support for Novell NetWare networks, and remote access service (RAS)

Windows NT Workstation 3.5 (1994)

Windows NT Workstation 3.5 release provided the highest degree of protection even for business critical applications and data. With the support of the OpenGL graphics standard, this system helped to power high-end applications for software development, engineering, financial analysis, scientific, business and critical tasks.

Windows 95 (1995)

Windows 95 was the successor of the three general-purpose desktop operating systems from Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS. Windows 95 integrated 32-bit TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) stack for embedded Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easier for users to install the hardware and software.

The 32-bit operating system also offers improved multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile computing, and networking integrated.
Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (1996)

This update to Microsoft desktop operating system business increased ease of use and simplified management, increased network performance, and tools for developing and managing intranets. Windows NT Workstation 4.0 includes the popular user interface of Windows 95 but always support the improvement of networks easier and safer access to the Internet and corporate intranets.

Windows 98 (1998)

Windows 98 was the upgrade from Windows 95. Described as an operating system that works better, play better, "Windows 98 was the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers.

With Windows 98, users can find information more easily on their computers and the Internet. Other usability enhancements include the ability to open and close applications more quickly, support for reading DVD discs, and support for Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices
Windows 98 Second Edition (1999)

Windows 98 SE, as it often abbreviated, is an incremental upgrade to Windows 98. Offering consumers a variety of new and improved hardware compatibility and Internet-related features.

Windows 98 SE helped improve users' online experience with Internet Explorer 5.0 browser technology and Microsoft Windows NetMeeting ® 3.0 software conferences. It also included Microsoft DirectX ® 6.1 API, which provides better support for Windows Media, and provides home networking capabilities through the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) (2000)

Designed for PC users, Windows Millennium Edition offers many consumers of music, video, networking and home improvement and reliability improvements.

Windows Me was the latest Microsoft operating system that is based on the code base of Windows 95. Microsoft announced that all future operating system products based on Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernel.

Windows 2000 Professional (2000)

Windows 2000 adds significant improvements in reliability, ease of use, compatibility of the Internet, and support for mobile computing.

Among other improvements, Windows 2000 Professional simplified hardware installation by adding support for a wide variety of new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB, IEEE 1394 devices and infrared devices.

Windows XP (2001)

With the launch of Windows XP in October 2001, Microsoft merged its two Windows operating system lines for consumers and businesses, uniting around the code base of Windows 2000.

With Windows XP, users can work and enjoy music, movies, messaging, and photos with your computer, while business users can work smarter and faster, thanks to new techniques, technology support, a new user interface, and many other improvements that make it easier to use for a wide range of tasks



Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft for use in personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs and media centers.

Windows Vista contains many changes and new features, including an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems.

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