In what year did windows appear? What are Windows versions and editions

The Windows operating system was originally created as GUI for MS DOS. The first version was released on November 20, 1985 and was called Windows 1.0. Minimum system requirements consisted of having 2 floppy disks or hard drive, graphics adapter and 256K random access memory. Despite the fact that Windows 1.0 was not as successful as its similar Macintosh system Apple, but despite this, Microsoft provided support right up to December 31, 2001.

In November 1987 it was released a new version- 2.0, which included a lot of innovations and improvements. The new operating system required a more powerful Intel processor 286, which greatly improved multitasking and graphics. It became possible to move and switch program windows, and a system for overlapping windows was implemented. There are buttons for minimizing and maximizing windows. There was support for key combinations with which users could perform system operations. In addition, programs were able to exchange data with each other using the Dynamic Data Exchange system developed by Microsoft.

When the Intel 386 processor came out, Windows 2.0 was updated to provide memory benefits for various programs.

On May 22, 1990, version 3.0 was released, its popularity rapidly growing. It received new colored icons and a significantly improved interface. Microsoft has also completely changed the application development environment. It is thanks to the new software “Software Development Kit", developers turned their attention to Windows. After all, now they could fully concentrate on creating applications, and not write drivers for devices.

Another innovation in version 3.0 was the package Microsoft programs Office. At that time it consisted of MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint. And it was in this version that the famous Klondike solitaire first appeared.

Windows NT 3.1

On July 27, 1993, Windows NT 3.1 was introduced, which was already a 32-bit operating system. This version was specifically designed for networks and business applications. It was the first server Windows that could also be used on workstations. Support has been enabled network protocols TCP/IP, NetBIOS Frames and DLC.
This system has already been used file system NTFS when previous versions were on FAT.

Story Windows development

Ahead of release I decided to remember how it all began. So I suggest you take a short excursion into history Windows.

(November 20, 1985)

The very first graphical operating system Microsoft - Windows, version 1.01 (version 1.0 was never released due to errors). Based on MS-DOS 2.0. Multi-window interface, 256 colors and the ability to use a mouse (left key only). Eat a small amount of built-in programs - clock, calendar, notepad and game "Reversi".

(April 2, 1987)

Contains the same applications as , but with improved controls and mode support VGA. Now you can freely resize windows and move them to any area of ​​the screen, as well as overlap one another.

(May 22, 1990)

Support for extended memory access mode has been introduced, allowing programs to use up to 16 MB of memory. Pseudo-multitasking and the ability to run DOS programs each in a separate window were implemented. The user interface has noticeably improved - there are Program Manager And File Manager(future Conductor), redone Control Panel, system settings are centralized.

(March 18, 1992)

Originally planned as a slight improvement to version 3.0. Added support for scalable fonts TrueType and fixed a number system errors. Starting from this system version Windows support 32-bit access hard drive. An extended version with network support was also released - Windows for Workgroups 3.1

Windows 3.11 for Workgroups (December 31, 1993)

The last and most famous of the line , based on MS-DOS. It became possible to connect computers into a peer-to-peer network, and also work as a network client for the server Windows NT. Version 3.11 began using 32-bit drivers virtual devices(VxD) and 32-bit file access, and support was removed standard mode, which meant abandoning processors below 386.

(July 27, 1993)

Despite the fact that outwardly very similar to , it is not a continuation of it. This system opens new line operating systems designed for use on servers and high-performance workstations. IN the file system was first used NTFS. Also new is support for symmetric multiprocessing and technology OpenGL, allowing you to work with 3-dimensional objects. Improved versions appeared in 1994 Windows NTWindows NT Workstation 3.5, and in 1995 - Windows NT Workstation 3.51, more productive and less demanding on hardware resources. All versions listed Windows NT have an interface With File manager And Program Manager.

(August 24, 1995)

Came as a replacement and was intended mainly for home use. It was in it that such graphical interface elements as the desktop with icons, the taskbar and the Start menu first appeared, as well as support for long (up to 256 characters) file names and system plug and play. Was missing in the first version Internet Explorer , it had to be installed separately from the package Microsoft Plus!

Windows NT 4.0(July 29, 1996)

Latest operating system version Microsoft Windows NT, published under this title. (the next, fifth operating system of the family NT came out under the title ). Windows NT 4.0 had a user interface in the style and was intended to be used as an operating system workstation (Windows NT Workstation) and server ( Windows NT Server).

