[ENG VER] These are the History and Developments of Microsoft Windows through the Ages (From Windows 1.0 to 11)
Assalamu‘alaikum wr. wb.
Hello guys! After a few months ago Microsoft has released Windows 11, 2 years ago Microsoft has ended Windows 7, and also next year Microsoft will also ended Windows 8.1, it is undeniable that Windows is the Best and Most Popular Operating System in the World besides macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux. However, there are successful Windows Operating Systems (OS) and there're also failed ones in the market. Let's discuss the history and development of Microsoft Windows from time to time in this Post.
Article Sources : Wikipedia.org, Tekno.Kompas.com, Inet.Detik.com, Brilio.net, Trikinet.com, Andronezia.com, and Thewindowsclub.com
HISTORY OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS
It's been 36 Years that the Windows operating system has been around the world. Since its presence in 1985, as many as a dozen versions have been released by Microsoft, starting from Windows 1 to the most recently announced Windows 11.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen officially founded Microsoft on Friday, 4 April 1975 (22 Rabi' al-Awal 1395 H). But in 1983, Allen resigned from Microsoft after he suffered from an illness. But even so Allen remains a member of the Microsoft board.
Prior to his retirement, Allen and Gates reinvented Q-DOS as MS-DOS and sold it as an Operating System to IBM. It was the first OS from Microsoft before Windows 1.
On 10 November 1983 (5 Safar 1404 H) at the Plaza Hotel New York City, Bill Gates officially announced and introduced Windows as a graphical user interface (GUI) for MS-DOS, which had been introduced several years earlier.
After that, Windows began and continues to dominate as the most widely used Operating System by computer users in the world. it is recorded that more than 90 Percent of computer users in the world use Windows as their operating system while the rest use Linux and MacOS operating systems.
Initially Microsoft only provided a Client version of Windows for personal use. but in 1993 the company launched Windows Server. Not only that, Microsoft also continues to innovate and spawn other versions by following the times.
WINDOWS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE AGES
And here, these are a summary of each Version of Windows released by Microsoft through the ages.
This startup company Bill Gates and Paul Allen first released an OS for PCs on 20 November 1985 (20 Rabi' al-Awal 1406 H), which was named Windows 1.0. In terms of appearance, Windows 1.0 is still very simple. You can see that the application window is neatly divided into three columns. Windows 1.0 is equipped with a number of features, ranging from Clock Icons, Games, MS-DOS Executive which displays file storage, to word processing software.
Early versions of Windows that run on top of MS-DOS, allow users to use the mouse, display text, and images on the computer screen. At that time even though it was available, the use of mouse devices was still not massive and many people were not used to it. So Microsoft provides a game called "Reversi" (as pictured above). This game can only be played with the mouse. The goal is none other than Windows 1 users can get used to the use of the Mouse.
Two years later, Microsoft released Windows 2.0 on 9 December 1987 (18 Rabi' al-Akhir 1408 H) with new innovations. Some of the new innovations are the minimize and maximize window features. In addition, the ability to overlap with other applications was introduced first.
In Windows 2.0, Microsoft first introduced the Control Panel, which allows users to access various system settings and configuration options. Until now the Control Panel is still available. Not only that, software such as Microsoft Word and Excel also ran for the first time on Windows 2.
Other new features include support for the new i386 CPU capabilities in some versions, 256 color VGA graphics, and EMS memory support.
Windows 3.0 is the third major release of Microsoft Windows which was launched on 22 May 1990 (27 Shawwal 1410 H). This version comes with a new graphical user interface (GUI) where applications are represented as clickable icons as opposed to the list of filenames seen in their predecessors.
From Windows 3, users have started to see color through Paint Brush, Calendar and Recorder Applications. The game Solitaire was also first introduced in this version.
Before the Fourth Version was released, Microsoft actually launched Windows 3.1. This series starts with Windows 3.1 which was first sold on 6 April 1992 (3 Shawwal 1412 H) as a successor to Windows 3.0. In addition to bringing the legendary game Minesweeper, Microsoft unveiled one of the important innovations in this version which was the introduction of TrueType fonts and a set of highly readable fonts that effectively made Windows a viable desktop publishing platform for the first time.
Windows 3.1 also includes various Fonts such as Arial, Courier New, and Times New Roman in Regular, Bold, Italic, and Bold-Italic versions, as well as Symbols. TrueType fonts can be scaled to various sizes and rotated, depending on the calling application.
