The new GUI era has begun in Plaza Hotel, New York City on the 10th of November 1983, when two Microsoft founders Paul Allen and Bill Gates officially announced their first and next-generation graphical user interface operating system – Microsoft Windows. Despite the analysis on stability and constantly being compared to its opponent Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows is still the most widely used operating systems in the world.In this article, we’ll bring you back to 1985 where the very first official Microsoft Windows 1.0 was announced, and then we will have a glance at all boot screens of windows and desktop interface of all Windows operating system versions.
Evolution of Microsoft Windows
Windows 1.01 (1985)
Officially released on November 20, 1985, this 16-bit OS that cost less than 1MB in overall is Microsoft’s very first operating system which allows multi tasking with graphical user interface on PC platform that runs on MS-DOS 5.0.
Windows 1.03 (1986)
Launched in 1986, Windows 1.03 is an upgrade to its previous Windows 1.01. Entire operating system cost about 2.2Mb hard disk space.
Windows 2.03 (1987)
Taking advantage of the speed of Intel 286/386 processor, Windows 2.03 is a replacement for Windows 1.x. It also starts the era where users are able to overlap windows, customize screens, etc. The entire operating system set was no more than 2.5Mb.
Windows 2.86 (1989)
Windows 3.0 (1990)
Here is the third major released of Microsoft Windows with an improved set of Windows icons and applications like File Manager, Program Manager that is still being used in today’s Windows.
Windows 3.1 (1992)
Windows 3.1 is probably the earliest Windows most of us are familiar with. Windows 3.1 and later Windows 3.1x is an upgrade to Windows 3.0 with bug fixes and enhanced multimedia support.
Windows NT 3.1 (1993)
The first Windows New Technology (NT) introduced with 32-bit capacity. It maintains consistency with the Windows 3.1, a well-established home and business operating system at the time, the new Windows NT operating system began with version 3.1.
Windows 3.11 (1993)
A superset of Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 added peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support. For the first time, Windows based PCs were network aware and became an integral part of the emerging client-server computing evolution.
Windows NT 3.51 Workstation (1995)
The Windows NT Workstation 3.5 release provided the highest degree of protection yet for critical business applications and data. With support for the OpenGL graphics standard, this operating system helped power high end applications for software development, engineering, financial analysis, scientific, and business-critical tasks.
Windows 95 (1995)
Previously code-named Chicago, Windows 95 was the major success for Microsoft Corporation. It provides full graphical user interface support, integrated a 32-bit TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) stack for built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easy for users to install hardware and software.
Windows NT 4.0 (1996)
Windows NT Workstation 4.0 included the popular Windows 95 user interface yet provided improved networking support for easier and more secure access to the Internet and corporate intranets.
Windows NT Server 4.0 (1996)
Windows 98 (1998)
Windows 98 was the upgrade from Windows 95. Portrayed as an operating system that “Works Better, Plays Better,” Windows 98 was the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers and their PC.
Windows 2000 (2000)
Windows 2000 Professional was designed to replace Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Built on top of the proven Windows NT Workstation 4.0 code base, Windows 2000 added major developments in reliability, ease of use, Internet compatibility, and support for mobile computing.
Windows 2000 Server (2000)
Windows ME (2000)
Designed for home computer users, Windows ME offered consumers numerous music, video, and home networking improvements and reliability.
Windows XP (2001)
Windows XP Professional brings the solid foundation for PC desktop and Notebooks, by improving reliability, security, and performance. With a fresh visual design, Windows XP Professional includes features for business and advanced home computing, including remote desktop support, an encrypting file system, and system restore and advanced networking features.
Windows Server 2003 (2003)
Released on April 2003, and also known as Win2K3, this operating system is a successor to Windows Server 2000 (Win2K).
Windows Vista (2006)
Came more than 5 years after the previous one – Windows XP, Vista is the longest timeline break for Microsoft between two operating system.
Windows 7 (2009)
Codenamed Blackcomb, Windows 7 is one of the most anticipated operating system which is available in market from October 2009.
References
If you want some more and deep information about Microsoft Windows Operating System, you can visit – Windows History.