History of windows

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive history of Microsoft Windows, from its early days with founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen to the current version, Windows 11. It covers the development of key Windows versions, including Windows 1.0, NT, 95, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. It highlights major innovations like the start menu, taskbar, and plug-and-play compatibility, as well as struggles with user experience and system requirements. Despite setbacks, Windows has remained a dominant force in the operating system market, evolving to meet the needs of both personal and business users.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, following their early experiences in a teenage computer club.
• 😀 MS-DOS 1.0, released in 1981, was Microsoft's first major product, designed for IBM PCs and laying the foundation for later operating systems.
• 😀 Windows 1.0, released in 1985, was Microsoft's first graphical user interface (GUI) operating system, although it struggled due to its complexity compared to Apple's GUI.
• 😀 Windows 2.0, released in 1987, improved graphics and multitasking features, but still faced challenges in user adoption.
• 😀 Windows 3.0 (1990) marked a turning point, introducing key features like multitasking, a cleaner UI, and virtual memory, which helped establish Windows as a dominant OS.
• 😀 Windows 95, launched in 1995, introduced the Start menu, taskbar, plug-and-play support, and Internet Explorer, setting a new standard for operating systems.
• 😀 Windows XP, released in 2001, became one of the most successful versions due to its UI stability, faster boot times, and multiple user login support.
• 😀 Windows Vista (2006) faced heavy criticism due to its high system requirements, compatibility issues, and performance on older hardware despite its visually appealing design.
• 😀 Windows 7 (2009) restored confidence in Microsoft by focusing on speed, efficiency, and a more intuitive UI, becoming one of the most widely adopted versions.
• 😀 Windows 8 (2012) attempted to unify desktops, tablets, and mobile devices but alienated users with a confusing interface, leading to its rejection by many.
• 😀 Windows 10 (2015) aimed to fix the issues of Windows 8, combining familiar features with new enhancements like Cortana and virtual desktops, while introducing Windows as a Service for regular updates.
• 😀 Windows 11 (2021) focused on modern architecture, enhanced productivity features, and a Mac-like UI, but its changes received mixed reactions, particularly from users of older systems.

Q & A

Who were the founders of Microsoft?

The founders of Microsoft were Paul Allen and Bill Gates.

What was the significance of the computer club mentioned in the script?

The computer club, formed by Paul Allen, Bill Gates, and two other teenagers, was important because it led to their initial interest in computers and hacking into systems to steal computer time, which ultimately got them banned. This early experience influenced their later work in creating Microsoft.

What was Microsoft's first operating system?

Microsoft's first operating system was MS-DOS 1.0, which was launched on August 12th, 1981. It was created for IBM computers, not Windows.

What were some challenges Microsoft faced with Windows 1.0?

Windows 1.0, released in 1985, faced challenges in user adoption due to its failure to be as user-friendly as Apple's GUI-based OS. It was essentially an overlay on MS-DOS, which limited its functionality and appeal.

What was the key feature introduced with Windows 3.0?

Windows 3.0, released in 1990, introduced enhanced multitasking, a cleaner user interface, broader hardware compatibility, and virtual memory, making it a turning point for Microsoft.

What significant change did Windows 95 introduce to the operating system world?

Windows 95, released in 1995, introduced key features like the Start menu, Taskbar, plug-and-play hardware compatibility, and Internet Explorer, setting the standard for modern operating systems.

Why was Windows Vista criticized despite its aesthetic appeal?

Windows Vista, released in 2006, faced criticism for its high system requirements, which made it sluggish on older hardware. It also had compatibility issues with software and a problematic user account control system.

What was the main goal of Windows 8, and why did it face backlash?

Windows 8, released in 2012, aimed to unify desktop, tablet, and mobile devices with a start screen featuring live tiles for touchscreens. However, it faced backlash due to its unfamiliar UI and the removal of familiar elements like the Taskbar, alienating many users.

How did Windows 10 address the issues of Windows 8?

Windows 10, released in 2015, addressed the issues of Windows 8 by bringing back familiar elements like the Start menu and Taskbar while introducing new features such as Cortana, virtual desktops, and regular updates. It combined familiarity with modern advancements.

What are some of the key features of Windows 11?

Windows 11, released in 2021, features a redesigned UI similar to macOS, enhanced productivity tools, improved gaming performance, and integration with Microsoft Teams. It dropped 32-bit support and focused on 64-bit systems, with a goal of improving battery life and user experience.