Versions of Windows

WINDOWS VERSIONS

Windows 1.0

In 1985 the first version of windows was a milestone product because it allowed PC users to switch from the MS-DOS method of typing commands at the C prompt.

Use a mouse to point and click their way through functions, such as starting applications, in the operating system.

Windows 1.0 Screen 

Windows 2.0

In 1987 with the second version of Windows, Microsoft took advantage of -

The improved Processing speed of the Intel 286 Processor.

Expanded Memory.

Inter-application communication capabilities using Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE). Windows 2.0 featured support for VGA graphics standard, Allowed users to:

-Overlap Windows.

-Control Screen layout.

-Use Keyboard.

-Combinations to move rapidly through Windows Operations.

Windows 2.0 Screen Layout

Windows 3.0

                 In 1990, Microsoft's first mainstream computing platform offered 32 bit performance, advanced graphics, and full support of the more powerful Intel 386 Processor.

                 A new wave of 386 PCs helped drive the popularity of windows 3.0, which offered a wide range of new features and capabilities, Including,Program Manager, File Manager, and Print manager, an Improved set of Windows icons.

Windows for work groups 3.11

In 1993, A super set of Windows 3.1, Windows for work groups 3.11 added peer-to-peer work group and domain networking support.

Windows for work groups was used in local area networks (LAN's) and on stand-alone PCs and laptop Computers.

Windows NT 3.1

In 1993, Microsoft Introduced Windows NT, It was the first Windows Operating system to combine support for high end client/server business applications with the industry’s leading personal productivity applications.

Windows included features like:

• -          Multitasking scheduler for Windows-based applications.
• -          Integrated networking, domain server security.
• -          OS/2 and POSIX subsystems.
• -          Support for multiple processor architectures and the NTFS file system.

Windows NT Workstation 3.5

Again in 1993, Windows NT Workstation 3.5 supported OpenGL graphics standard, which helped power high-end applications for software development, engineering, financial, analysis, scientific, and business-critical tasks.

Windows 95

   In 1995, Windows 95 was the successor to Microsoft’s three existing general-purpose desktop operating systems-Windows 3.1, Windows for Work-groups, and MS-DOS.

-          Windows 95 included an integrated 32-bit TCP/IP stack for built –in Internet support, dial –up Networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easy for users to install hardware and software.

-          The 32-bit operating system also offered enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile computing, and integrated networking.

Windows NT Workstation 4.0

In 1996, Windows NT Workstation 3.5 upgraded to Windows NT Workstation 4.0, this upgrade to Microsoft’s business desktop operating system brought increased ease of use and simplified management, higher network throughout, and a complete set of tools for developing and managing intranets.

Windows NT Workstation 4.0

Windows 98

In 1998, Microsoft launched Windows 98 that enabled users to find PC or Internet based information easily, it opened and closed applications more quickly, and it included support for reading DVD discs and connecting to universal serial bus (USB) devices.

Windows 98

Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME)

In 2000, Microsoft introduced Millennium Edition,

• Windows ME offered consumers numerous Music, Video, and home       networking enhancements and reliability improvements.
• Windows ME was the last Microsoft operating system to be based on the Windows 95 kernel.
• Microsoft announced that all future operating system products would be based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernel.

Windows 2000 Professional

Again in 2000, Windows 2000 professional launched it also made hardware installation much easier than it was with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 by adding support for a wide variety of new Plug and play hardware, Including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices, and infrared devices.

Windows XP Professional

In 2001, Windows XP Professional benefits from the track record of Microsoft Windows NT technology: superior operating system performance, including preemptive multitasking, fault tolerance, and system memory protection.

                                                                                                                             Window XP Professional also offers a redesigned interface and includes features for business and advanced home computing, including, Remote Desktop, encrypting file system, system restore and advanced networking features. 

           It also offers numerous key enhancements such as wireless 802. 1x networking support, Windows Messenger, Remote Assistance, and the system restore feature.

Windows XP Home Edition

In 2001, Windows XP Home Edition offers a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently accessed features more accessible. The product offers many enhancements aimed at home users such as the network setup Wizard, Microsoft Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo capabilities.

Windows Vista

        Windows Vista, a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, was available in six different product editions: 

Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate.

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

      Development was completed on 8 November 2006, and over the following three months, it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers and retail channels. On 30 January 2007, it was released worldwide.

Windows 7

Windows 7 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft. 

It is a part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. 

                   Windows 7 was primarily intended to be an incremental upgrade to the operating system intending to address Windows Vista's poor critical reception while maintaining hardware and software compatibility. 

                  Windows 7 continued improvements on Windows Aero  with the addition of a redesigned task-bar that allows applications to be "pinned" to it, and new window management features. 

                 Among Windows 7's new features are advances in touch and recognition, support for disks, improved performance on multi-core processors,improved boot performance, Direct Access, and kernel improvements.

Windows 8

  Windows 8 is a personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. Development of Windows 8 started before the release of its predecessor.

In 2009, It was announced at CES 2011, and followed by the release of three pre-release versions from September 2011 to May 2012. The operating system was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was released for general availability on October 26, 2012.

Windows 8 Start Screen

 Windows 10 

Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed and released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was officially unveiled in September 2014 following a brief demo at Build 2014. 

windows 10 introduces what Microsoft described as "universal apps"; expanding on Metro-style apps, these apps can be designed to run across multiple Microsoft product families with nearly identical code‍—‌including PCs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub and Mixed Reality.