Overview
The journey for Windows began on November 10, 1983, with the release of Microsoft windows Beta 1.0, which was followed by Windows 2.0 and then Windows 3.0 in May 1990. The first version Windows 1.0 was an extension of MS-DOS which used the “C prompt.” To communicate with the system, a command had to be entered using the keyboard. Windows 1.0 which was a GUI offered an easier and user-friendly method. The user could now use a mouse to interact with the system and also use features like the calendar, calculator, and Microsoft word pad etcetera. The version that followed improved upon the speed, the memory and gave users more control. However, the key feature was the development of Dynamic Data Exchange. Windows 3.0 released in 1990 further improved on the speed and performance by taking advantage of the Intel 386 processers. The key improvements in this version were marked by the improvements in the 16-bit color and programs that allowed more control like Print Manager.
The above versions allowed Windows programmers to overcome 2 problems. A GUI Interface was available that simplified computer usage greatly and allowed a user to multitask. However, they still faced a few challenges. These challenges were in the minds of the programmers as they worked on the next version, Windows NT which was released in July 1993. This software was designed to allow full exploitation of the microprocessors while retaining the simple, object-oriented user interface the previous versions had. Another key focus was on providing simple and transparent access to network services. Windows 3.1 had been released in 1992 and included minor improvements to Windows 3.0. Thus, in July 2003, Windows NT 3.1 was introduced. NT stood for New Technology and it offered the combination of the convenience of the previous Graphical User Interface along with the additional benefit of an extensible 32-bit operating system. Windows NT was capable of running Windows 3.1 programs. It included peer-to-peer networking, supported full multitasking, a full security system, and did not require DOS. This was the first to be developed with the client/server business application in mind and was available in two versions.
The next version that Microsoft worked on was called Chicago. However, Chicago itself was never released but in August 1995, it was released under the name of Windows 95. The key feature was that it integrated a 32-bit TCP /IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.) It also allowed advanced multimedia options, easier installing procedures, and dial-up networks. Perhaps the most prominent aspect of Windows 95 was its Plug and Play.
This version was then followed by Windows NT WorkStation, having programs designed to improve and facilitate the use of computers in business processes. This 1996 release was then followed by Windows 1998, which was an upgrade from Windows 95. This time the focus was on introducing more features and creating a system that was faster and offered more to the user. Windows 98 allowed the use of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and DVD format to allow easier transfer of data. Its second edition, Windows 98 SE was introduced the next year with slight improvements. The giant leap that Windows took at this stage was of providing users with networking and internet options.
The next version came in the year 2000 and was known as Windows 2000. It was available in six editions. Different versions and was based on the previous NT technology. In September of the same year, Windows Millennium Edition or Windows ME was released. This was again like Windows 95 targeted more towards the costumers and offered advanced multimedia features by introducing Windows Movie Maker, a program that assists users in the editing of movie clips, and Windows Media Player which offered additional options than its predecessor.
In 2001, Microsoft changed the way it had been launching its different versions. Windows 3X, 95, 98, and I which were largely focused on home usage and entertainment had been derived from Windows 1.0 and Windows 3.0. As for Windows NT Workstation and Windows 2000 Professional, which were more focused on the corporate needs of clients, that is for business purposes, were derived from Windows NT. Thus, Window XP was a resultant of the two and included several editions including the two most popular: Windows XP Home edition for the consumers and Windows XP Professional for the businesses and power users. It also included Windows XP Tablet for Tablet PCs released in 2002. Unlike the early period when the aim was to provide users with fast computing machines that were easy to understand and interact with, the attention was directed towards providing something for everyone. From the basic needs of a business professional to the programs catering to the entertainment needs of consumers, while still meeting the basic goal of providing an easy, user-friendly, and fast system that allowed multitasking. The focus has also been on allowing the consumer to personalize by giving him/her more options and choices. For example, Windows Media Player lets the user rename, organize, create music playlists as well as change view options like ‘View Album Cover.’ Similarly, users are provided with additional options to choose, organize, and data according to their needs/desires.
Windows Vista was released in the year 2006 and was available in several editions depending on the customer’s needs or requirements. This was later improved upon and changes made in security and released in 2008. Vista is the latest version currently being used and offers advanced entertainment options like recording live TV on your PC, incredible processor speeds, as well as enhanced security options including those for Internet Explorer.
Microsoft will be launching its latest version of Windows, Windows 7 on the 22nd of September. Microsoft has improved upon the previous one by asking their users what improvements they want and then making changes accordingly. A sidebar has been introduced changing the visual of the main windows screen. Entertainment experience has been upgraded through Windows Media Center and Windows Taskbar and Jump List, it is claimed will make working on PCs easier, faster, and more reliable. (Microsoft, 2008)
Conclusion
Windows has traveled a long way in a short period, taking long heaps and improving upon its predecessors to provide its customers with better services. One of the main reasons why it evolved so is was the constant competition between its major rival Apple who introduced their operating system Mac OS X. Also improvements in speed to facilitate faster processing and more options to businesses and consumers, which included enhanced security measures, technological advancements, Windows had to evolve to maintain and enlarge its position in the market.
References
Microsoft. (2009). Microsoft. Web.
Russinovich, M. E, Soloman.D,A. (2005). Microsoft Windows Internals. 4th Edition. Washington: Microsoft Press.