(June 25, 1998)

This is an updated version . Improved support AGP, drivers improved USB, added support for working with multiple monitors. In May 1999, the second edition was released - Windows 98 SE (Second Edition)), which included many corrections and additions - Internet Explorer 5 , general access Internet connection ( ICS Internet Connection Sharing), MS NetMeeting 3 and playback support DVD. The system was wildly popular, which is why Microsoft even extended its support.

(February 17, 2000)

Initially the system was called Windows NT 5.0 because there was next version Windows NT after NT 4.0, but later received its own name . Published in four editions: Professional(for workstations), Server, Advanced Server And Datacenter Server(for servers). Win2K brought with me several very important innovations, namely directory service support Active Directory , web server IIS 5.0, NTFS version 3.0 (in this version support for quotas appeared for the first time) and file EFS system (Encrypted File System ), with which you can encrypt files and folders. Compared with NT 4.0 The user interface has been updated and redesigned color scheme registration

Windows Millennium Edition (September 14, 2000)

Named in honor of the new millennium. Last (and not very successful) attempt Microsoft improve . A large number of changes have been made to it - system recovery ( System Restore), protection system files (Windows File Protection), support for computer sleep mode (it did not always work), a new help system in the form of pop-up tips. New multimedia and Internet capabilities have emerged, such as Internet Explorer 5.5, Windows Media Player 7 And Windows Movie Maker With basic functions editing digital video. Despite all the innovations (and maybe because of them) Millenium Edition was the most “buggy” and unreliable operating system from the line Windows 9x.

(October 25, 2001)

Name XP comes from English e XP erience(experience). Is an improved option Professional, and initially the changes affected most of the appearance and user interface. Unlike , which was released for both workstations and servers, is exclusively a client system (its server version is Windows Server 2003 ). There were 2 major versions of XP released − Home And Professional Edition , for home and corporate use. Also released in April 2005 Windows XP Professional x64 Edition- first desktop 64-bit operating system Windows.

From 2003 to 2011 was the most popular operating system, and gave way only at the end of 2011, passing ahead . However, despite this, remains one of the company's most successful and well-known products Microsoft.

(November 30, 2006)

Sixth generation of operating systems Windows NT. Vista has a version number of 6.0, so the abbreviation “WinVI” is sometimes used to denote it, which combines the name “ Vista" and the version number written in Roman numerals. Like Windows XP, Vista- exclusively client system. Its server counterpart is Windows Server 2008. In total, as many as 6 versions of the system were released - Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Corporate And Ultimate, and each version (except Starter) in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

IN contains a large number of innovations - interface Windows Aero , hibernation mode, technology Ready Boost(using flash drives for the swap file). There are a lot of changes in terms of security - a control system has appeared accounts users ( User Access Control, UAC), the encryption system has been improved EFS files, and also a disk encryption system appeared Bitlocker, and included in the home versions Parental controls are enabled to help limit children's computer use.

And with all the wealth of possibilities Vista is the worst operating system released Microsoft. Because of huge amount“jambs” and clearly inflated hardware requirements were removed en masse by users from their computers and switched back to XP.

Windows 7 (October 22, 2009)

Released less than three years after and in fact is its “polished” and brought to mind version. For example, more than flexible setup User Account Control (UAC), which, unlike now has two more intermediate states, improved compatibility with old applications, changes to encryption technology BitLocker and added the function of encrypting removable media BitLocker to go, which allows you to encrypt removable media. Also slightly modified appearance, and to the interface Aero added several new features ( shake, peak And snap). New network technologies have emerged - DirectAccess And Branch Cache although they are only available in older versions .

Like Vista, Windows 7 published in 6 editions - Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Corporate And Ultimate, and everything except Starter Available in 64-bit version. Server version of the seven - Windows Server 2008 R2, released only in 64-bit version.

To date occupies almost 50% of the desktop operating system market and is in first place in the world in terms of use.

(year 2012)

February 29, 2012 on the website Microsoft The beta version has become available for download (“ Consumer Preview») New logo, new screensaver and new interface Metro. What else awaits us in the new operating system, we will have to find out in the near future.

Many people prefer to have the Windows operating system on their computers. Nowadays, more and more new versions are constantly appearing, but once upon a time there was a first time for everything. Have you ever wondered how Windows came into being? Or, for example, what was the very first Windows like? Especially for this, we have written an article that covers all these issues, and also consider the chronology of the appearance of versions of this operating system.

It all started in 1975. Bill Gates and Paul Allen decide to create Microsoft. The company sets itself a global goal - to every home!

The emergence of MS-DOS.

The appearance of the Windows OS was preceded by the appearance of the equally famous MS-DOS OS. In 1980, Microsoft received an order from IBM and work began on creating software that was supposed to control the operation of the PC and be a link between hardware and programs. This is how MS-DOS was born.

