Microsoft Windows down the years

A lot has changed since Windows dominated the OS space, Google’s Android is now the world’s most popular Operating System as smart phones continue to outsell desktops and laptops. But for sheer productivity the PC and Apple’s Macs are still quite unrivalled. As Microsoft gets set to unveil its most ambitious iteration of Windows – Windows 10, it’s time to roll back the years and map the fascinating Windows journey.

The pre-‘cursor’: It’s 1980, it’s first codenamed ‘Chess’ and becomes the pre-runner for Windows as we know it today. Microsoft partners with IBM to develop the bridge between computer hardware and programs such as the word processor. The OS is eventually labelled MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). It’s not for everyone though given the complex range of commands that inevitably include the ‘C:’ and the backslash (\) key.    

Version 1.0: Microsoft’s detractors dubbed it ‘vapourware’ but it did finally show up in 1985. Its first called Interface Manager but is launched as Windows to describe the computing windows that are central to the new system. MS-DOS commands make way for the ‘mouse’ that allow you to point and click your way around. Multi-tasking arrives and so do a host of programs including a calendar, Windows writer and a game (Reversi). All this if you have 256KB (!), two (double sided) floppy disks and a graphic adapter card.

Say hi to the control panel: Windows 2.0 arrives in 1987 with some cool tweaks like keyboard shortcuts (some of us still can’t do without). Other new additions include desktop icons, controlling the screen layout and overlapping windows. Things hot up with the debut of the Intel 386 processor (Windows 2.0 was originally designed for the 286 processor)

Goof off with the power of Windows 3.0: This was one of the many ad slogans used to sell the 1990s first iteration of Windows signalling the OS’ growing appeal with home users. The Intel 386 processor speeds things up while a new wave of programs – Program manager, file manager and print manager make their appearance and so does Solitaire! The 1990s also mark the arrival Windows NT 3.1, a 32-bit operating system and a strategic business platform.

Start me up: This Rolling Stones rock anthem is the lead for Windows 95’s high-profile ad campaign. Aside from the first appearance of the Start menu, Windows 95 also finds room for the taskbar, minimize and maximize and close buttons on each window. It’s also the first Windows version that is ready to plug into the Internet era (with dial-up networking) spawning the debut of the Internet Explorer browser a few months later and also comes with easy hardware and software installation options.

Adios MS DOS: Windows 98 becomes the last version of Windows based on MS-DOS and is designed primarily for the Internet Café generation. The new Quick Launch Bar lets you bypass the start menu and the new OS offers support for DVDs and USB devices.

Dawn of the millennium: Windows 2000 Professional is billed as the ultimate productivity tool for business desktops and notebook computers. Better connectivity coupled with plug and play capabilities for easier installations and support for mobile computing.

One Billion PCs later: Windows XP arrives as all-time PC sales cross the 1 billion mark in 2001 and is compiled using a whopping 45 million lines of code. Speed and stability are the hallmarks of XP. New additions include Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker. The XP Tablet PC addition is launched a year later with support for handwriting recognition way before tablets go mainstream.

New vistas: Windows Vista hits the market in 2006 with a strong accent on security and data protection. Windows Media player becomes the hub for digital media as PCs become the primary storehouse of digital content. The taskbar gets a fresh coat of paint, the all-new Search button arrives while search gets a serious leg up.

Magnificent 7: Was this the best iteration of Windows ever? Many geeks think so; a few million beta tested Windows 7 before its commercial launch at a time when laptops have overtaken desktops and tablets are slowly signaling their intentions. Windows Touch allows users to browse the web and navigate through files with a touch interface

The Start Menu goes to the recycle bin: Windows 8 became the first version designed for both touch and classic mouse and keyboard users. Microsoft committed sacrilege (at least in the view of hardcore Windows users) by replacing the quintessential start menu with a tiled interface. It was certainly eye candy but missed some tricks on sheer functionality. A whole new Windows Store allowed you to add cool apps to your PC experience. Windows 8.1 didn’t make radical changes to Windows 8.

The Perfect 10 ?: We will find out soon enough. Windows 10 arrives with a lot of promise at a time when ‘on the move’ productivity and flitting across multiple devices is becoming the key. A new interface that resurrects the Start Key, a cool new browser (Microsoft Edge), better gaming integration and the Mobile Voice assistant Cortana’s desktop debut will be some of the key improvements in this iteration.