From Windows 1.0 in 1985 to the latest version, Microsoft has released many versions of its flagship operating system. The graphical user interface (GUI)-based OS is used by business organizations, educational institutions, and gaming enthusiasts.
Essential Windows applications include photo editing software, note-taking apps, and text/code editors. Windows also supports multiple interface languages, though full Language Interface Packs are available for only some editions of the operating system.
Windows 1.0
Microsoft’s first attempt at a graphical operating system, influenced by the original Macintosh and Xerox PARC windowing systems. It was a complex project and the BYTE article noted that the fifth development release of Windows (compiled on October 31, 1984) still had critical features missing and basic API tenets changing.
In Summer 1985, Ballmer released a “Premier Edition” to vendors, analysts, and press for feedback. It included four 360Kb distribution diskettes and directory listings are available here.
Windows 2.0
Windows 2.0 addressed many of the limitations of its predecessor, including allowing application windows to overlap. It also improved multitasking and introduced a graphical user interface with desktop icons.
It was the first version to include the Control Panel. It was released in December of 1987. It requires an 8086 in real mode or a 286 in protected mode, 16 MB RAM, two double-sided floppies or a hard drive and a pointing device (or Hercules).
This is the version that introduced Microsoft Word. It also included a redesigned Start menu.
Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0 introduced a more fully featured GUI, replacing the MS-DOS Executive shell and providing a large Macintosh style icon for starting programs. It also allowed multitasking and used virtual memory to improve system stability by preventing applications from requiring direct hardware access.
It could be run in real mode, standard mode or 386 enhanced protected mode and was compatible with any Intel processor from the 8086/8088 to the 80286 and 80386. It also included the DDE protocol for letting applications share data and the new TrueType font technology which is still with us today.
Windows 95
Windows 95 introduced major architectural changes that allow the system to run 32-bit applications and perform better than previous versions. It also includes a more intuitive user interface and allows for multitasking.
It was the first version of Windows to support long file names, enabling users to see their files’ full contents without having to know the pathname. Competing MS-DOS-compatible operating systems can’t see these long names unless they use the same filesystem-related system calls as Windows.
Windows 98
The second major release in the Windows 9x line was released in June 1998. Codenamed Memphis, it introduced a number of new features that were designed to make the platform easier to use for PC musicians.
One feature is an enhanced version of the Dr Watson utility that collects comprehensive information on software faults, startup programs with their command line switches and system patches. It also allows you to rearrange the order that program files are accessed by Windows, which can help with disk defragmentation.
Windows 2000
Microsoft’s last NT-based release aimed at workstations and servers in a business environment. It introduced a number of new features such as Windows File Protection to prevent users from modifying critical system files and the System File Checker utility to preform a manual scan and repair those files.
It also added ACPI S4 hibernation and support for LDAP, NTFS 3, USB and FireWire. Core system administration tools were consolidated into the Management Console as snap-ins including Event Viewer, task scheduler, disk defragmenter, service controls and device manager.
Windows XP
Windows XP is the last version of Microsoft’s client operating system that was issued security and non-security updates. Extended support ended in April 2014.
XP is designed for home use and supports multiple user accounts, which enable everyone who uses the computer to have their own unique settings and files. It also allows users to log on to peer-to-peer and client-server networks.
XP includes a system restore feature, which lets you roll back your PC to a previous state. It is also equipped with a “compatibility mode” that pretends your software is running on an older version of Windows.
Windows Vista
Microsoft’s most recent operating system is Windows Vista. The company’s newest version of its flagship product features enhanced graphics, new built-in programs and stronger defenses against computer viruses.
Security was a primary driver in the development of Vista. The operating system includes technologies such as User Account Control and obfuscation techniques that make it more difficult for malware to manipulate critical parts of the system.
The operating system also introduces technologies such as ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive that utilize fast flash memory or hybrid hard disk drives to improve performance by caching frequently used programs and data. A prompt that appears before an operating system restart now allows users to postpone the reboot for up to four hours.
Windows 7
The successor to Windows Vista, Windows 7 was released to manufacturing in July 2009 and made available in October 2009. It includes features that originated with the earlier operating system.
For example, the taskbar has a new button that makes any open windows transparent for a quick look at the desktop. It also has a feature that allows users to reorder taskbar buttons.
The OS has a better ability to use solid-state drives, and it provides more options for defining default libraries for documents, music, pictures and videos. The OS supports a maximum of two physical processors per system, and it has improved multilingual support.