Apart from having a more detailed view, icons can also be dragged and dropped for the first time. While Windows 3.0 was limited to only 16 MB of maximum memory, Windows 3.1 could access up to a theoretical 4 GB in 386 Enhanced Mode.
Windows NT 3.1 is an Operating System (OS) produced by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT operating system family which was released on 27 July 1993 (7 Safar 1414 H). The name "NT" embedded in this version was originally an abbreviation of "New Technology". However, today "NT" is no longer considered an Acronym.
Windows NT 3.1 mostly comes with the 32-bit components featured in Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups. But it also includes applications aimed specifically at the needs of Windows NT, such as the MUser Manager, the Performance Monitor, the Disk Administrator, the Event Viewer and the Backup application.
Windows NT 3.1 is available in 2 (Two) Editions namely Windows NT 3.1 for Workstations, and Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server for servers.
Windows NT 3.5 was released on 21 September 1994 (15 Rabi' al-Akhir 1415 H) and is the Second Version of Windows NT. One of the main goals during the development of Windows NT 3.5 was to improve the performance of the operating system.
Windows NT 3.5 comes with integrated Winsock and TCP/IP support. Of course this is different from its predecessors, where Windows NT 3.1, only includes an incomplete TCP/IP implementation based on the AT&T UNIX System V API "STREAMS".) The stacks in TCP/IP and IPX/SPX in Windows NT 3.5 were rewritten.
Meanwhile, Windows NT 3.51 was released on 30 May 1995 (30 Dhu al-Hijjah 1415 H) which is the third version of the Microsoft Windows NT Operating System, 9 Months after the release of Windows NT 3.5, and 3 Months before the release of Windows 95.
Additionally, NT Edition 3.51 was also released for x86, MIPS, and Alpha Architectures. This release provides 2 important feature enhancements, namely The first NT 3.51 became the first of Microsoft's short-lived outing of Windows on the PowerPC architecture.
The second most significant improvement offered in this version is that Windows NT 3.51 provides client/server support for inter-operation with Windows 95, which was released three months after NT 3.51.
Microsoft then released Windows 95. As reflected in its name, this operating system was released on 24 August 1995 (27 Rabi' al-Awal 1416 H).
Windows 95 is a major improvement over the previous Windows OS and is supported by a new user interface. Windows 95 uses 32-bit Software support which makes it one of the fastest OS.
In Windows 95, Microsoft included various updates, starting with the presence of the Start Button with the typical Microsoft Window Logo at that time. Then for the first time the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and Internet Explorer appeared in Windows 95.
In addition, Windows 95 also supports older Windows and DOS software. Programmers started developing Windows applications because they realized the great potential in Windows OS. Although Windows 95 was able to run older Windows and DOS applications, it basically removed DOS as the underlying platform.
Windows 95 took a major leap forward over Windows 3.1 and started putting demands on system requirements including a 386 or 486 processor and 4 to 8 MB of RAM.
According to Microsoft, the minimum system requirements for Windows 95 are :
- Personal computer with a 386DX or better processor (486 is recommended)
- 4 MB of memory (8 MB is recommended)
- Hard disk space: 35 to 40 MB (to upgrade). This varies based on which features you select to install.
- Hard disk space required to install Windows 95 on a clean system: 50-55 MB. Can vary based on which features are selected for installation.
- 1 x 3.5 inch high-density floppy disk drive
- Video: VGA or higher resolution (recommended: 256-color SVGA)
Windows NT 4.0 is a Preemptively 32-bit Operating System, designed to work well on uniprocessor devices or symmetric multi-processor computers. Also, Windows NT 4.0 was released on 24 August 1996 (9 Rabi' al-Akhir 1417 H) or a year after the release of Windows 95.
This successor to Windows NT 3.51 introduced the Windows 95 user interface to the Windows NT family, including the Windows shell, File Explorer (known as Windows NT Explorer at the time), and the use of the "My" nomenclature for shell folders, for example: My Computer.
Windows NT 4.0 also includes most of the components introduced in Windows 95. Internally, Windows NT 4.0 is known as Shell Update Release (SUR).
Windows 98 was the first OS to integrate with Internet Explorer. Windows 98 came with support for new technologies like DVD, USB, FAT32, etc.
Windows 98 comes as a development of Windows 95. In this version of Windows, Internet Explorer comes with the latest version, namely Internet Explorer 4.0. Windows 98 can be used on computer devices starting from its release date which is 25 June 1998 (1 Rabi' al-Awal 1419 H), until the Last Support until 11 July 2006 (15 Jumada al-Akhir 1427 H).