The emergence of Windows 1.0.

MS-DOS was an efficient, but difficult to learn, operating system. It was necessary to improve the interaction between the user and the OS.
In 1982, work began on creating a new OS - Windows. An interesting fact is that the name “Interface Manager” was originally proposed, but this name did not describe well what the user saw on the screen, so the final name was “Windows”. The announcement of the new system took place in 1983. Skeptics criticized it, as a result of which the market version of “Windows 1.0” was released only on November 20, 1985.
The new OS has a lot of unique elements:
1) navigation through the interface using the mouse cursor;
2) drop-down menus;
3) scroll bars;
4) dialog boxes;
It became possible to work with several programs simultaneously. Windows 1.0 included a number of programs: MS DOS (file management), Paint ( graphics editor), "Windows Writer", "Notepad", calendar, calculator, clock. For entertainment, the game “Reversi” appeared.

The emergence of Windows 2.0.

On December 9, 1987, Windows 2.0 was released.
It has increased memory capacity and desktop icons. It becomes possible to move windows and change the appearance of the screen. Windows 2.0 was designed for the Intel 286 processor.

The emergence of “Windows 3.0” – “Windows NT”.

Windows 3.0 was released on May 22, 1990, and two years later Windows 3.1 (32-bit OS) appeared.
In this version, much attention was paid to system performance and graphics. This version was “tailored” for the Intel 386 processor. In Windows 3.0, file, print and program managers have been created, and the list of mini-games has been increased. The OS also comes with new development tools for programmers specializing in creating programs for Windows.
On July 27, 1993, “Windows NT” appears.

The emergence of Windows 95.

Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995.
It included Internet support and dial-up network support. Plug and Play function ( quick installation equipment and software) received new capabilities. Improved technologies have appeared for working with video files and mobile devices. The following appear for the first time in the new OS:
1) Start menu;
2) taskbar;
3) window control buttons;
For Windows 95 to work, memory of at least 4 MB and an Intel 386DX processor were required.

The appearance of “Windows 98”, “Windows 2000”, “Windows Me”.

On June 25, 1998, “Windows 98” appears.
This system was developed specifically for the consumer, since the speed of working with the Internet was increased, it became easier to find necessary information. Innovations include support for DVD format discs and support for USB devices, and a quick launch panel has appeared.
Windows Me OS was developed specifically for home PCs. It has become more convenient to work with video and music. Appeared useful feature“System Restore”, thanks to which you can return the state of the OS to a certain date.
When creating Windows 2000, they took Windows NT Workstation 4.0 as a basis. This OS simplifies hardware installation by supporting self-configuring devices.

The emergence of Windows XP.

Windows XP was introduced on October 25, 2001.
The design of this OS is aimed at user convenience when working. This version has become one of the most stable in the Windows product line. Increased attention was paid to safety when working on the Internet.

Appearance " Windows Vista».

Windows Vista went on sale in 2006.
It introduced user account control, which increased the level of security. Updates to the Windows Media program have appeared, and the design of the OS has changed.

In 1975, Gates and Allen created a company called Microsoft. Like most newly created enterprises, Microsoft begins its history on a small scale, but has a global goal - a computer for every desktop and in every home. Over the next few years, Microsoft begins to change the way society operates.

In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire Steve Ballmer ( Steve Ballmer), with whom Gates attended Harvard University, to help run the company. Next month IBM company approaches Microsoft about a project codenamed Chess. As a result, Microsoft is concentrating its efforts on a new operating system - software, which controls the operation of computer hardware and acts as liaison between hardware and programs, e.g. word processor. It is a platform on which programs can be executed. The company named its new operating system MS‑DOS.

When it was published in 1981 Personal Computer IBM PC running MS‑DOS, a completely new language was introduced to the public. Typing various fancy commands after “C:” is slowly becoming part of everyday work. Users discover the backslash (\) key.

operating system MS‑DOS has proven to be effective, but difficult for many people to understand. Therefore, a better way to create an operating system is required.

Windows was probably the first operating system that no one ordered from Gates, and he undertook to develop it at his own peril and risk. What's so special about it? Firstly, the graphical interface. At that time only the notorious MacOS. Secondly, multitasking. Of course, some operating systems allowed you to run an additional task in the background, but they were too painful to work with. In general, in November 1985 it was released Windows 1.0.

The windows in it did not overlap; on 8086 processors the kernel was terribly buggy due to the obvious lack of optimization for this stone. The main platform was the 286th vehicle. Exactly two years later, in November 1987, it was released Windows 2.0, a year and a half later 2.10 was released. There was nothing special about them, except that the windows learned to overlap.

