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MS-DOS
In 1980, IBM hired Microsoft to create a new operating system. In October of that year, Microsoft bought the rights for a simple OS developed by Seattle Computer Products to use as a basis for MS-DOS — Microsoft’s first OS. The system is based on text commands - users needed to enter manual commands at the C: prompt to run applications and open folders. One year later, IBM introduced its Personal Computer (PC) with MS-DOS, marking the beginning of the mass-market desktop computer industry. -
Windows
Microsoft released the first retail version of Windows to stores in 1985, marking the company's tenth year in business. Windows 1.0 had a graphical user interface that allowed people to run programs with a simple mouse click on an icon rather than relying on the MS-DOS method of typing text commands. The operating system featured the first standardized desktop applications, including as a notepad, calculator and clock, and let people run multiple programs simultaneously. (Microsoft) -
Windows 2.0
Windows 2.0, a 16-bit operating system, was designed to run on the Intel 286 processor, which was cutting-edge hardware technology at the time. The new processor allowed a desktop computer to have an expanded memory, so that people could run overlapping windows on the screen – something not possible in the first version of Windows. Windows 2.0 also ran the first (and rather primitive) version of Microsoft Word. Gallery created by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/" target="_blank">CBCNews.ca</a>. -
Windows 3.0
"Our vision is that there will be a personal computer on every desktop and it’ll be the key tool for the information age," said Bill Gates when Windows 3.0 was released. Windows 3.0 was a 16-bit operating system designed for the Intel 386 processor. The OS had a range of new features including the program manager and the file manager. Microsoft’s fiscal year-end sales topped more than $1 billion for the first time thanks to Windows 3.0. (Microsoft) -
Windows NT 3.1
Built from scratch and released to the public in 1993, Windows NT 3.1 (for "new technology") was a 32-bit operating system that ran on more powerful computers with larger memories than previous 16-bit operating systems. To keep consistency with Windows 3.1, the new Windows NT OS began with version 3.1. It was aimed primarily at business customers rather than consumers. The new OS was well received by third-party program developers, who liked its increased security and stability. (Microsoft) -
Windows For Workgroups
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was an upgrade to Windows 3.1 that made it "network-aware," allowing for things like peer-to-peer file sharing. A year later, the Windows NT Workstation 3.5 release provided a higher degree of stability and security for critical business applications and data. Gallery created by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/" target="_blank">CBCNews.ca</a>. -
Windows 95
The new Plug and Play component of Windows 95 made it easier for everyday consumers to install new hardware and software, boosting the popularity of desktop computers in homes and small businesses where there was no IT department to help out. At the worldwide release of Windows 95, Microsoft held splashy publicity events across the world - in Toronto, for example, a huge banner hung from the CN Tower and climbers rappelled down from the observation deck. (Laszlo Balogh/Reuters) -
Windows CE
Microsoft released Windows CE, the first in a series of compact and portable operating systems for business and consumer devices. Windows CE has been used in everything from handheld PCs and ultra-portable notebook computers, to wireless communications devices such as digital information pagers and smartphones. Gallery created by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/" target="_blank">CBCNews.ca</a>. -
Windows 98
Windows 98, the first version of Windows designed primarily for consumers, made its debut in more than 40 countries worldwide. The new OS offered more customizable desktop features than previous operating systems. It also had new accessibility features, such as a text magnifier. It was the first OS to support DVDs. A year later Microsoft released a second edition, Windows 98 SE, offering enhanced hardware compatibility to make it easier to add nifty peripherals. (Jeff Christensen/Reuters) -
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 Professional was built to replace the Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on business desktops and laptops. It offered improvements in reliability, ease of use, network support, internet connectivity, and features designed for mobile computing. Gallery created by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/" target="_blank">CBCNews.ca</a>. -
Windows Millennium Edition
The last operating system based on the Windows 95 code, Windows Me, was designed specifically for home computer users. It offered more options for playing and recording music and video, and made home networking easier. But it was also criticized over stability and performance problems. While Windows Me did not receive the same wide acceptance as some of its predecessors, Microsoft operating systems that followed did adopt some of Me's features, such as improved troubleshooting tools. -
Windows XP
In October 2001, Microsoft merged its operating system lines for consumers and businesses into a single brand. Windows XP, promoted as the "fastest windows ever," featured a new user interface that focused on combining features designed for business work with others aimed at multimedia play. The operating system has received multiple updates through service packs since its original release, and this helped Windows XP become Microsoft’s longest-selling operating system so far. (Microsoft) -
Windows Vista
"Windows Vista … will transform the way people work and play," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. Unfortunately, sales didn't match the company's high hopes. Vista introduced a number of new features, but it also demanded a lot of power – particularly for enhanced graphics. A common complaint was that the performance hit was too high, and many manufacturers that sold computers with Windows Vista installed also offered an option to "downgrade" to Windows XP. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters) -
Windows 7
The new Windows OS is set to be released on Oct. 22, 09. The Windows 7 is said to have improved security systems to protect users and businesses from theft and hackers. It will continue to explore Aero — a design platform that was released in Windows Vista. The new Aero will feature elements like Aero Peek, Aero Shake and Snap, all elements to help manage the desktop by allowing users to quickly view one’s desktop, clean up window clutter and snap windows. (Rick Wilking/Reuters)
