History of Windows ZT

Original address: HTTP://WINDOWS.MICROSOFT.COM/ZH-CN/WINDOWS/HISTORY#T1=ERA0

1975–1981:microsoft start

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen (left) and Bill Gates

It was the 1970s, and people's work depended mainly on printers. If you need to copy a document, you may use mimeograph or carbon paper. Few people have heard of microcomputers, but two of young computer enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, have found that personal computing is the way to the future.

In 1975, Gates and Allen partnered to set up a company called Microsoft. Like most startups, Microsoft began with a small, but ambitious, vision--spreading computers to every desk and home. Over the next few years, Microsoft has begun to change the way we work.

Ms? The advent of DOS

In June 1980, Gates and Allen asked Steve Ballmer, a former Harvard classmate at Gates, to help run the company. In the following July, IBM and Microsoft approached a project codenamed "Chess". In response to IBM's needs, Microsoft has focused on developing a new operating system that can manage (or run) computer hardware and eliminate the gap between computer hardware and programs such as word processors. Computer programs can be run on this basis. They named this new operating system "MS?" DOS ".

When launched in 1981 running MS? DOS IBM Computer, it also introduces a new language to the public. Typing "C:" and various mysterious commands gradually become part of the daily routine. People are getting used to using the backslash (\) key.

Ms? DOS is very effective, but it does make it difficult for most people to understand and master, so how to build the operating system in a better way becomes the main research direction.

Enthusiast tip: MS? DOS represents the Microsoft disk operating system.

1982–1985: Launching Windows 1.0

Windows 1.0 Desktop

Full-Packaged Windows 1.0

Microsoft is committed to developing the first version of the new operating system. The interface Manager is the code name for this project and is considered the final title, but the reason why Windows is popular is that it describes the box or calculation "window" that is the basis of the new system in the best way. Windows announced the project in 1983, but it took some time to develop it. Sceptics call it "illusory."

Microsoft finally launched Windows 1.0 on November 20, 1985, two years after the initial project was announced. Now the user can simply move the mouse over the screen (or "window") to the desired location and click to complete the task without typing MS? DOS command. "This is a unique piece of software designed specifically for computer users," says Bill Gates. ”

Windows includes drop-down menus, scroll bars, icons, and dialog boxes to make your programs easier to learn and use. Users can switch between multiple programs without having to quit and restart each program. Windows 1.0 comes with a number of programs, including MS? DOS file Management, paint, Windows writer, Notepad, calculator, and calendars, card files and clocks to help manage daily activities, and even a game: Flip chess.

Enthusiast tip: Do you remember the floppy disk and the KB? Windows 1.0 requires at least four KB, two double-sided floppy drives, and one graphics adapter card. It is recommended that you use a hard disk and a KB of memory when running multiple programs or using DOS 3.0 or later versions.

1987–1990:windows 2.0–2.11-window More, faster

Windows 2.0 Desktop

Windows 2.0

Microsoft released Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and extended memory on December 9, 1987. With improved graphics support, users can now overlap Windows, control screen layouts, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up work. Some software developers have written their first Windows-based program for this release.

Windows 2.0 is designed for the Intel 286 processor. When the Intel 386 processor was released, Windows/386 soon followed it to take advantage of the processor's expanded memory capacity. Subsequent versions of Windows continue to improve the speed, reliability, and usability of your PC.

In 1988, Microsoft became the world's largest sales computer software company. For some office workers, computers begin to become part of their daily lives.

Enthusiast tip: The Control Panel first appears in Windows 2.0.

1990–1994:windows 3.0–windows nt-Achieve graphics Effects Windows 3.0

Windows 3.0 Desktop

Bill Gates presents the newly released Windows 3.0

Microsoft released Windows 3.0 on May 22, 1990, and shortly after 1992, Windows 3.1 was released. These two editions sold a total of 10 million copies in the first two years of the release, making them the most widely used Windows operating system of its time. This large-scale success prompted Microsoft to revise its previous plans. Virtual memory improves visual graphics effects. The subsequent versions are visually based on Windows 1990.

Windows now significantly improves performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons. A new wave of 386 computers has also helped drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, the program runs significantly faster. Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager also appear in Windows 3.0.