Overall Windows 98 is a version that was deliberately designed to please consumers by adding 3D Border Effects, quick launch toolbars, and gradient colors in the title bar as well as hardware and drivers that can be upgraded.
Not only that, in this operating system Microsoft Moves the mouse on a program or feature to allow users to see a "Help Tip" which displays a brief help description. Microsoft then released Windows 98 SE with some bug fixes.
Meanwhile, Windows 98 Second Edition (often shortened to Windows 98 SE and sometimes to Win98 SE) is the latest release of Windows 98 which was released on 5 May 1999 (19 Muharram 1420 H).
Windows 98 SE includes many fixes such as bug fixes from previous versions, improved Audio and WDM Modem support, improved USB support, replacement of Internet Explorer 4.0 with Internet Explorer 5.0, Web Folders (WebDAV namespace extension for Windows Explorer), related shell updates and others. other.
According to Microsoft, the minimum system requirements for Windows 98 and 98SE are :
- 486DX 66 MHz or better processor (Pentium recommended)
- 16 MB of memory (24 MB recommended)
- 120 MB minimum of free hard-disk space (Note that typical installation requires approximately 195 MB of free hard-disk space, but may range between 120 MB to 295 MB, depending
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- 3.5-inch high-density floppy disk drive
- Display adapter and monitor that support VGA or higher resolution
- Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
UITS recommends, however, that you start with a Pentium or Pentium-class processor and motherboard running at 200MHz or higher, with at least 32MB of RAM as a minimum configuration.
Keep in mind that running Windows 98 or 98SE with less than 32MB of RAM will cause a lot of disk swapping, and the more applications you want to run at one time, the more memory you'll need. Windows 98 and 98SE both use 8 to 16MB of RAM, while one typical 32-bit application needs several MB to run properly.
10. Windows 2000 (2000)
On 17 February 2000 (11 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1420 H), Microsoft released a version similar to Windows 98 and named Windows 2000 which was filled with important improvements. And also actually, another name for Windows 2000 is Windows NT 5.0 because it is already in Version 5 in the Windows NT version.
Often abbreviated as "W2K," this operating system is an OS for business desktops and laptops and is used to run software, connect to the Internet and Intranet Sites, and access files, printers, and network resources. In addition, Windows 2000 also brings the important feature of hyperlinks with the new Internet Explorer 5.0. Microsoft automatic updates played an important role in Windows 2000 and became the first Windows to support Hibernation.
Also, there are 4 (Four) Editions released in this version, Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server the last one was released to the manufactures and was released a few months after the other editions. Microsoft marketed Windows 2000 as the most secure version of Windows ever existed at the time.
To run Windows 2000, Microsoft recommends :
- 133MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU
- 64MB RAM recommended minimum; more memory generally improves responsiveness (4GB RAM maximum)
- 2GB hard disk with a minimum of 650MB of free space. Additional free hard disk space is required if you are installing over a network.
Note : Windows 2000 Professional supports single and dual CPU systems.
While these are Microsoft's recommended minimums, UITS recommends the following :
- Pentium II or better
- At least 128MB of RAM
- 4GB hard drive, with at least 1GB free
Furthermore, Windows Millennium Edition or better known as Windows Me is here to replace Windows 98. This version of Windows is designed for home users and can support 16-32 bit programs. Windows Me was officially released on 14 September 2000 (15 Jumada al-Akhir 1421 H).
There are several key features available in WIN ME, such as the new Media Player with customizable skins and more support for file systems as well as the system icons being upgraded with a new high color.
Apart from those mentioned above, there are not many other improvements in Windows Me except the System Restore feature. And also, Windows Me is also predicted to be the worst version of Windows. Because if we use Windows Me, sometimes it crashes and the quality is bad, so Microsoft doesn't provide support for Windows Me for too long, which is only until 11 July 2006 (15 Jumada al-Akhir 1427 H).
