history of Windows

1975 - 1981: the launch of Microsoft

Beginning: Paul Allen (on the left) and Bill Gates, co-founders of Microsoft

We are in the 1970s. At work, we use typewriters. If we

we need to copy a document, we will probably use a mimeograph or paper
carbon. Few people have heard of microcomputers, but two young people
enthusiasts of the subject, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, realize that personal computing is the
path to the future. In 1975, Gates and Allen formed a partnership called
Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft starts small, but with a
great vision - a computer on every desk and in every home. In the following years, the
Microsoft begins to change the way we work.

The emergence of MS-DOS

In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire a former classmate of Gates at

Harvard, Steve Ballmer, to help take care of the company. The following month, IBM does
contact with Microsoft about a project codenamed 'Chess'.
response, Microsoft focuses on a new operating system—the software that
manages or controls the computer hardware and also serves to make the connection
between the hardware and the programs, like word processors. It is the foundation on which the
computer programs can work. They named the new operating system
from 'MS-DOS'.

When the IBM PC with MS-DOS began to be sold in 1981, it introduced a

completely new language for the general public. Type 'C:' and several other commands
"enigmatic" gradually started to become part of our everyday life. People
they discovered the backslash key ("). MS-DOS is efficient, but it also ends up
being difficult to understand, for many people. There has to be a better way to do it
an operating system. Geek trivia: MS-DOS stands for Disk Operating System
from Microsoft.
 1982 - 1985: Presenting Windows 1.0

Microsoft A is working on the first version of a new operating system. Interface

Manager is the codename, considered the final name, but Windows ends up being
chosen, as it better describes the boxes or "windows" of computation that are
fundamental for the new system. Windows was announced in 1983, but it takes a while.
little to be developed. Skeptics call it "vaporware" (software
announced but never developed.

The packaging of Windows 1.0

On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft begins to
sell Windows 1.0. Now, instead of typing MS-DOS commands, just move the
mouse to point and click on screens or 'windows'. Bill Gates states that 'it is software
unique, designed for those who really use a computer...

There are drop-down menus, scroll bars, icons, and dialog boxes that make the
easiest programs to learn and use. You can switch between multiple programs
without needing to exit and restart each one. Windows 1.0 comes with several programs,
including MS-DOS file management, Paint, Windows Writer, Notepad
Notes, a calculator, a calendar, a card file, and a clock, to help
you to manage daily activities.
 1987 - 1992: Windows 2.0–2.11—More windows, more
speed

On December 9, 1987, Microsoft released Windows 2.0 with area icons.

work and expanded memory. With greater support for graphics, you can overlay
windows, control the layout of the screen and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work.
Some software developers write their first programs based on
Windows for this release.

Windows 2.0

Windows 2.0 was developed for the Intel 286 processor. When the processor
Intel 386 is released, Windows/386 comes soon after to take advantage of the resources.
of extended memory. Subsequent versions of Windows continue to improve the
speed, reliability, and usability of the PC. In 1988, Microsoft became the
the largest software company for PCs in the world, based on its sales. The
computers are starting to become part of the daily routine in some offices. Geek trivia:
The Control Panel first appeared in Windows 2.0.
1990 - 1994: Windows 3.0–Windows NT—arriving the
graphic elements

On May 22, 1990, Microsoft announced Windows 3.0, quickly followed by

Windows 3.1 in 1992. Together, they sell 10 million copies in the first two.
years. The Windows operating system becomes the most used until then. Size
success causes Microsoft to rethink its previous plans. Virtual Memory
improves the graphics. In 1990, Windows begins to look like the versions that
they will see later.

Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics

with 16 cores and enhanced icons. A new wave of 386 PCs helps to boost the
popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, the
programs run much faster. The Program Manager, the Manager
File Manager and Print Manager are introduced in Windows 3.0.

Bill Gates showcases the recently released Windows 3.0

Windows O is installed through floppy disks acquired in large boxes, with heavy
instruction manuals. The popularity of Windows 3.0 grows with the release of a
new software development kit (SDK) for
Windows, which helps developers focus more on writing programs
and less on writing device drivers. Windows is increasingly used at home.
and at work, and now comes with games like Solitaire, Spades, and Minesweeper. A
announcement: "Now, you can use the incredible power of Windows 3.0 to relax in
work.
Windows O for Workgroups 3.11 comes with support for point-to-point workgroups
and networks in domain and, for the first time, PCs become an integral part of
emerging client/server computing evolution.