Windows software is installed on floppy disks, which are packed in large boxes with a heavy instruction manual.

The popularity of Windows 3.0 continues to grow as new Windows software development kits are released, which helps software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers.

Windows is increasingly used for work and home, and classic games like Solitaire, Hearts and Minesweeper are also being introduced. The ads at that time advertised: "Let the incredible power of Windows 3.0 help you pass the time!" ”

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds peer workgroup and domain network support, the first time a computer has become an integral part of the emerging client/server computing evolution process.

Windows NT

When Windows NT was released on July 27, 1993, Microsoft implemented an important milestone: the project to build a new advanced operating system from scratch, which began in the late the 1980s. "Windows NT represents a fundamental change in the way businesses are used to meet their business computing requirements," Bill Gates said in a release. ”

However, unlike Windows 3.1, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system, making it a strategic business platform for supporting high-end engineering and scientific processes.

Enthusiast tip: The team that developed Windows NT was originally called the "Portable Systems" team.

1995–1998:windows 95-Computers and the Internet thrive

Windows 95 Desktop

Release date: Bill Gates introduces Windows 95

Windows 95

Microsoft released Windows 95 on August 24, 1995, and sales reached a record 7 million in the first five weeks. This is the most successful release event Microsoft has advertised. In TV commercials, the Rolling Stones sang "Start Me up" on the new Start button image. The beginning of the press release was concise: "It came." ”

This is the era of fax/modem, e-mail, a brand-new internet world, and dazzling multimedia games and educational software. Windows 95 has built-in Internet support, Dial-Up Networking, and new Plug and Play features that make it easy to install hardware and software. These 132-bit operating systems also offer enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful mobile computing capabilities, and integrated networking capabilities.

When Windows 95 was released, about 80% of the world's computers were running the previous Windows and MS-DOS operating systems. Windows 95 is an upgrade for these operating systems. To run Windows 95, the user needs a computer with a 386DX or later processor (486 recommended) and at least 4 MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM is recommended). The upgrade version is available in floppy and CD-ROM format. It is available in 12 languages.

For the first time in Windows 95, the Start menu, taskbar, and Minimize, Maximize, and Close buttons on each window appear.

Catch the wave of the Internet

In the early the 1990s, technology practitioners often talked about internet-, the Internet, and said it could connect all the computers in the world. In 1995, Bill Gates published a memo titled "The Internet Wave", claiming that the internet was "the most important development since the birth of a computer".

In the summer of 1995, the first version of Internet Explorer was born. The browser then joins the World Wide Web in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Enthusiast tip: In 1996, Microsoft released a flight simulator for Windows 95-the flight simulator was born in 14, which was the first Windows-based version.

1998–2000:windows 98, Windows $, Windows Me-windows evolves for work and play

Windows 98 Desktop

Windows 98

Windows Me Media Experience

Windows Professional

Windows 98

Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. At that time, computers in the work and family became very popular, and internet cafes have emerged. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that can "work better and play better".

With Windows 98, you can find information more easily on your PC and on the Internet. Other improvements include the ability to turn programs on and off more quickly, and to support reading DVD discs and Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. In addition, the Quick Launch bar appears for the first time, which allows you to run the program directly without needing to find it on the Start menu or on the desktop.

Enthusiast tip: Is Windows 98 based on MS? The last version of DOS.

Windows Me

Designed for home computer use, Windows Me provides a wealth of music, video, and home networking enhancements that are more reliable than previous versions.

First-time feature: System Restore, which can roll back the computer software configuration to a date or time before the problem occurred. Movie Maker provides users with the tools to digitally edit, save, and share home videos. With Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 technology, users can find, organize, and play digital media.

Enthusiast tip: Technically, Windows Me is the last Microsoft operating system based on the Windows 95 code base. Microsoft announces that all future operating system products are based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 cores.

Windows Professional

Windows Professional is not just an upgrade for Windows NT Workstation 4.0, it is intended to replace Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT on all Enterprise desktop and laptop computers Workstation 4.0. Built on a proven Windows NT Workstation 4.0 code base, Windows 2000 has made significant improvements in reliability, ease of use, Internet compatibility, and mobile computing support.

For other improvements, Windows Professional simplifies the hardware installation process by adding support for a variety of new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices, and infrared devices.

