Microsoft Windows has Changed a Lot in 30 Years This article originally appeared in Business Insider. Thirty-one years ago on Monday, Microsoft introduced the first version of Windows, known as Windows 1.0. The software wasnt officially released until 1985, but Gates took the wraps off Microsoft’s first computer operating system during an event at New York City’s Plaza Hotel on Nov. 10, 1983. We’ve come a long way since then—three decades later, the Windows ecosystem has gone through about 15 iterations. Here’s a look at how Windows has changed throughout the years. 141110_Microsoft1 Microsoft Archives Windows 1.0 (1985) Windows 1.0 was officially released in 1985, two years after its introduction to the world. The company initially considered calling it “Interface Manager,” but instead called it Windows after the format in which programs were designed. 141110_Microsoft2 Microsoft Archives Windows 2.0 (1987–1990) The second iteration of Windows launched in 1987, and it introduced desktop icons, expanded memory, and the ability to overlap windows. 141110_Microsoft3 Microsoft Archives Windows 3.0 (1990) When Windows 3.0 debuted in 1990, it became the most widely used version of the software yet. Microsoft sold 10 million copies of Windows 3.0 in its first two weeks. With Windows 3.0, Microsoft significantly enhanced the software’s performance, improved app icons, and added 16 colors to its graphics. 141110_Microsoft4 Microsoft Archives Windows 95 (1995) Windows 95 was one of Microsoft’s most prominent software releases to date. The iconic Start button made its debut on Windows 95, as did Internet Explorer. Microsoft sold 7 million copies within its first five weeks of availability. 141110_Microsoft5 Microsoft Archives Windows 98 (1998) Windows 98 was released as the age of the Internet was in full swing. Microsoft describes it as the first real software release for consumers. The ability to read DVDs and the Quick Launch menu were among Windows 98’s new features. 141110_Microsoft6 Screenshot via Wikipedia Windows ME (2000) With Windows ME, or Millennium Edition, Microsoft added new media-focused features like Windows Movie Maker. It was also the first version of Windows to support System Restore, which allows you to reset your system’s preferences to before a certain date. Windows ME faced some harsh criticisms when it hit the market, however. PCWorld listed it in their list of the Worst Tech Products of All Time countdown, and ABC’s review criticized it for being difficult to install. 141110_Microsoft7 Screenshot via Wikipedia Windows XP (2001–2005) Windows XP was praised for its cleaner aesthetics and smooth performance. “You’ll hear few complaints about the operating system itself, especially when it’s compared with previous versions,”David Pogue wrote in the New York Times review back in 2001. “No matter what you think of Microsoft, using Windows XP on a new or very recent PC feels sure, swift and satisfying. And that’s a big deal.” Microsoft also says that it emphasized security with Windows XP. 141110_Microsoft8 Microsoft Archives Windows Vista (2006–2008) Windows Vista introduced a new design and some minor updates to existing Windows programs, but it was ultimately met with criticism. Many reviews concluded that there was no compelling reason to upgrade from XP. 141110_Microsoft9 Screenshot via Wikipedia Windows 7 (2009) Windows 7 was recieved with praise when it launched in 2009. CNET called it “what Vista should have been.” It’s still used across corporate environments today. 141110_Microsoft10.1 Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 (2012–present) Windows 8 was unveiled in October 2012. Microsoft completely changed the user interface of Windows 8 from the traditional desktop to a tiled, touch-friendly design. The goal was to optimize the OS for tablets, but Windows 8 was met with lukewarm reception at best. The software was criticized for its complicated interface and lack of a Start menu, which Microsoft brought back with Windows 10. 141110_Microsoft11 Microsoft Windows 10 (coming in 2015)
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:03:41 +0000
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