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Windows 1.0
The 16 bit operating system Windows 1.0 revolutionized Microsoft as it introduced a GUI that proved to be more user-friendly than a command based operating system. However, the new operating system gained little popularity. Windows 1.0 required 256 KBs, two double-sided floppy disk drives and a graphics adapter card. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 2.0
Unlike 1.0, Windows 2.0 has desktop icons, keyboard shortcuts, expanded memory with the Intel 386 processor, and most importanly control panel. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0 gained a lot of popularity selling over 10 Million copies. It added enhanced icons and supported 16 colors with more advanced graphics cards. Program Manager, File Manager, Print Manager, and Windows Software Development Kit were included in Windows 3.0. Windows Software Development Kit helped gain popularity for 3.0 and helped programmers focus on coding and not driver writing http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 3.1
Minor update to windows 3.0. Added native network support. (Date not specified) http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows NT
Windows NT is a 32 bit operating system that supports advanced engineering and scientific programs. “Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements,” Bill Gates http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 95
Windows 95 was highly publicized, it sold 7 million copies. Internet explorer launched on Windows 95. The start menu, taskbar, maximize/minimize/close, and plug and play capabilities were added. The minimum requirements for Windows 95 are a PC with a 386DX or higher processor and at least 4 MB of RAM. Windows 95 came included with internet support with dial-up. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 98
Windows 98 was built for customers. It optimized the operating system and added quick launch. It also added DVD and USB support. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 meant to replace previous versions on business desktops. It was based on Windows NT 4.0 Workstation Code. It improved internet capability, and support for wireless products and USB devices. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows ME (Millennium Edition)
The System Restore function added to Windows along with Windows Movie Maker and Windows Media Player. It was the last operating system based on Windows 95 code. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows XP
Windows XP is the best selling product in Microsoft's history. It was released in 25 languages. It completely revamped the design of the operating system. It added a lot of security against viruses and hackers. Windows XP is composed of 45 million lines of code. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows Vista
Windows Vista was known as the most secure operating system. It was launched in 35 languages. The operating system redesigned the interface again. It features User Account Control, and BitLocker Drive Encryption in order to protect system data. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 7
Windows 7 was a build meant for supporting wireless devices as laptops began to take the market. It redesigned the task bar. Live thumbnails were introduced to Windows 7. Windows 7 came in 6 main editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Frisco ISD computers use Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os/ -
Windows 8
Windows 8 completely redesigned the taskbar, start menu, removed the start button, and changed design of windows. The start menu added tiles, the functionality of live tiles, and now took up a whole screen. Mobile like applications were added along with an official app store to the operating system. These new applications were separate from normal applications having to go to another menu to switch between them. http://www.spinfold.com/evolution-of-windows-os -
Windows 8.1
The Windows 8.1 update stabilized the operating system. It brought back the Start button and merged normal applications and the new Windows 8 applications. http://www.windowscentral.com/windows-81 -
Windows 10
Windows 10 changed start menu to not take up the whole screen with the option to change its size (and make it full screen.) Windows 10 added Cortana the Siri of Microsoft. It was added to mobile phones/devices. http://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10
