When compared to other operating systems such as Mac OS or Linux, Windows OS does have a wider reach among ordinary users. However, the journey of Windows itself is not as smooth as what we imagine. This is a full discussion regarding the history of windows from the early days to the present.
Getting to know Windows OS
What is Windows? Windows is an operating system (operating system) created by Microsoft to accommodate the needs of ordinary users.
The Windows OS has been recorded to have undergone several version changes, and for the most recent one they called it Windows 10. Are Qwords friends interested in getting to know the Windows OS and the long history of each version? Here's a full explanation.
Advantages of Windows Operating System
1. Easy to Use
Because it is designed for ordinary users to use, the Windows operating system comes with a simple appearance and is easy to operate. So do not be surprised if the OS made by Microsoft has managed to occupy the highest ranking for the operating system market.
2. Compatible with Multiple Devices
Another advantage of Windows is the backward compatibility feature, where we can open older versions of programs through the latest Windows installation.
3. Plug and Play
The Plug and Play feature is very important for today's devices. The reason is, this will make it easier for users when they want to buy new additional accessories such as mice, wireless keyboards, to touch boards for drawing.
Kinds of Windows
1. Windows 1 (1985)
The first generation Windows operating system was born in 1985 on the initiative of Bill Gates, who is none other than the founder of Microsoft. In the first version, Microsoft tried to experiment with a graphical function called a GUI (Graphic User Interface).
One of the interesting facts of the emergence of the Windows OS lies in the controversy over the purchase of an MS-DOS license from Seattle Computer Products by Microsoft for 50 thousand USD. As for features, this version of Windows still has many shortcomings because Microsoft has only expanded the capabilities of MS-DOS with an additional graphical interface.
2. Windows Version 2 (1987)
Windows 2nd generation was born two years after Microsoft successfully launched the first operating system. In this version, the popularity of Windows has increased slightly compared to the previous one, one of the triggers is the addition of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word applications.
3. Windows 3 (1990)
Do you remember the card game Solitaire? The game is one of the innovations that was first presented in the Windows 3 OS about 30 years ago. In addition, Windows 3 is also the first series to successfully compete directly with sales of the Commodore Amiga or Apple's Macintosh OS.
For this version, Microsoft has also provided Windows with support for 256 colors so that it is much more interactive than before.
4. Windows 3.1 (1992)
The Windows 3.1 operating system was the first version to be distributed using a CD-ROM device. The introduction of this operating system is peppered with the addition of the Minesweeper game which requires 1MB of RAM, the presence of TrueType fonts, and several other gimmicks.
5. Windows 95 (1995)
Even though it's already 10 years old, Microsoft still relies on MS-DOS as a support for Windows 95. However, in this version there are some iconic changes that will continue to be used today. Some of them are the use of the Start button in the lower left corner, the 32-bit system for multitasking, to the addition of an internet explorer.
6. Windows 98 (1998)
The late 90's can be said to be the era of the greatest technological developments until now. At this time, some computers began to connect to a wired internet network, so Microsoft began to include applications such as Outlook Express, Internet Explorer 4, Microsoft Chat, Windows Address Book, to NetShow Player which is now more familiar as Windows Media Player. In this version, users are also getting familiar with USB technology, including USB Mice and USB Hubs.
7. Windows Millennium Edition (2000)
Although capable of presenting a number of important applications for users. In fact gait Windows Millennium Edition is considered not good for some people. This year, Microsoft is also noted to have introduced a version of Windows 2000 which later became the forerunner of the Windows XP OS in the future.
8. Windows XP (2001)
When compared to its predecessor generation, Windows XP is arguably the most successful version of attracting customers. Windows XP was recorded to be able to last for more than 10 years from the launch date, leaving various deep memories for every user who uses it. As we know, Windows XP is built based on the Windows 2000 OS which embeds an interactive interface complete with a green start button to attract users' attention.
Unfortunately, Windows XP suffers from a classic problem that is common with every technology product, namely security issues. Its high popularity has attracted many hackers to start exploiting Windows XP systems. As a result, the firewall program that has been built is unable to move against the potential security of user data.
9. Windows Vista (2006)
Previously, we could conclude that Windows XP is the most popular and longest-lasting product. So for Windows Vista can be regarded as a failed product that has less place in the hearts of consumers.
Windows Vista itself comes with a transparent feel in some parts of the interface. Unfortunately, this operating system has a very slow performance when run by older computers. In addition, users also complain about requests from various additional applications brought by Windows Vista.
10. Windows 7 (2009)
After getting ridicule in the previous version, Microsoft managed to answer with the presence of Windows 7. In terms of performance, Windows 7 is much faster, stable and interactive so that it can attract the interest of many people to start using it.
11. Windows 8 (2012)
Officially launched on August 1, 2012, Windows 8 marks the end of the era of the start button in the lower left corner. In addition, Microsoft also provides a significant change in appearance to Windows 8 by embedding a widget on the front page.
So far, Windows 8 is the most powerful, stable, interactive version, and has lightning boot speed compared to the previous version.
12. Windows 8.1 (2013)
A year after the boom of the Windows 8 interface, Microsoft is back with a new OS called Windows 8.1. In this version the company has brought back the start button to the bottom left corner of the screen. However, the icon function is replaced with a flat Windows logo.
13. Windows 10 (2015)
One of the big changes brought by Windows 10 is improvements to the touchscreen friendly feature. So that gadget users that support this feature can enjoy their daily activities more.
In addition, there is also the DirecX 12 update, a more balanced start button display, as well as a number of other updates that are able to attract many users to switch from Windows 8.1 to the latest version of Windows.
14. Windows 11 (2021)
Windows 11 is the main release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. This operating system is the successor to Windows 10. Windows 11 was announced at a Microsoft event on June 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. ET, and officially released on October 5, 2021.
Conclusion
That's a discussion related to the history of Windows development from the beginning until now. Based on the facts above, we can draw the conclusion that the Windows Vista operating system is a pretty dark period for Microsoft.
However, this turned out to be able to trigger the company to present the best products through Windows 7, 8, and then forwarded by Windows 10. With the Windows operating system, activities that require a computer are easier to run. Including the use of servers for the needs of personal websites or online stores.