Windows NT

When Windows NT was released on July 27, 1993, Microsoft achieved a

important framework: the conclusion of a project initiated in the late 1980s, to
build a new and advanced operating system from scratch. "Windows NT
represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way companies
can take care of your business computing needs," says Bill Gates in
release. Unlike Windows 3.1Windows NT, however, 3.1 is a system
32-bit operational, which makes it a strategic business platform that
supports the most advanced technical and scientific programs. Geek trivia: the group that
the Windows NT was originally called the 'Systems Development' team
Portables.

1995 - 2001: Windows 95—the computer reaches the

majority (and don't forget the Internet)

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, setting a record.

7 million copies sold in the first five weeks. It is the release of
Microsoft with more advertising, so far. The television commercials bring the
Rolling Stones singing "Start Me Up" with images of the new Start button.
"Start"). The press release simply begins by saying: "It's here."
 Launch day: Bill Gates presents Windows 95

It is the era of fax/modem, of email, of the new online world and of amazing multimedia games.
educational software. Windows 95 has built-in support for the Internet, for networking.
dial-up connection and new Plug and Play features that allow for easy installation
hardware and software. The 32-bit operating system also offers multimedia.
enhanced, more resources for mobile computing and integrated networks. When the
Windows 95 was released, the previous Windows and MS-DOS operating systems.
were present in about 80% of the computers in the world. Windows 95 is the
update of these operating systems. To use Windows 95, you need a
PC with a 386DX processor or higher (a 486 is recommended) and at least 4
MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM is recommended). The versions for upgrade are
available both on floppy disk and CD-ROM. The system is available in 12
languages. Windows 95 marks the first appearance of the Start menu, the taskbar
and the minimize, maximize, and close buttons in each window.

Riding the wave of the Internet

In the early 90s, the people who understood more about technology were talking about the
Internet - a network of networks that could connect computers all over the world. In
1995, Bill Gates writes a memo called 'The Internet Tidal Wave'
Gigantic Wave of the Internet
"advance since the advent of the PC." In the second half of 1995, the first was released.
version of Internet Explorer. The browser joins those that competed for space
on the Internet. Geek trivia: in 1996, Microsoft launched Flight Simulator for
Windows 95, for the first time in its 14 years, made available for Windows.
1998 - 2000: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me
Windows 98

Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows.

specifically designed for consumers. Computers already dominate the
work and in residences, and the cafes, where one can use the Internet, begin to
to arise. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that 'works better'.
With Windows 98, you can find information more easily, both on your PC.
how much on the Internet. Other improvements include the ability to open and close programs
faster and support for reading DVDs and USB devices (serial bus
universal). Another item that appears in this version is the Quick Start bar, which allows
that you run programs without having to navigate through the Start menu or search for it
on the desktop. Geek trivia: Windows 98 is the last version based on MS-DOS.
 Windows Me

Designed for home use, Windows Me comes with several enhancements in

music, video and home network, as well as improvements in reliability, when
compared to previous versions. First appearances: System Restore,
a feature that allows reverting the computer's software configuration to a
date or time prior to an issue that occurred. Movie Maker offers users the
tools to edit, save, and share home videos digitally. And, with the
technologies of Microsoft Windows Media Player 7, you can locate, organize and
reproduce digital media. Geek trivia: technically speaking, Windows Me was the
the last operating system from Microsoft to be built on the base code of
Windows 95. Microsoft announces that all future operating system products
they would be based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernels.

Windows 2000 Professional

Windows 2000 Professional

More than just an update for Windows NT Workstation 4.0, the

Windows 2000 Professional was designed to replace Windows 95, Windows 98, and the
Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all commercial desktops and laptops. Made in
built on the reliable codebase of Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 brings
great improvements in stability, ease of use, compatibility with
Internet and support for mobile computing. Among other improvements, the
Windows 2000 Professional simplifies hardware installation by adding support for
a wide range of new Plug and Play hardware, including network devices and wireless
advanced I/O, USB devices, IEEE 1394 and infrared. Geek trivia: the test of
night stress executed on Windows 2000 during development is equivalent to
three months of runtime on up to 1,500 computers.
2001 - 2005: Windows XP—stable, usable, and fast

On October 25, 2001, Windows XP was released with a redesigned look,

focused on usability, and a unified Help and Support service center. The
the system is available in 25 languages. Since the mid-1970s until the
at the launch of Windows XP, around 1 billion computers were sold.
world whole. For Microsoft, Windows XP will become one of its most important products.
sold in the following years. It is fast and stable. Navigating the Start menu, through
Taskbar and through the Control Panel is more intuitive. People are more
aware of computer viruses and hackers, but, to some extent, the fears are
calmed with the online delivery of security updates. Customers start to
understand the warnings about suspicious attachments and viruses. There is more emphasis on Help and
Support.

