Microsoft Windows: History and evolution of the most famous Operating System in the world

Windows is the flagship product of Microsoft’s operating systems and the de facto standard for personal and business computers. The operating system based on the graphical user interface (GUI) was introduced in 1985 and since then many versions have been released, as described below.

Microsoft began with the association of Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Gates and Allen jointly developed Xenix (a version of Unix) and also worked together on a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800. The company was founded in 1981.

Microsoft became famous with the MS DOS launch, a text-based command line operating system. DOS was primarily based on an acquired intellectual property, QDOS. GUI-based operating systems of the time included Xerox’s Alto, released in 1979, and Apple’s LISA and Macintosh systems, which appeared later. Microsoft fans referred to these systems as WIMP with disdain, because they represented “windows, icons, a mouse, and dropdown menus.”

What is Microsoft Windows? Definition

Microsoft Windows was born in 1985Being the operating system of the company microsoft which has conquered a huge number of PC users in the home market as well as the business one. It is based on a simple graphical user interface, named GUI, which allows you to control the programs installed on the system in a very simple way. It is, in fact, this simplicity the main feature that defines this system as well as the intuitiveness of its use.

Origin, history and evolution of the Windows Operating System

Windows, Microsoft’s first OS, dates back to 1985, the year in which Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Paul Allen joined forces. This operating system is the best known of all and probably the most commercialized among users from all over the planet.

He’s always had plenty of rivals. standing out among all Macintosh, by Steve Jobs. However, this has only increased its advantages and expanded its market share.

The black part of their history consisted precisely in a problem that these partners had with Apple and Steve Jobswith whom they were always directly confronted by Lisa’s theftTherefore, despite the existence of judicial decisions, the confrontation between the two greats of the technological world always remained.

Windows has evolved a lot throughout historybeginning to be well considered from the year 1992. What has always been done is to take the improvements that were emerging at the level of hardware in order to develop a software to measure Also, with this constant evolution, it would always keep users on the lookout for such new improvements.

Next, we are going to talk a little about each of the versions of the Windows operating system that have been successful throughout history:

List of versions of Windows Operating Systems

Let’s see how this program developed in each version of its operating systems and how it has been incorporating multiple improvements and native tools to make its use easier for its millions of users around the world.

Year 1985: Windows 1.0

The first version of Windows was 1.0, which came out in 1985.. This consisted of a simple program that could run in DOS, conceived, in fact, as a graphical extension to MS-DOS. The launch did not come at a good time, perhaps being too early, since the feeling that all users have about it is that it was too unstable.

Of course, the interface was highly valued because it introduced the concept of “pointer and click” with which we move the mouse around the window and decide what we want to do at each moment. It also introduces the concept of “scrollbar” or the well-known ” buttonTo accept“.

Year 1987: Windows 2.0-2.11

Windows 2.0 was the one that brought us the concept of “Control Panel” and the initial versions of the Word and Excel programs. With the appearance of this operating system, Microsoft began its hegemony in the year 1987. This occurred based on the growing market for the sale of personal computers and to the simplicity of use that, undeniably, this operating system has. Windows 2.03, from 1988 was sued by Jobs for his overlapping window system.

Year 1990: Windows 3.0

It is from here that Windows came to be seen as as good as any other option in the OS market. Nothing new but many improvements and a subsequent facelift made sales skyrocket.

Year 1993: Windows NT

version of Windows NT stands for “New Technology” it was the completion of a side project to build a revolutionary Operating System. This NT was 32 bit and had a hardware abstraction layer. MS-DOS could be found separately through the symbol of the system but it wasn’t running by Windows itself.

Year 1995: Windows 95

Probably this version of the Windows operating system has been one of the most successful of the company. It was designed directly to replace MS-DOS. The name of the version honors the year in which it appeared, since its launch was made in 1995.

The highlight is that Windows “Start” button appears in this version, from which most of the procedures related to the system and the programs that hang from it are carried out and which is maintained to date. Likewise, the use of 32-bit architecture was quite an event.

Other characteristics are the appearance of the plug and play system in order to make it easier to install applications on external devices. Also, TCP/IP network support is included and Direct X software emerges so that certain games can be used on Windows. The system is having an increasing range of colors. Its support ended definitively at the end of 2001.

