Before we start with our article let me ask you all few questions. How many of you use Microsoft Windows Operating System? I hope 9/10 will say yes I use Windows XP or vista or 7. My next question is how many of you know the OS system you are using is how many years old and how they came? Very few will answer this!

Here comes a day to wish the most used Operating system in the world and the best one according to many users, the Microsoft Windows. A Many Many Happy Returns of the Windows! Microsoft never stopped providing the best OS every now and then. From Windows 1.0 to Window 7, Microsoft has shown different kind of OS’s which was adapted by many users.

Here is the 15 years journey of Microsoft Windows,

#1. The name WINDOWS

The history of Windows dates back to September 1981, when Chase Bishop, a computer scientist, designed the first model of an electronic device and project “Interface Manager” was started. It was announced in November 1983 (after the Apple Lisa, but before the Macintosh) under the name “Windows“, but Windows 1.0 was not released until November 1985.

#2. Early Rival

Microsoft first introduced an operating environment named Windows in November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world’s personal computer market, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984.

#3. Windows 1.01 a First Version

Windows 1.0 is a 16-bit graphical operating environment that was released on 20 November 1985. It was Microsoft’s first attempt to implement a multi-tasking graphical user interface-based operating environment on the PC platform. Windows 1.0 was the first version of Windows launched.

Windows 1.0 runs a shell program known as MS-DOS Executive. Other supplied programs are Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal and Write.

#4. When MS Entered NT a New Technology

Windows NT 3.1 is the first release of Microsoft’s Windows NT line of server and business desktop operating systems, and was released to manufacturing on 27 July 1993. Two editions of NT 3.1 were made available, Windows NT 3.1 and Windows NT Advanced Server. It was succeeded by Windows NT 3.5 in September 1994.

#5. Windows 95, a first step towards Glory

Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system. It was released on August 24, 1995 by Microsoft.

Windows 95 integrated Microsoft’s formerly separate MS-DOS and Windows products. It featured significant improvements over its predecessor, Windows 3.1, most notably in the graphical user interface (GUI) and in its relatively simplified “plug-n-play” features.

#6. Windows XP the ruler!

Windows XP is an operating system that was produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and media centers. It was first released in 24^th August 2001, and is the most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base. The name “XP” is short for “eXPerience.”

As we said before Windows XP is one of the most popular OS by Microsoft. Even after 9 years, Windows XP holds maximum share among others. But Microsoft removed Windows XP from retail shops to make room for Windows 7. Because of this Windows XP loosing its share to Windows 7!

#7. Windows 7 the Best!

As we said before Windows XP is loosing its market share to Windows 7 as people are updating. Windows 7 is the latest release of Microsoft Windows. Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009.

Originally, a version of Windows codenamed Blackcomb was planned as the successor to Windows XP.  However, an interim, minor release, codenamed “Longhorn,” was announced for 2003, delaying the development of Blackcomb. Blackcomb was renamed Vienna in early 2006 and again Windows 7 in 2007. In 2008, it was announced that Windows 7 would also be the official name of the operating system.

#8. Windows Server

Microsoft entered server operating systems in 17 February 2000 with Window 2000. Microsoft released Windows 2000, known during its development cycle as Windows NT 5.0, in February 2000. It was successfully deployed both on the server and the workstation markets.

On April 25, 2003 Microsoft launched Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008, released on February 27, 2008, which was originally known as Windows Server Codename “Longhorn”.

#9. Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft that was for use in smartphones and mobile devices, but is being phased out to specialized markets. Originally called as the Pocket PC 2000 operating system. Pocket PC 2000, originally codenamed “Rapier”, was released on April 19, 2000. The current version is called “Windows Mobile 7”.

#10. Windows 8

A roadmap timeline slide shown by Microsoft at the 2009 Professional Developers Conference shows that a product code-named Windows 8 is scheduled to be released sometime between 2011 (Beta) and 2012.

A leaked document from Microsoft indicates that Windows 8 might feature faster startup, an App Store, integrated web applications, improved digital media support (including AVC HD and 3D video), faster resumes from low-power states and USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0 support.

——————————————————————————————————————

From the day Windows XP entered market; Microsoft’s market share started booming. Windows XP is one of the best operating system ever made by Microsoft which still has more than 50% share compared to others. But now Windows 7 is replacing XP and started acquiring its share.

Windows has become one of the strong fighters against other operating systems by Apple, Linux and others. And today completes one more milestone by completing 25 years!

We wish, all the best to Windows and wish to see many other softwares from Microsoft. Cheers! 😉