May 1990, a time of great achievements and overthrows. In short, I left Windows 3.0. What was not there: DOS applications were executed in a separate window on full screen, and Copy-Paste worked to exchange data from DOS applications, and Windows itself worked in several memory modes: in real ( basic 640 KB), in protected ( version 80286) and extended ( 80386 ). At the same time, it was possible to run applications that were larger than physical memory. There was also dynamic data exchange ( DDE A couple of years later, version Windows 3.1 was released, which no longer included hemorrhoids with basic memory ( If anyone launched old games, he remembers how they required either 560 kB or some more, although the RAM could have been 16 MB). A newfangled gadget was also introduced that supports True Type fonts. Normal operation in the local network is ensured. Drag&Drop appeared ( moving files and directories with the mouse). OLE appeared ( Object Linking & Embedding). In version Windows 3.11, network support was improved and several more minor features were introduced. Windows was released at the same time NT 3.5, which at that time was a collection of basic networking gadgets taken from OS/2.

In June 1995, the entire computer community was excited by Microsoft's announcement of the release in August of a new operating system, significantly different from Windows 3.11, but at the same time following the canons of MS - windows and more windows. August 24th – official release date Windows-95 (other names: Windows 4.0, Windows Chicago). Now it wasn't easy operating environment- it was a full-fledged operating system that did not require a disk operating system to boot. The 32-bit kernel made it possible to improve access to files and network features. 32-bit applications were better protected from each other's errors, and there was support for multi-user mode on one computer with one system. There are many differences in the interface, a lot of settings and improvements “for the user” - just the Start button, which has become a byword, is worth it...

There was also an update specifically for Windows 3.1x - OSR1, which was not installed from DOS, but simply upgraded the “three-elevens”. By the way, the package included the so-called DOS 7.0, which, unfortunately, had strong differences from DOS 6.22 and, alas, not for the better.

In 1996 it was published Windows-95 OSR2 ( if I'm not mistaken, this stands for Open Service Release). The distribution included Internet Explorer 3.0 and some ancient version of Outlook ( then simply called Exchange). The main features include FAT32 support, an improved hardware and driver initializer. Some settings (including video) can be changed without rebooting. There was also built-in DOS 7.10 with FAT32 support

Blackcomb.

Code name Blackcomb belonged to Windows NT 6.0, the operating system that was planned to be the next after Windows XP. Blackcomb was intended to be the successor to this OS for both desktop and server workstations. At the end of 2001, Blackcomb was scheduled for release in 2005, and in August 2002 it was announced that Windows Longhorn would be an interim version, which would be an update Windows kernels NT 5.x.

During development Windows Longhorn some Blackcomb features were added to it and assigned the number 6.0. Blackcomb has been surrounded by confusion, with some reports suggesting that marketing plans have been heavily revised and that it should be a Windows 6.x server OS, but with improvements.

In January 2006, Microsoft announced that the new client OS would be Vienna, which was scheduled for release in 2010.

In March 2006, it became known that the successor to Windows Vista would be Fiji, which was scheduled for release in 2008.

In 2008, as a result of complaints from Fijians that the new OS would be named after their country, new information about Fiji became known. According to Fijians, Ben Green said Fiji will add new TV formats, support for interactive services and user interface improvements for Windows Media Center. It is likely that the Windows Media Center program included with Windows 7 has already been updated with changes that were supposed to be in Fiji.

Windows 7

Windows 7- operating system of the Windows NT family, following Windows Vista. In the Windows NT line, the system has version number 6.1 (Windows 2000 - 5.0, Windows XP - 5.1, Windows Server 2003 - 5.2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 - 6.0). The server version is Windows Server 2008 R2, the version for integrated systems is Windows Embedded Standard 2011 (Quebec), the mobile version is Windows Embedded Compact 2011 (Chelan, Windows CE 7.0)

The operating system went on sale on October 22, 2009, less than three years after the release of the previous operating system, Windows Vista. Partners and clients with a Volume Licensing license were granted access to RTM on July 24, 2009. Final (copy from discs that later went on sale) pirated version was available to everyone from the first days of August 2009.

Windows 7 includes some developments that were excluded from Windows Vista, as well as innovations in the interface and built-in programs. The games Inkball and Ultimate Extras were excluded from Windows 7; applications that have analogues in Windows Live (Windows Mail Windows Calendar etc..), Microsoft Agent technology, Windows Meeting Space; The option to return to the Start menu has disappeared. classic menu and automatic docking of browser and email client.

