-
Windows Founded
The windows company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Picture: Gates and Allen Source: http://www.computerhope.com/history/windows.htm -
Original Windows Release
Released to the public in 1985. It relied on command line for input, and was a 16-bit operating system. It also was one of the first operating systems to use a mouse for input. Originally intended for use in large corporations. Picture: The original Windows logo -
Windows 3 released
Released with success in 1990. Brought color to the screen with it's 256 available colors. Had the ability to run multiple MS-DOS programs in separate windows, allowing for multitasking. http://www.quantumbooks.com/technology/windows-history-from-windows-1-to-windows-10/ Picture: A windows 3 workspace -
Windows '95 created
Windows '95 was released in August of 1995. Introduced the start button and start menu and upgraded Windows to be a 32-bit OS. Introduced the use of automatically installing drivers for peripherals such as speakers, keyboards, and mice. Also brought the task bar, which greatly increased the ability to multitask among its users. Picture: The Windows 95 logo Souce: http://www.quantumbooks.com/technology/windows-history-from-windows-1-to-windows-10/ -
Windows '98
Released in 1998. Caused the widespread use and production of USB devices after it presented improved USB support. Introduced back and forward navigation buttons as well as an address bar on the Windows Explorer for easier use. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution Picture: The Windows 98 Desktop and work environment. -
Windows Millennium Edition
Also known as Windows ME, it was commercially released to the public in 2000. Was the first windows OS to be geared more towards personal user use at home, rather than business use. Picture: Windows ME Logo Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows XP
Released in 2001. Had a built in firewall, and was later updated for protection against hackers. Introduced many visual overhauls such as ClearType, making it easier to read text on an LCD screen, custom wallpapers, and the green and blue taskbar. Also included autoplay from media devices such as CDs, built in CD burning, and automatic updates. Source: http://www.quantumbooks.com/technology/windows-history-from-windows-1-to-windows-10/ Picture: The original desktop for Windows XP -
Windows 7 Release
Released in 2009. Corrected many of the errors present in the earlier and much less popular Windows Vista. Introduced the ability to snap different windows to different parts of the screen and handwriting recognition. As it had less bugs and was faster than Vista, many companies and corporations skipped from XP straight to Windows 7, skipping Vista entirely. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution Pictured: Windows 7 Logo -
Windows 8
Released in 2012. Featured a new interface, made to be compatible with touchscreen technology, while keeping a version of the desktop akin to that of Windows 7's. Brought support for the newer, faster 3.0 USB Drives, and introduced the Windows App Store, allowing users to buy applications directly from Windows. It wasn't as popular as Windows 7, as many users did not use touchscreen devices. Source: http://www.quantumbooks.com/technology/windows-history-from-windows-1-to-windows-10/