The basic System Requirements for Windows Me are :
- 28.8 Kbs modem or faster with current Internet connection
- CD-ROM drive
- Sound card
- Speakers or headphones
- Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
- VGA or higher resolution monitor
- Pentium 150MHz processor or better
- 32MB of RAM or better
- Minimum 320MB free hard-disk space
- SVGA Monitor
- Pentium II 166MHz processor or better
- 64MB of RAM
- 1GB free hard-disk space
If you want to use the new Windows Movie Maker, Microsoft recommends (apart from the requirements listed at the top) :
- 56.6 Kbs modem or faster with current Internet connection
- SVGA Monitor
- Pentium II 300MHz processor or better
- 64MB of RAM
- 2GB free hard-disk space
- Good quality microphone
- Video capture card
Windows XP was released on 25 October 2001 (8 Sha'ban 1422 H) and comes in 2 (two) versions, namely Home and Professional which are built on the Windows 2000 kernel.
In Windows XP, the Start Button is now green. Windows logo was overhauled to be more modern. In the Taskbar, which previously carried the color Gray, it has now also been changed to Blue. For the first time, Windows XP also supports the built-in feature for Burning CDs.
The biggest problem is security. Even though it has a built-in Firewall, Microsoft disables it by default. The immense popularity of Windows XP tempts hackers to exploit its vulnerabilities, especially in Internet Explorer.
Windows XP is Microsoft's longest operating system on the market, ie for 13 Years. Windows XP was just retired on 8 April 2014 (8 Jumada al-Akhir 1435 H).
In addition, there is also another version/edition of Windows XP, namely Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, released on 25 April 2005 (16 Rabi' al-Awal 1426 H), is an edition of Windows XP for x86-64 personal computers. This operating system (OS) is designed to use the extended 64-bit memory address provided by the x86-64 Architecture.
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition uses the same kernel and code tree as Windows Server 2003 and is served by the same service pack.
But for features, Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition has the first version of Windows XP client features such as System Restore, Windows Messenger, Fast User Switching, Welcome Screen, Security Center and games, which Windows Server 2003 does not have.
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are :
- Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
- At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
- At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
- Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
- Sound card
- Speakers or headphones
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Professional include :
- Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
- At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
- At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
- Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
- Sound card
- Speakers or headphones
Actually, Windows Longhorn is not a fixed Windows Release Version but a Beta Version of Windows Vista. You could say, Windows Codename Longhorn is a combination of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Or you could say, Windows Longhorn is just an Experiment done by Microsoft from 2003 to 2005.
After Windows XP lasted for almost 6 (Six) Years before being replaced by Windows Vista in 2007. Windows Vista was launched on 8 November 2006 (16 Shawwal 1427 H) for Business and 30 January 2007 (11 Muharram 1428 H) for Home. Vista updated the look and feel of Windows with more focus on Transparent Elements (Aero Glass), Search, and Security. Also, Windows Vista is Windows which is on Version NT 6.0.
In addition, this operating system brings support for DirectX 10, Windows Media Player 11 and IE 7. Microsoft has embedded Windows Defender to ward off spyware. Vista also included voice recognition, Windows DVD Maker and Photo Gallery, and was the first Windows to be distributed on DVD.
Unfortunately Windows Vista failed, one of the reasons is its slow performance even though it uses high-end hardware. Many users end up sticking with Windows XP.
The system requirements for Windows Vista are :
- A modern processor (at least 800 MHz)
- 512 MB of system memory
- A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable
- 20 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space
- CD-ROM drive
Windows 7 was released by Microsoft on 22 October 2009 (4 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1430 H) as the latest in the line of Windows operating systems as the successor to Windows Vista. This OS was released concurrently with Windows Server 2008 R2, which is a counterpart to Windows 7 Server. Windows 7 itself is also still connected from Windows Vista, namely Version 6.1 for the version of Windows NT.
Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was meant to be more focused and incremental upgrades to the Windows lineup with the aim of being compatible with applications and hardware that were already compatible with Windows Vista.
Windows 7 has multi-touch support as well as a redesigned Windows shell with an updated taskbar with revealable jump lists containing shortcuts to frequently used files with certain applications. Shortcuts to in-app tasks, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements are also present in Windows 7.
In terms of appearance, Windows 7 still maintains the Transparent Element or Aero Glass which is clearly visible in the Start menu and Taskbar. When compared to Windows Vista, Windows 7 is fast, stable, and easier to use. Handwriting and Screenshot features were first introduced in this version.
In my opinion, Windows 7 and Windows Vista are almost the same in appearance as the UI Window Display, Start up and Shutdown, and most sound Ringtones. And also Windows 7 is also one of the most successful and best-selling operating systems on the market. For now, most Applications, Software, Platforms only support the Operating System (OS) at least Windows 7.