Enthusiast tip: The nightly stress test performed on Windows 2000 during development is equivalent to three months of running on up to 1500 machines.

2001–2005:windows xp-stable, easy to use and fast

Windows XP Home Edition Desktop

Windows XP Professional Boxed

Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001, and its interface has been redesigned to be easy to use and has a unified Help and Support Service center. It has 25 language versions. From the mid 1970s until the release of Windows XP, about 1 billion computers were sold worldwide.

For Microsoft, Windows XP became one of the best-selling products of the time and in the years to come. It is fast and stable. Navigation to the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel is more intuitive. More and more people are aware of the dangers of computer viruses and hackers, and providing security updates online has eased people's fears in some way. Consumers are beginning to understand warnings about suspicious attachments and viruses. And people are paying more attention to help and support.

Windows XP Home Edition provides a clear, streamlined visual design that makes it easier to access common features. Designed for home Use, Windows XP provides enhancements such as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo features.

Windows XP Professional enhances reliability, security, and performance by giving your PC desktop a solid foundation for Windows 2000. With the new visual design, Windows XP Professional has features for enterprise and advanced home computing, including Remote Desktop support, Encrypting File System, and System Restore and advanced networking features. Important enhancements for mobile users include wireless 802.1x network support, Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance.

Several versions of Windows XP were released over the years:

• Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001) is the first Microsoft operating system for 64-bit processors, and the 64-bit processor is designed to handle large amounts of memory and projects such as movie effects, 3D animations, engineering and scientific programs.

• Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002) is designed for home computing and entertainment. Users can browse the Internet, watch live TV, enjoy digital music and video collections, and watch DVDs.

• Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002) realizes the vision of handwritten computing. Tablets include digital pens for handwriting recognition, but users can also use a mouse or keyboard.

Enthusiast Tip: Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code.

2006–2008:windows vista-Security Intelligence

Windows Vista Desktop

Windows Vista Flagship Edition

Released in 2006, Windows Vista has the most powerful security system of its time. User Account Control can help prevent potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. With the increase in the volume and security requirements of laptops, BitLocker Drive Encryption provides better data protection for computers in the ultimate version of Windows Vista. Windows Vista also enhanced Windows Media Player as more people began to use their computers as a hub for digital media. Users can watch TV, view and send photos, and edit videos here.

The Windows Vista interface has changed a lot, and the taskbar and window borders have a completely new look. New search features to help people find files faster on their computers. Windows Vista introduces several new product versions, each with a different set of features. It has 35 language versions. The redesigned Start button appears for the first time in Windows Vista.

Enthusiast Tip: When publishing, more than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista.

2009:windows 7 introduces Windows touch

Windows 7 Desktop

Windows 7

Windows 7 was launched for the wireless era, which emerged in the late 21st century. Laptops have sold more than desktop computers, and public wireless hotspots such as coffee shops and private Internet access at home have become commonplace.

Windows 7 introduces a number of new ways to manipulate windows, such as snapping, panning, and shaking, which not only improves functionality, but also adds fun when using the interface. It also marks the debut of Windows Touch Technology, a technology that allows users of touchscreen computers to browse the Web, flip through photos, and open folders and files with their fingers.

Enthusiast Tip: Windows 7 was evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide prior to release.

2012:Windows 8 has apps and tiles

A computer that is running Windows 8

Windows 8 Professional Edition

Windows 8 is an operating system that has been reshaped from the chipset to the user experience, introducing a new interface that works smoothly with touch, mouse, and keyboard. It can be used as a tablet for the ultimate entertainment experience, or as a fully functional computer for the job. Windows 8 also made some improvements to the familiar Windows desktop, with new taskbar and simplified file management.

Use the tiles in the Windows 8 start screen to easily contact others to access files, apps, and websites. The app is in the primary and central location and can be obtained from a new location (the Windows store, which is on the start screen).

In addition to Windows 8, Microsoft has released Windows RT, which can run on some tablets and computers. Windows RT is designed for thin, smooth, long battery life devices that only run apps in the Windows store. It also comes with a built-in version of Office optimized for touch screens.

Enthusiast Tip: Advanced users will find that Windows 8 makes file system errors detection and correction more transparent and less intrusive.

History of Windows ZT