On July 24, 2007, Microsoft officially changed the code name Vienna on Windows 7. The number of Windows 7 in the NT line in which it will be located is 6.1 ( at one time, systems of this family received the numbers: Windows 2000 - 5.0, Windows XP - 5.1, Windows Server 2003 - 5.2, Windows Vista - 6.0, Windows Server 2008 - 6.0).

On October 13, 2008, Microsoft Vice President Mike Nash announced that the code name for Windows 7 would be official name new version.Initial edition ( Windows 7 Starter) will be distributed exclusively with new computers, it will not include functional parts for playing H.264, AAC, MPEG-2.

“If you are not satisfied with something at work, create your own business.
I started a business in a garage. You should only spend time on what interests you."

Bill Gates William Henry Gates III (born October 28, 1955, Seattle), better known simply as Bill Gates, is an American entrepreneur, co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, creator of the operating Windows systems. In the period from 1996 to 2007, he was the richest person on the planet according to Forbes magazine. IN this moment his net worth is $58 billion.

This modest, even shy and slightly awkward child dreamed of becoming a mathematics professor and was not at all like his father - a tall, handsome, successful lawyer. Despite his unique abilities in mathematics and logic, Bill Gates did not show the leadership abilities characteristic of his parents. They could not even imagine that their son would become a real shark of world business.

Together with Paul Allen, he founded Microsoft Corporation, leaving the post of chairman of the board of directors in June 2008.

He loves cars, motor boats and playing poker. He is passionate about work to the point of mania, and his passion for competition attracts him more than money. He never ate at home because he didn't want to waste time cooking.

Childhood

Gates was born in Seattle, Washington, the son of corporate lawyer William Henry Gates II and board member of First Interstate Bank, Pacific Northwest Bell, and national board member of United Way Mary Maxwell Gates.

Gates attended Seattle's most exclusive school, where he was able to develop his programming skills on the school minicomputer. At school, Gates did not excel in grammar, civics, and other subjects he considered trivial, but he did achieve top marks in mathematics. By the end primary school Gates's bad behavior began to worry his parents and teachers so much that he was referred to a psychiatrist.

University

In 1973, he entered Harvard University, but was expelled after 2 years and immediately began creating software.

Career

In 1975, Gates and Allen founded Micro-Soft, later named Microsoft Corporation.

On January 1, 1994, Gates married Melinda French. They have three children - Jennifer Katharine, Rory John and Phoebe Adele.

In 1994, Gates acquired Codex Leicester, a collection of works by Leonardo da Vinci. Since 2003, this collection has been on display at the Seattle Art Museum.

In 1998, Gates resigned as president of Microsoft Corporation, and in 2000 he left the post of chief executive director. Steve Ballmer received both positions.

On December 14, 2004, Bill Gates joined the board of Berkshire Hathaway, thus formalizing his relationship with Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate that includes Geico (auto insurance), Benjamin Moore (paints), and Fruit of the Loom (textiles). Gates also serves on the board of Icos, a Bothell biotechnology company.

On 2 March 2005, the UK Foreign Office announced that Gates would receive the title of Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to UK businesses and his efforts to reduce global poverty.

At the end of 2005, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates were named People of the Year by American Time magazine.

June 27, 2008 was Bill Gates' last as Microsoft CEO. Despite this, he is not breaking with the company for good - Gates will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors (but without executive powers), will be involved in special projects, and will also remain the largest (8.7% Microsoft shares) holder of shares in a corporation.

At the end of October 2008, in the city of Kirkland (Washington State, USA), Bill Gates registered his third company called “bgC3”. Unverified sources claim that "bgC3" stands for Bill Gates Company Three. It was announced that this will be a research center whose tasks will include the provision of scientific and technological services, work in the field of analytics and research, as well as the creation and development of software and hardware.

In 1995, Bill Gates wrote the book “The Road to the Future,” in which he outlined his views on the direction in which society is moving in connection with the development of information technology. In 1996, when Microsoft was refocused on Internet technologies, Gates made significant adjustments to the book.

In 1999, Bill Gates wrote a book, Business @ the Speed ​​of Thought, which shows how information Technology can solve business problems in a completely new way. Of particular note is the fact that Bill Gates' ideas fit well with the concept of lean manufacturing. In the book, Bill Gates outlined the principles of information lean logistics that he developed, based on the experience of its use at Microsoft Corporation. The peculiarities of the book include the fact that the author was one of the first to propose applying the principles of this new direction in business management for all levels of government, modernization of the education system (pedagogical logistics) and healthcare.

This book has been released in 25 languages ​​and is sold in more than 60 countries. Business at the Speed ​​of Thought received critical acclaim and was featured on the New York Times, America Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon.com bestseller lists.