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes :
- Processor : 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- RAM : 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- Disk space : 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- Graphics : DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
On 26 October 2012 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1433 H), Windows 8 is here. This Operating System is said to bring the most radical interface overhaul that Microsoft has ever done to Windows. The reason is, in Windows 8, Microsoft removed the Start Button and Menu on the Desktop. This is done so that the operating system is more friendly with Touch Screen Devices such as Tablets. As a result the start button on the desktop is replaced with the "start screen". Microsoft also overhauled the appearance of program icons in the start menu, into a form of widget arranged in Tiles.
Introduced (released) on 17 October 2013 (12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1434 H), Windows 8.1 by reintroducing the Start Button. The function is so that users can easily return to the Start Screen Display when in desktop mode.
Another advantage offered in Windows 8.1 is the customization of Live Tiles on the start screen. Users can now easily define a 'stack' of existing boxes of the size they want.
In addition, to open the desired application, users can now easily swipe from the bottom of the screen, instantly users will find all the application icons that have been installed.
Another thing that is also interesting is that users can now set that by default the Windows 8.1 they use directly leads to the desktop display, instead of the start screen.
Windows 8 users can update to Windows 8.1 through the existing Windows Update options without having to buy it.
The system requirements for Windows 8 and 8.1 are the same, i.e. :
- Processor : 1GHz CPU or faster
- RAM : 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
- Disk space : 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit)
- Graphics : DirectX 9-capable video card with WDDM driver
- Display : 1024 x 768
Announced on 30 September 2014 (5 Dhu al-Hijjah 1435 H) under the name "Technical Preview" (Beta Version), Windows 10 brings back the Start menu and more balance for users of Traditional Desktop Computers although the Start Button has been restored since Windows 8.1 was released.
Then, Microsoft launched Windows 10 on 29 July 2015 (13 Shawwal 1436 H). Windows 10 is the successor to Windows 8.1 Operating System that implements a number of new features, such as Personal Assistant Cortana technology to face and eye recognition-based security.
And here, the latest Windows 10 Display (Version 20H2 above) :
And here's a list of Windows 10 Versions up to 21H2 :
And here, the system requirements for Windows 10 are as follows :
- Processor : 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC
- RAM : 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Hard disk space : 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
- Graphics card : DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Display : 800 x 600
In my opinion, Windows 10 Initial Release Version (Or RTM Version) are different from the current version of Windows 10. Starting from the Buttons, Icons, Appearance and also the layout is a bit different. Because Windows 10 will update continuously. And at that time, Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 was the "Last Version" of the Windows Operating System before the presence of Windows 11.
Well, the latest Operating System made by Microsoft at this time is Windows 11. Microsoft has announced Windows 11 on 24 June 2021 (13 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1442 H) and officially released on 5 October 2021 (27 Safar 1443 H). This operating system brings a simple interface, new look of Microsoft Store, improved performance and Multitasking experience.
Microsoft put in place an AI-powered Widget Panel, displaying various information that can be personalized. Also introduced Snap Layout. This new feature allows users to choose the layout when the app is run to suit their needs. Just like Windows 10, in Windows 11 you can also set the theme to Dark and Light.
The overhaul starts from a fresher and cleaner Interface Design (UI), updates to the task window management feature, performance improvements, to Android app support. In the interface, the most obvious changes are seen in the taskbar and start menu sections. The menus are no longer on the left, Microsoft has shifted them to the middle like in the MacOS interface.
Microsoft has also slightly changed the appearance of the task window, which now has slightly rounded corners, instead of being sharp like the old Windows. Windows 11 UI theme is more transparent and looks fresh. Microsoft has also introduced Snap Layout, Snap Group, and Desktop which it says will make it easier for users to organize more windows and access them faster, while multitasking.
And here, the system requirements for Windows 11 are as follows :
- Processor : 1GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC)
- RAM : At least 4 GB
- Storage : At least 64 GB of available Storage
- Security : TPM version 2.0, UEFI firmware, Secure Boot capable
- Graphics card : Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display : High definition (720p) display, 9" or greater monitor, 8-bits per color channel
[To read Articles about Windows 11, please see here (in Indonesian).]
To see this Article in Indonesian, can be see in here. To see Previous Article posts on this Blog, please see in here.
Here's an Infographic about the evolution of each Version of Windows from time to time :
Infographic Source : Scalefusion.com (Blog) |
If now I'm using Windows 10, whereas in the past I was still using Windows 7 and Windows XP.
Thank you šššš :)
Wassalamu‘alaikum wr. wb.