Every computer user knows about the Windows operating system. Today it is considered the most common, simple and convenient, focused on both the beginner and the "advanced" owner. In this article, we invite the reader to briefly get acquainted with all the operating systems of the Windows family, from the very first to the most modern. Present basic information, distinguishing characteristics of the versions.
About MS Windows
Windows - Windows. So the name of the popular OS is translated into Russian from English.
MS Windows - the name of the family of proprietary operating families of Microsoft, which are focused on the use of a graphical interface for management. I must say that initially "Windows" was just a graphic add-on for MS-DOS.
In August 2014, Net Application undertook a large-scale statistical study. According to its results, it was revealed that 89% of personal computers in the world work with Windows operating systems. Agree, a significant indicator.
Today, Windows operates on x86, x86-64, IA-64, and ARM platforms. Previously, there were versions for DEC Alpha, MIPS, PowerPC, and SPARC.
OS development
The first versions of the operating systems of the Windows family, as we already said, were not full-fledged OS. These are tinctures for MS-DOS. Such a multifunctional extension added new processor modes, support for multitasking operations, standardization of computer hardware interfaces, and uniform programs for users. This feature applies to the following versions:
A new stage of development - operating systems of the Windows 9x family: 95 and 98, 2000, ME.
The modern development step is in 2001-2016. Its beginning is considered the release of two versions of the popular "Windows XP" - corporate and "home". Then were presented versions of Vista, 7, 8, 10.
Consider each OS variation in more detail.
Windows 1.0
We will reveal the features of the operating system of the Windows family. This version was the Microsoft graphical user interface for MS-DOS. Here the principle of the frame manager of windows was used. He helped dialogue with the operating system, unified the appearance of programs, optimized work with peripheral devices.
Bill Gates officially announced the development in 1983 in New York. 24 scientists worked on the creation of Windows 1.0. The interface entered retail sales two years later - in 1985. In the USA, then the product cost $ 99, and in Germany - 399 marks.
One of the most significant drawbacks of the development: to use it, it was necessary to purchase expensive components - a new processor model, a mouse, and large memory for a computer.
Windows 2.0
This addition to the MS Windows family of operating systems was released in 1987. He was distinguished by new features and capabilities:
- Using a fast Intel 286 processor.
- Opportunities for expanding memory and application interaction using DDE.
- Use keyboard shortcuts.
- Using a multi-window environment.
- Native API code.
Despite all of the above, this operating system did not become widespread, although there were developers who wrote programs for it. Its significant disadvantages: weak hardware, large software limitations.
Windows 3.0
The main characteristic of the operating system of the Windows family: this is the first product that really received mass distribution. Its release began in 1990. It was explained by the fact that the OS was installed by manufacturers on the computers sold.
The MS-DOS file shell in this version has been replaced by the "Program Manager". We also used our own add-in: File Manager, which is used to navigate the disk.
You can highlight the external design. The interface was pseudo-three-dimensional: this was achieved by the expanded VGA color palette. This version already had a fully functional "Control Panel". It allowed you to operate the system settings and opened up a completely new opportunity - the use of the image as a desktop substrate.
The user assistance system was organized using HTML, already contained hyperlinks. The range of related software was also expanded:
- Wordpad text editor.
- Graphic editor Paintbrush.
- Games "Solitaire-free cells", "Solitaire-kerchief", "Minesweeper".
- Other utilities.
Several memory modes were supported: 16-bit and 32-bit. According to users, in terms of operating convenience, the OS was on par with its modern Apple Macintosh products.
Windows 3.1
What is the advantage of the operating system of the Microsoft Windows family version 3.1? This is the first operating system from the corporation that has the support of the Russian language, which is why it is widely used in Russia.
Entered the market in 1992. There are no distinctive features here - 3.1 was an improved version of the previous release. They added advanced settings for the working environment, improved the graphical interface, fixed bugs and improved stability.
Windows 95
The code name for this Windows graphics operating system is Chicago. It was released in August 1995 (a version for Russia was presented in November of that year).
It was mainly intended for home computers. It was hybrid: it supported 16- and 32-bit systems. It was here that the desktop appeared with the usual icons, the taskbar and the "proprietary" Start menu.
Windows 98
The official release (after beta testing) of this version came in 1998. We list the main features, characteristics of the operating system of the Windows family:
- Improved support for AGP.
- Modified drivers for USB.
- Support for multi-monitor operation.
- The first Internet Explorer browser.
- Web TV support.
In 1999, an updated version of the OS was released. She was distinguished by a more advanced browser, the addition of DVD support.
Windows 2000 and ME
The version was released, respectively, in 2000. She was characterized by the following:
- Updated interface.
- Active Directory Support
- File system standard NTFS 3.0.
- IIS introduced in version 5.0.
In the same 2000, a new version of the system was released - Windows ME (Millennium Edition). Briefly imagine how it differed:
- Improving the work with multimedia tools.
- Ability to record both audio and video conferencing.
- The emergence of tools to restore information after system failures.
- Lack of real mode from MS-DOS.
Windows XP and Vista
XP is the most popular operating system from the Windows group. It had a version for both home and corporate computers. Key additions:
- Improved GUI.
- Quick change of "users".
- Features remote PC control.
- Improving system recovery capabilities.
In 2003, the server version of the OS, Windows Server 2003, was released. According to its developers, much attention was paid to system security. In 2006, a version of XP for low-power PCs appeared under the name Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (FLP).
In 2006, Vista was introduced to corporate clients. Ordinary users were able to purchase its "home" version only in 2007. “Vista” was distinguished by the following:
- New user interface management features.
- Updated subsystem memory management, input-output.
- The appearance of the "hibernation" mode.
- Improving security features.
Windows 7
This operating system from Windows appeared on store shelves in 2007. Let's look at its distinguishing characteristics:
- Support for "Unicode 5.1".
- Possibility of multi-touch control.
- The appearance of 50 new fonts in addition to the modified standard.
- Support for folder aliases internally.
- Close integration with driver manufacturers.
- Compatibility with a number of old applications whose launch was not possible on Vista.
- The new interface of a standard multimedia player.
- Support for multiple monitors, multimedia extensions, the ability to play audio files with low latency.
Windows 8
This version went on sale in 2012. According to statistics, it is in second place in terms of prevalence in the world (after the 7th version).
The innovations here are as follows:
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Two new methods for user authentication.
- App Store Appearances for OS.
- New version of the Internet browser: in the desktop and touch version.
- Ability to restore and reset the system.
- New "Task Manager".
- The appearance of the option "Family Safety".
- New control panel, change the welcome screen.
- Advanced Search Engine.
- Convenient switching of keyboard layouts.
Windows 10
The latest version of the operating system was released in July 2015. Here are its key differences from the previous ones:
- Modification of the Start menu: presented in the form of user-customizable tiles.
- Resize Start.
- New features of using the app store.
- The appearance of the "Notification Center".
- Updated calendar, clock, battery indicator (for laptops).
- Modern windows with new animation.
- Updated welcome and lock interfaces.
This concludes our review of Windows operating systems. Perhaps in the near future the list will be supplemented with a new version.