Microsoft has just released the latest version of the Windows system: Windows 8.1, and next month, the Windows system will also celebrate its 28th anniversary. At this special moment, the famous tech website CNET published an article reviewing the development history of Windows, detailing the important features and functions of each generation.
The main content of CNET's article is as follows:
Windows 1
Released on November 20, 1985
The first version of the Microsoft Windows system made a significant achievement by introducing graphical user interfaces and multitasking technology to desktop computing. It replaced command prompts with windows, making the entire operating system more organized, turning the screen into a virtual desktop, and everything became very intuitive.
Microsoft was not the first company to attempt this, and Windows 1.0 was not the most successful case, but it paved the way for future products. It was on the foundation of Windows 1.0 that Microsoft was able to launch one important product after another, driving the company toward success.
The first version of the Windows system was priced at $99 and came with some basic tools like a clock and calculator. Microsoft also bundled it with Windows Write and Paint software.
Windows 2
Released on December 9, 1987
Two years after the release of the first version of Windows, Windows 2.0 made its debut. Its biggest change was allowing application windows to be displayed over another window, creating a sense of depth or hierarchy. Users could also place shortcuts to applications on the desktop, and new keyboard shortcut functionality was introduced.
Microsoft allowed up to two different software programs to run on two different Intel processors, and they could simultaneously handle multiple DOS applications. This function was continued in future versions of Windows.
Windows 3
Released on May 22, 1990
The third version of Windows released by Microsoft presented a completely new look and a three-dimensional touch feel. In this version, the famous card game Solitaire made its first appearance. Microsoft changed the architecture of the software, freeing up more memory, and allowed it to run on different types of processors.
Subsequently, Microsoft released Windows 3.1, adding color screensavers and support for TrueType fonts. Microsoft also improved the software's speed and stability.
Windows NT
Released on July 27, 1993
The innovation of Windows NT lies in the fact that it was the first 32-bit Windows system. This operating system could run on different types of Intel processors, could run multiple applications simultaneously, and allocate up to 2GB of virtual memory per application. Microsoft promised to improve the stability of the system in the future, ensuring that even if a software crashes while running, it would not affect the entire system.
Windows 95
Released on August 24, 1995
Windows 95 introduced the "Start" button and taskbar for the first time, elements that later became standard features of the Windows system. Additionally, Windows 95 introduced Microsoft Network, which was Microsoft's first attempt at online services.
On the day of the launch, consumers had to queue for hours to buy a copy of Windows 95. Microsoft spent $300 million promoting Windows 95, featuring the then-popular Rolling Stones singing "Start Me Up."
Not long after the release of Windows 95, IE made its debut. At the time, it was sold as a paid product in the Internet Jumpstart Kit. However, it wasn't the IE 3.0 that Microsoft launched a year later, when they began bundling IE with Windows. Of course, this also laid the groundwork for the company's subsequent antitrust investigation.
Windows 98
Released on June 25, 1998
Windows 98 came with an integrated IE browser, marking the arrival of internet support in the operating system. Microsoft redesigned its file manager, added a quick shutdown option, and simplified the process of updating drivers and downloading system patches. They even added support for TV tuners, allowing users to watch TV on their computers, mainly to support Microsoft's WebTV service.
A year later, Microsoft launched the second edition of Windows 98, adding a new version of IE, improving the appearance of various built-in software and tools.
Windows 2000/ME
Released on February 17, 2000, and September 14, 2000
Microsoft's Windows 2000 was originally named NT 5.0, with the main feature being significantly faster than previous generations of Windows, targeting primarily large enterprises.
A few months later, Microsoft launched the Windows ME system. This software was generally considered a transitional product between two generations of Windows systems, adding home networking capabilities and software for playing digital music and editing videos. It also promised to speed up system boot times and simplify technical support, but applications ran slower on it than on Windows 98.
Just a year later, Windows ME was quickly replaced by Windows XP.
Windows XP
Released on October 25, 2001
Windows XP was a groundbreaking product in the history of Microsoft's Windows product development. In terms of appearance and user experience, it was quite different from previous generations of Windows. However, it retained many core functions of the Windows system. It was also from this generation of Windows that Microsoft began linking various network services with the operating system.
Windows XP initially had issues such as slow booting and high hardware requirements, but it eventually became wildly popular and achieved great success, largely due to the poor performance of the subsequently released Windows Vista. Because of Vista's poor performance, many consumers and businesses decided to continue using Windows XP until the release of Windows 7 two years later.
Windows Vista
Released on January 30, 2007
Windows Vista contributed significantly to the success of Windows XP, prompting Microsoft to reconsider certain core functions of the Windows system.
Vista adopted a more modern interface called "Aero," added some security features, and improved search functionality. Microsoft also adjusted certain built-in productivity and entertainment software, such as email, calendar, DVD creation, and photo galleries.
Vista took longer to prepare before its release compared to previous generations of Windows systems, but it did not pay off. Users were not fond of certain new software security features added in Vista, and they strongly disliked its higher hardware requirements. Users mainly complained about issues such as software stability, compatibility with old software, and upgrade costs.
Windows 7
Released on October 22, 2009
Windows 7 featured a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to previous Windows systems, and it avoided some of the mistakes made by Vista.
Microsoft modified the taskbar in Windows 7, allowing users to "pin" software and quickly browse previews of open software. It also added shortcuts for publishing popular tasks in open applications and could quickly organize windows by snapping them to a corner of the screen.
Windows 7 also added more advanced touch navigation functions, further improving search, overall system performance, and the built-in media player software.
Windows 8
Released on October 26, 2012
The greatest achievement of Windows 8 was leading Microsoft into the tablet era, with an interface specifically designed for touch control. Other changes included what Microsoft called the "Metro" interface and a series of new touch applications. Microsoft also added a built-in store in Windows 8 to help users find and download new software.
However, Microsoft did not fully design Windows 8 from a touch-centric perspective; it still included the traditional "desktop" mode in the software. The purpose was to avoid making users feel too abrupt and uncomfortable.
Windows 8 also brought an innovative change, as the Windows system began supporting ARM chips for the first time. Despite this, most consumers, developers, and hardware manufacturers still chose to continue using the x86 processor version of Windows because the x86 processor version of Windows could run old software.
Windows 8.1
Released on October 17, 2013
Windows 8.1 represents a small attempt by Microsoft, allowing existing Windows 8 users to upgrade to the latest version for free. This upgrade made significant adjustments to the user interface and implemented several major modifications. The most crucial changes include adding an option to boot directly to the desktop and re-enabling the "Start" button. Behind the scenes, Microsoft deepened the integration of the operating system with SkyDrive cloud services.
Windows 8.1 also improved the search function, expanding the search scope to include both local and SkyDrive searches. Windows 8.1 supports 3D printing, adds a new Xbox Music app, and improves support for multiple displays.
Windows 8.2/9?
The biggest question is when the next version of Windows will be released: will it be a minor improvement to maintain a fast product release cycle, or a major leap forward?
According to insiders, Microsoft plans to perform a major upgrade to the Windows system in early 2015, integrating the Windows operating system with the Windows Phone OS.
This may mean significant changes in how Windows hardware is manufactured, and the preparatory work software developers need to do before development will also change. It could also greatly simplify the Windows experience. The only certainty is that it will absolutely not be the last version of Microsoft's Windows software.