Microsoft windows, also called Windows or Windows OS. It is a computer operating system developed by Microsoft to run personal computers. It uses its first Graphical User Interface (GUI) for IBM personal computers. Around 90% of people use some version of Windows. The Microsoft windows have seen 9(it has released 9 version since its inception) major version's since its release. The various versions of Microsoft Windows are:-
1. WINDOWS 1
- This is where it all started from. It was released in 1985.
- Microsoft uses 16-bit Graphical User Interface.
- Windows 1 allowed users to point and click to access it basically it uses mouse instead of long commands used in MS-DOS.
2. WINDOWS
- In 1987, Windows 2 was developed.
- It introduced the ability to maximize and minimize the windows.
- The control panel was also introduced with system which is used till the date.
- This version of windows gives the first appearance of MS-Word, MS-Excel, desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts and better graphic support.
3. WINDOWS
- It was launched in 1990 with the features of the first window that required hard drives.
- This window had the ability to run MS-DOS programmes in windows, which brought multitasking to programmes.
- Windows 3.0 included the features such as Program Manager, File Manager and Print Manager and solitaire.
4. WINDOWS
- Windows 3.1 is the extended version of windows 1,2 and 3.
- It was released in 1992 with the ability of using TrueType Fonts making a Windows a viable publishing platform for the first time.
- Minesweeper was also introduced. Windows 3.1 required 1MB of RAM to run and allowed supported MS-DOS programs to be controlled with a mouse for the first time.
5. WINDOWS 95
- Name itself implies that it was launched in 1995. It was a major upgrade to the Windows operating system.
- It gives the first ever appearance of Start Button and Start Menu.
- It includes important internal improvements.
- But most important is that, it supports 32-bit applications, which implies that applications written specifically for this operating system should run much faster.
- It introduced the task bar and focused on multitasking.
- Internet Explorer also made its debut on Windows 95, but was not installed by default it required windows 95 plus software to run.
6. WINDOWS 98
- It was launched in 1998 with same features as of windows 95 with some external features such as Outlook Express, Windows Address Book, Microsoft Chat and NetShow Player.
- One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Windows Driver Model-one driver to support all future versions of Windows. USB support was much improved in Windows 98.
7. WINDOWS ME
- Launched in September 2000 with an aim to work with enterprise market.
- Windows Media Player 7 and Windows Movie Maker all made their appearance for the first time.
8. WINDOWS 2000
- Windows 2000 was released in February 2000
- based on Microsoft’s business-orientated system Windows NT and later became the basis for Windows XP.
- It was the twine of windows ME.
- automatic updating played an important role in Windows 2000
- became the first Windows to support hibernation
9. WINDOWS XP
- Windows XP was released in October 2001
- brought Microsoft’s enterprise line and consumer line of operating systems under one roof by giving the user a more stable and reliable environment than previous versions of Windows.
- Windows XP comes in two versions, Home and Professional. ClearType, which was designed to make text easier to read on LCD screens, was introduced, as were built-in CD burning, autoplay from CDs and other media, plus various automated update and recovery tools
10. WINDOWS VISTA
- Windows Vista replaced Windows XP in January 2007.
- It focused more on transparent elements, search, security, performance and manageability.
- It was more responsive than Windows XP.
- Windows Vista simplifies and centralizes desktop configuration management, reducing the cost of keeping systems updated.
- Windows Media Player 11 and IE 7 debuted along with Windows Vista. The first Windows to be distributed on DVD.
11. WINDOWS 7
- It was released in October 2009 two years after Windows Vista.
- It fix all the problems faced by the Windows Vista with the user friendly appearance of features.
- It was faster, more stable and easier to use, becoming the operating system most users and business would upgrade.
- Enhancements and new features in Windows 7 include multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8, improved performance and start-up time, Aero Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks and improved security.
12. WINDOWS 8
- It was launched in October 2012.
- with the feature of ditching the Start button and Start menu in favour of a more touch-friendly Start screen.
- Windows 8 was faster than previous versions of Windows and included support for the new, much faster USB 3.0 devices.
13. WINDOWS 8.1
- In October 2013, Windows 8.1 marked a shift towards yearly software updates from Microsoft.
- Windows 8.1 re-introduced the Start button, which brought up the Start screen from the desktop view of Windows 8.1.
14. WINDOWS 10
- Windows 10 debuted in 29 July 2015 .
- Windows 10 represents another step in Microsoft’s U-turn, bringing back the Start menu.
- It is designed to unify all Windows platforms across multiple devices, including Windows Phone and tablets, with universal apps that can be downloaded from the Windows Store and run on all Windows devices.