History of Windows

Ashley Kubeck
Giovanni Pagano
Jocelyn Lopez

Microsoft itself originated between two acquaintances, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, as an
idea. With time and dedication, Gates and Allen made their idea a reality, from 1975 onward they
criticized and perfected their work. Microsoft is a multi-billion dollar company and has made
Gates one of the richest men in the world. This company is still predominant, with plenty of
worldwide success. While the Windows Operating System is their most prodigious product, they
also offer features such as but not limited to productivity software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint,
etc.), e-mail (outlook), and a major network television company (MSNBC).
It all began in 1975 when Allen and Gates converted the computer programming
language, BASIC, for the Altair, the very first personal computer. Just a few years later the
International Business Machines Corporation, IBM, asked them to create the operating system
for the companys first computer. The duo then recrafted an operating system from another
company and made what is known as MS-DOS, or Microsoft Disc Operating System, in June of
1981. MS-DOS was extremely useful by helping bridge a gap of programs and PC hardware.
This triumph began a whirlwind of success to come in the following years.
Windows had finally developed in the year of 1983, and by 1985, many more advanced
features and programs were developed into the system. This system was to be named Windows
1.0 and its features included the mouse, paint, games, the calendar, etc. The program also
included menus, different forms of icons for any sort of navigation, and could run various
programs at once.
By 1987, Windows 2.0 was released with all new advanced features including; keyboard
shortcuts, desktop icons, a control panel, and extended memory. Although its original purpose
was for Intel 286, it was moved over to Windows/386.
1988 marks the year that Microsoft became the global leader of P.C. software companies.
By 1990 Windows 3.0 was released and was shortly followed by Windows 3.1 in 1992. During
those years the entire PC software improved itself with better graphics (up to 16 colors), floppy
disks (games too), and even on Intels 386 speed. In 1993, Microsoft released the Windows NT,
a 32-bit operating system. This is a major achievement for the company as it is its first operating
system made entirely from scratch.
The summer of 1995 was a monumental one with the release of Internet Explorer. This
release was shortly followed by Microsoft releasing Windows 95. This new version of windows
included the internet, dial-up, and even plug and play capabilities. From this new internet craze
came the introduction of fax machines, modems, emails, online games, and education software.
That was the year that Bill Gates gave a memo titled The Internet Tidal Wave and he declared
it to be the most important development since the advent of the PC.
In 1998, Windows released the Windows 98 where it was believed to Work Better and
Play Better. The 98 version included various new features including DVD and USB usage.
Shortly after, Windows Me was released in 2000. This was mostly home based and it offered
Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player 7, and the first appearance of system restore.
Windows Me was the last version of Windows based on MS-DOS.
Windows 2000 is the operating system that introduces the upgrade to Windows NT
Workstation 4.0. This version is more reliable and easier to use than previous versions. It also

includes Internet compatibility and support for laptops. Among these advancement was also
simplification of plug and play installation, networking and wireless products such as USB,
IEEE 1394, and infrared devices.
Just a year later was the release of Windows XP. One billion PCs were shipped
worldwide only one week after the release. This version is a much faster and stable update with
detection of suspicious attachments and viruses. It offered a clean and simpler visual design,
network setup wizard, windows media player, windows movie maker, and enhanced digital photo
options. The professional version of Windows XP is made for business with its remote desktop
support, encrypting file system, system restore, and advanced networking system. The speed,
reliability, and performance of the original XP carries over to the professional version. The
professional version if optimal for mobile users with its 802.1x wireless network support,
windows messenger, and remote assistance.
Windows Vista was called the strongest security system at its release in 2006. It was
given this title due to the included BitLocker Drive Encryption which met the demand for better
data protection set by the increase of laptop sales. You were also able to watch television, edit
videos, and view and send photographs. Windows Vista also provided a new look with changes
in the taskbar and borders. Amazingly this update was available in 35 languages and was
compatible with over 1.5 billion devices within launch.
With the release of Windows 7 in 2009 came the introduction of Windows touch, which
makes it compatible with touchscreen monitors. This is a whole new way to operate windows,
with features like snap, peek, and shake, making this interface more enjoyable.
Windows 8 was released in 2012 and was great for functioning on a tablet or PC. It had
apps on the main screen for simpler navigation and improved on its virus detection speed.
Windows 8.1 was released in 2014 and improved upon 8s apps and cloud connectivity. It came
with built in apps and the ability to run up to four apps at once. It also added and improved their
personalization feature, the ability to boot directly to another computer, and more adaptable
viewing options for apps on one or more screens.
Windows 10 was released only just this year and for free, a first for Microsoft. It has
gained over 75 million users only a month after release. Its most exceptional feature is the
introduction of Cortana, the first digital assistant for Microsoft and she can speak up to six
languages. As you can see Windows has gone through many changes in the past 40 years and still
continues to improve itself. I doubt that we will see the end of Windows any time soon.

Works Cited

NA (2015, October) A History of Windows. Retrieved from

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/history#T1=era4

Mark Hall (2015, January 5) Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved from

http://www.britannica.com/topic/Microsoft-Corporation