Pack it: Windows XP Professional hits the stores

Windows XP Home Edition offers a cleaner, simplified look that makes the
most used resources easily accessible. Designed for home use, the
Windows XP offers enhancements such as the Network Setup Wizard,
Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker and enhanced features for photos
digital. Windows XPWindows 2000 Professional brings the solid foundations of to
desktops, improving reliability, security, and performance. With a look
New, Windows XP Professional includes features for businesses and computing.
advanced domestic, including support for remote desktop, a system of
files with encryption and system restore features and advanced networks. The
main improvements for mobile users include support for wireless networks
802.1x, Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance.
Windows XP had several editions over all these years:

Windows XP Microsoft 64-bit Edition (2001) is the first operating system

for 64-bit processors, designed to work with large
amounts of memory and projects such as special effects for films,
3D animations, engineering, and scientific programs.
Windows XP or Media Center Edition (2002) was made for computing and
home entertainment. You can browse the Internet, watch television
live, enjoy music and digital videos and watch DVDs.
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002) brings the vision of computing based
with a stylus. Tablet PCs come with a digital pen for recognition of
handwritten, but you can also use the mouse and keyboard.

Geek trivia: Windows XP was compiled from 45 million lines of code.

2006 - 2008: Windows Vista - smart security

Windows Vista was released in 2006 with the strongest security system ever seen.
User Account Control helps prevent potentially harmful programs.
make changes on your computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate, the Encryption of
BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection for your computer.
as sales of laptops and security needs increase. The
Windows Vista also features improvements in Windows Media Player, as it increasingly
but, people begin to see their computers as the central location for digital media.
Nele, you can watch television, display and send photos, and edit videos.

Windows Vista Ultimate

Design plays an important role in Windows Vista, and features like the taskbar
tasks and the margins of the windows get a brand new look. The research gains
new emphasis and helps people find files on their computers more
fast. Windows Vista introduces new editions, each with different
combinations of resources. The system is available in 35 languages. The Start button
redesigned first appears in Windows Vista. Geek trivia: more than 1.5
a million devices were compatible with Windows Vista at launch.

2009: Windows 7

Windows 7 was created for the wireless world, which arrived at the end of the year 2000. When
the new operating system was released, laptops sold more than desktops.
It is fashionable to use the Internet in public Wi-Fi access points, such as cafés,
and in private wireless networks in homes. Windows 7 included new ways to
working with windows, such as the adjustment, peek, and shaking features, which
improved the functionality and made the use of the interface more fun. It also
marked the beginning of Windows Touch, which allowed users with a touchscreen
I touch to browse the Internet, view photos, and open files and folders.

The enhancements of Windows 7 include dynamic thumbnail previews.

Geek trivia: before its release, Windows 7 was evaluated by 8 million beta testers.
testers all over the world.
 2012: Windows 8

Windows 8 is Windows reinvented, from the chipset to the user experience.

It works as a tablet for entertainment and as a fully equipped computer for
higher productivity. It features a completely new interface, for touch and for use
with mouse and keyboard. Windows 8 also includes improvements in the familiar area of
Windows work, with a new taskbar and optimized management of
files. Windows 8 features a start screen with tiles that connect to people,
files, applications, and websites. The applications are the highlight. There is a new location of
where they can be downloaded, the Windows Store, located right on the home screen. With the
Windows 8, Microsoft also released Windows RT, which runs on some tablets and
computers. Windows RT was designed for sleek devices, with battery of
long battery life, and only runs apps from the Windows Store. It also comes with a
integrated version of Office, optimized for touch screens. Geek trivia:
advanced users will notice that Windows 8 has made detection and correction of
file system errors that are more transparent and less intrusive.

Meaning of the name

The word Windows in Portuguese means windows. Its graphical interface is based on
WIMP standard and uses the WYSIWYG concept, previously developed at Xerox
PARC: has windows that display information and receive responses from users
through a keyboard or mouse clicks. The Windows trademark was
legally complicated, due to the fact that this word is in common use in English
"windows" means "janelas".

Origin and history

Microsoft began developing Microsoft Windows in September 1981. The
Windows is only technically considered an OS starting from version
Windows NT, released in July 1993. What existed before were graphical systems.
being executed on some version of DOS-compatible systems, such as MS-
DOS, PC-DOS or DR-DOS. Only MS-DOS was produced by Microsoft itself.
MS-DOS is an operating system that does not have a graphical interface, it works
through text commands entered on the keyboard by the user. Windows
It initially emerged as a graphical interface for MS-DOS, which allowed running
graphical mode programs, which allowed the use of the mouse, which until then was
considered superfluous in IBM-PC type computers.