The Operating System is the lifeline of a computer. Without it, the computer will be a useless device. One of the most popular operating systems is Microsoft Windows. This operating system is built for multitasking, meaning you can run several application software packages on it simultaneously.
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What is Windows Operating System?
Windows operating system is a group of several Graphical User Interfaces designed by Microsoft. This operating system has developed and evolved overtime. Every upgraded version of Windows comes with a more advanced feature than the previous version. So if you are in the market for an operating system, go for the latest version.
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A Brief History of Windows Operating System
The windows operating system was designed and developed by Microsoft, a giant in the tech world. Though work started on the project in 1983, the first version of MS Windows was not released until 20th November 1985. As time progresses and with technological advancements, the demands of users changed. This prompted Microsoft to tweak its older versions to deliver something a bit more sophisticated in its newer versions, designed to meet the modern-day technological need. Today, the operating system comes in well over 100 languages.
Windows is the most popular and most widely used operating system across the face of the earth. It can be used for both personal and business purposes. Since its first version was introduced in the mid-1980, Microsoft has rolled out more than 10 revised versions of its operating system. In 2012 for instance, users no longer have to input command prompts to perform specific functions. The modern versions of MS Operating Systems are becoming a lot more user friendly than you can imagine.
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Windows Operating System Versions
Windows 1.0: This is the initial version of the MS Windows operating environment. It was announced in 1983 but released into the market in 1985. Features include a used graphical user interface, simple graphics, and limited multitasking possibilities.
Windows 2.0: Introduced into the market in 1987, this graphical operating environment was built for more advanced devices. This made Microsoft grow in popularity, making them the leading software solutions provider in the world. Features include the ability to allow applications to overlap each other, 16-bit Graphic User Interface, and the introduction Control Panel, MS Word, and Excel.
Windows 3.0: Released in 1990, this new version of Microsoft graphical operating environment has both conventional and extendable memory. Features include 8086microprocessors and more advanced storage options.
It is, however, important to note that the first few versions of Microsoft Windows was not designed to be an operating system but instead categorized as a graphical operating environment.
Windows 95: This is the company’s first complete operating system, released in 1995. Within the first 5 weeks of its introduction, the company sold over 7 million copies of the software. Features include the start menu, taskbar, 32-bit Graphic User Interface.
Windows 98: It was introduced into the market on May 15, 1998. It was a revised version of the Windows 95 but this time with lots of new juicy products including Internet Explorer, 16 and 32-bit Graphic User Interface
Windows 2000: Officially released in 2000, this Windows OS was considered as one of the most secure. It came with different editions to cater to the needs of different users. These editions include Server, professional, Advanced Server, and Data Center Server. Features include local disk manager and multilingual user interface.
Windows XP: Introduced into the market in 2001, it replaced Windows 2000 with a whole new feature. This is the first Windows OS preinstalled with Windows Media Player. Other features include automotive wireless connection, boots faster, advanced GUI, and many more.
Windows Vista: In terms of aesthetics, Windows Vista tops the list. Introduced in 2007, this OS came with an upgraded version of GUI. Features include DVD-ROM installation.
Windows 7: Known in history as the fastest-selling operating system in Microsoft history, Windows 7 brings a lot more stability to the platform. Released in 2009, Windows 7 came with a wide range of new features. These include updated taskbar and extended hardware support.
Windows 8: Released in 2012, this version is designed for touch screen devices. It is designed to work in modern devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Features include cloud-based services, redesigned task manager, advanced security, Windows Store service, etc.
Windows 10:Released in 2015, Windows 10 addressed some of the pitfalls of Windows 8. Features include automatic file compression, virtual desktop system, new icons, etc.