Year 1998: Windows 98

This was the system that officially replaced the previous version since 1998. plug-and-play improvements were considerablealthough it received harsh criticism for being slower and less reliable than its predecessor.

Secondly, USB support and quick system launch added. In addition, it is on this occasion that the brand’s own browser is included, known as internet explorerwhich is still the most stable of those that exist today (although it is better known for its slowness).

This system also begins the shortcomings and deficiencies of this technology since was the subject of a massive malware attacka nightmare that has haunted it since it began to position itself as the preferred operating system for most users. Support for this OS ends in 2006.

Year 2000: Windows ME or Windows 2000

From this operating system, versions start to be created without using the year number in which they have been released. The Windows Millennium Edition It was created and launched in the year 2000.

East It did not have much acceptance by users. In addition, it has probably been the most unstable of all those that have had the signature of Microsoft. That’s when the option “System Restore“.

Year 2001: Windows XP

This operating system released in 2001, was designed as a user-oriented version, where they would be the critics themselves. It is, without a doubt, a improved product, stable and, above all, with many inclusions and visual improvements so that the user experience is optimal.

They highlighted the DVD and TV (including recording) as functionalities to enjoy. This OS first offered a 64-bit versionalthough it is true that this was still incipient and should improve a lot. The “Home” version, the “Professional” and the “Media Center” were released.

Year 2006: Windows Vista

In 2006, Windows Vista appeared., launching six editions packed with new features. In this case, Microsoft is very concerned that it be a very prominent release since for the company it had meant the use of a large amount of resources dedicated entirely to this project.

Vista was characterized by having great visual effectseven though the operating system sometimes ran out of RAMso that, without it, it could not work as fast as its developers claimed.

As of this version, in addition, rights and license activation become stricter and user control access more and more complex. Around that time, Microsoft announced that Windows XP system maintenance would end in April 2014.

Year 2009: Windows 7

In 2009 this new operating system appearedwhich in appearance is very similar to the previous one, being considered, in fact, “an incremental update”, but which It has a more than considerably higher processing speed.

Improvements include new user interfaces, much faster startup and shutdown speeds, HomeGroup and the SuperBar. Windows 7 primarily became the most widely used operating system on the internet, especially for use with PC games.

Even so, its objective was not this, but what was intended was to reduce the incompatibilities that Vista presented. It is the oldest version that maintains support, having been extended until 2020.

Year 2012: Windows 8

During 2012 this new user interface appeared in the system. This uses the SSD drives, processors with more than one core and can use touch screens. Although some users were reluctant to this operating system, the data reflects otherwise, because there are more users in Windows 8 than in many previous ones.

Year 2015: Windows 10

This operating system has been the latest novelty of the OS and appeared in 2015. The main improvement is that it includes the layout type Responsive Continuum, which is based on the adaptation of the system depending on the device that is being used. A) Yes, It is oriented to use on PC’s, mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Year 2021: Windows 11

Windows 11 was officially launched on October 5.. It has arrived as a free update for PCs with original Windows 10 that support it, and in the coming months we will see that the new computers that are launched will begin to come pre-installed. Its deployment will be gradualso that the update could take time to reach some users while others have already reached us. Microsoft expects everyone to have it by 2022.

List of native applications and tools in the Windows OS

Windows has a large number of applications and tools that come standard and that serve to make the use easier for anyone who needs it, looking for that, even without internet connection, he can use the computer on the greatest number of occasions in his day to day. It should be noted that these do not require external maintenance, while new features are added with each new version of the operating system.

Next, we are going to show the most used, the ones you should know and, in turn, they will be more useful:

Calculator

It is one of the oldest components. In fact, it already appeared in version 1.0. It is an application that is used to make calculations at a basic level and some advanced ones.

The design of this application is very simple, the software was changed in the version of Windows 7 in order to make it more comfortable, especially for touch screens. A history of operations, calculation of dates and even a worksheet mode are added.

internetexplore

It is the file that is responsible for executing the Internet Explorer program as a navigator to travel the world Wide Web. Like the previous one, it is also one of the components that was found in the Windows operating system since version 1.0.

Recycle Bin

It is a folder where all those files that we have decided to get rid of are stored.. These can still be recovered, in full, since this application is a kind of disaster drawer where things are stored before they are permanently deleted. It is present in the system from the initial version of it.

Taskbar

It is a characteristic utility of the system. In it you can see information about all the programs that are running on the computer and, in addition, has a quick method to be able to switch between windows.

It can be positioned in the part of the screen that is most comfortable for the user. Initially, always shows the information of the time, date, Home button, Quick Launch Bar, Address Bar and some iconsalthough, currently we can place in it, anchored, a number of direct accesses of our interest.

memo pad

It’s about a plain text editor that comes pre-installed in all versions since Windows 95. It is a very simple application that can be used to jot down thoughts or quick things for which there is no need to format.

In fact, save the texts in .txtwhich implies that it does not have any secondary tag, that is, it is ideal for use as a text cleaner, getting plain textwhich is what we must put in the content managers to avoid creating code errors, for example.

media player

It is a media player which was included in the version of the system released in 1991 and called Windows 3.0. It was included in all versions up to Windows XP, until for the Windows Vista system it had another similar software called Windows Media Player.

painting

This is another of the OS tools that appeared from the first version of the OS and that is maintained. It is software that works as a graphic editor and is used for everything related to the arrangement and development of images. You can save graphs in multiple formats and view them in edit mode to work on them.

Clipboard

It is a very simple Windows application that It is used to store information of any kind for a period of time.. You can copy images, text, files, etc. It is used together with the system’s copy and paste function. The information it retains is lost the moment we reboot.

All these tools are found on all modern computers. Many of them can be uninstalled to save space, but it is not recommended for entry-level users. It is clear that many times, if we do not need the little space that they can free us, it is better not to touch them to avoid problems.

In fact, to be able to perform the uninstall, the developers have made sure that special commands must be usedwhich adds an extra complication to that movement and prevents accidental uninstalls.

Cortana

Microsoft Cortana, is a virtual assistant designed and developed by Microsoft to be used on all types of devices. It can be downloaded and used on both Android mobile phones and computers that have the Windows 10 operating system or later versions installed.

It is a tool that facilitates countless tasks for users. It can be used to set reminders on calendars, to store search histories, to search over the internet or even to set alarms or take screenshots. Its range of functions is so wide that you even have the option to tell jokes or perform impressions.

Skype

Skype It is one of the greatest referents of the communication tools that we have at our disposal today. Created by Microsoft and merged with Outlook and Hotmail for several yearsits ease of chatting with other people, in addition to making voice and video calls, are the strengths that have made it the preferred choice of many users.

microsoft-office

While it is true, Microsoft Office or “MS Office” refers to a package of computer programs that was created especially to carry out office activities and, therefore, integrates a set of applications that allow carrying out office tasks. These tasks give the possibility to automate and refine the usual desktop activities.

On the other hand, it should be noted that microsoft-office was developed by Microsoft Corp. Being this, a native United States company that was founded in the year 1975. Also, the first version of the service and now, the oldest; it was published in 1989 and only included two basic packages. The first of them was made up of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint; the other package added programs like Microsoft Access and SchedulePlus.

Windows Media Player

Since 1996watch videos, listen to songs and even view photos in Windows operating systems is something that is carried out through the program Windows Media Player. During all these years, Microsoft has been releasing more and more revisions of this until reaching 12, available for both Windows 10 and 8 and 7, the company’s previous operating systems.

It is currently a software that is in disuse. Despite the facilities, functions and, above all, the performance that this player has, its managers decided to stop renewing it to resort to the internal services of W10such as “Movies and TV”, to take more advantage of the possibilities of the operating system and centralize everything in totally native tools and implemented in it.

What is Blue Screen or Blue Screen of Death or BSOD and why does this error occur?

One of the most frequent failures in Windows 10is he blue screenor also known as “Blue Screen of Death”, which when we get this warning, means that something really serious has happened to our computer.

This message that appears with a blue background, is not at all clear, however it appears with its proper encoding. We cannot define more, since this is random, and therefore it is totally different in each case.

The message always tells us that there is a problem in Windowswhich has been turned off in order to avoid further damage to the computer, and also indicates that the problem may be caused by a file, indicating in turn the name of that file.