Today, many use the Microsoft operating system and do not particularly think about how this interesting product was invented. In fact, in the history of the most popular OS, there are a lot of interesting things. It is worth mentioning that the history of Windows goes back several decades. During this time, the OS went through a number of metamorphoses: from an uncomfortable graphical shell for MS-DOS to a full-fledged and very convenient operating system. Everyone knows what Bill Gates invented Windows, but few people know how he did it. Let's try to consider all stages of Windows development. For the history of the Windows operating system is very interesting and fascinating.
The origins
The history of Windows began in 1985, when a young and unknown student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bill Gates made a graphical environment for the operating system of that time. He called his brainchild Windows 1.0. However, this version did not take root, because it contained serious errors. But version 1.01 was already devoid of flaws. However, many computer technology gurus considered Windows a worthless add-on that has no future. They believed that the graphical interface distracted users from learning MS-DOS. And who was right?
Up to version 3.11, Windows was just a shell, an add-on for more convenient computer management. A full-fledged operating system came out a little later and made a real revolution. Even though the graphics OS has long been used in computers from Apple. But the trouble of the “Yabloko” was that the Mac OS was inaccessible to ordinary users due to its tough propriety. And on Linux at that time only servers and geeks were "sitting". That is why Windows began to quickly gain popularity. This is the story of Windows.
Windows 95
In 1995, Microsoft released an operating system called Windows 95. It was the first full-fledged OS. Both the graphical interface and data protection - everything was up to the mark for that time. However, the system did not live long, because a critical vulnerability was discovered in its code. Nevertheless, 80% of personal computers were running Windows 95 at that time. The history of Windows begins precisely in 1995.
Around the same time, the first versions of the Microsoft Office software suite appeared, which provides work with documents. From this point on, Windows becomes a complete and universal system. They begin to use it for all tasks. And this is the first sign of the popularity of the operating system. However, version 95 did not truly become a "popular" system. The reason for this is a lot of errors in the structure of the OS. That is why Microsoft decided to radically change the structure of Windows.
Windows 98
This is a revised version of 1995. In Win 98, all errors of the previous version have already been taken into account and fixed. It was she who became the "people". Now they started talking about Microsoft as the geniuses of the computer world. The system combined ease of control, high reliability and almost complete absence of freezes. After unsuccessful “miscarriages” in the person of previous versions of the company, it was possible to release something really good and workable. All versions of the 90s can only work with 32-bit processors.
The 98th version of "Windows" made a real revolution in the world of operating systems. Now work on the computer has become available to everyone. And not like at the dawn of technology, when only a select few could work with a PC. In any case, the history of Windows does not end there. Ahead of us there will be many interesting and incredible.
Windows 2000
This is the first system based on the NT engine. This system has opened a new milestone in the development of Windows. Version 2000 was positioned as a system for home and office. Among its innovations there were very interesting functions. For example, support for multimedia functions out of the box. Since then, this option has become the hallmark of any Microsoft OS.
Windows 2000 also implemented the latest advances in computer security. The system has become very popular with both ordinary users and those involved in business. For security, coupled with functionality, is what is needed for this area. The professional version has been adopted by many organizations.
Windows ME
Perhaps the most failed version of Windows after Vista. It was released as an update to version 2000. Multimedia features have been expanded. But the stability of the system left much to be desired. Constant freezes and reboots did not add OS popularity. As a result, Microsoft decided to curtail the project and not to disgrace. Well, a very reasonable decision.
The most interesting thing is that ME was also created on the basis of NT. But something went wrong. And it turned out that ME is the most unpopular version of Windows. The history of an NT-based system does not end there, but only begins. For after the failed version, the developers managed to release a real masterpiece. It was a generous gift to users. Probably for their patience.
Windows XP
The legendary "pig" is still considered the most successful operating system from Microsoft. And it's not even a beautiful interface. Much more valuable is the fact that the system has amazing multimedia capabilities, increased stability and security. And after the release of all three Service Packs, working with her became very pleasant. No glitches, freezes and sudden reboots, plus text smoothing support for more comfortable work - this is the recipe for an ideal operating system. Until now, many "oldfages" categorically do not want to change XP to something new.
The legendary OS managed to become one thanks to a successful combination of an updated interface, stability and security. But it would be wrong not to mention that it is with XP that the era of the convenient Internet begins. Sitting online with XP was not an example more comfortable than with the 2000 version. And all the games started with a bang. Despite the fact that Microsoft has not supported XP for three years now, few decide to switch to something new. With the XP version, the history of Windows makes a new round and gives us access to new technologies.
Windows Vista
The most failed OS from Microsoft. Moreover, both users and serious critics think so. The fact is that in “Vista” there were many shortcomings. This is the biggest cause of failure. A secondary reason is that the world was not ready for such an OS. Too many graphic twists. Not all computers of that time were capable of ensuring smooth operation on Vista. This is another reason for its unpopularity.
The rest of the punctures should include frankly no stability and a problem with the drivers. Manufacturers did not really try to release drivers for this OS, because they did not believe in its success. And they were right. Another shameful page in the track record of a company from Redmond. By the way, the "micro-soft" tried to fix this "cant" as quickly as possible. The history of Windows operating systems continues.
Windows 7
Perhaps the most popular operating system at the moment. It represents what, according to the developers, was supposed to be Vista. The seventh version was a kind of work on the bugs. And the Microsoft programmers completely succeeded. The result was quite sane Windows 7. The history of its creation is simple. New technologies required a new system. And the developers had no choice left.
Among the system improvements should include deep optimization in working with computer hardware. "Seven" works with the processor and RAM at times better than the legendary XP. Yes, and it looks several times better than "pigs". However, there is a problem that frightened off users at the initial stage - gluttony. Running the “seven” on old PCs was problematic. The reason is the graphical interface. However, everything settled down, and now most users use Windows 7. History once again surprised us.
Windows 8 and 8.1
The advent of the tablet era forced Microsoft to urgently do something in order not to lose its primacy in the market of operating systems. The technical features of the new devices did not allow the use of a desktop OS. So there was a new version of Windows. It is based on the same properties of the NT engine, but from then on, the OS has been adapted for devices with a touch screen. So there was Windows 8. The history of its popularity (or unpopularity) is ambiguous and requires some explanation.
The first thing that shocked users who “moved” from the “seven” was a welcome screen with an incomprehensible tiled Metro interface. It was a shock. Undoubtedly, the interface is very convenient for touch screens. But he plunges an ordinary PC user. Even more alarmism was caused by the lack of a familiar Start button. That is, the button itself is, but it opens the same tiled interface. Everything became very unusual. This is the reason for the failure of the G8 at the initial stage.
Windows 10. Latest OS
Yes, that's exactly what Microsoft said. More for operating systems there will be no serial number. All innovations will be introduced in the process of the planned update of the "tens". Disputes over the latter system have not subsided so far. Some admire its unsurpassed optimization and the twelfth version of DirectX. Others in every way scolded spy "little things" of the new system. And they are absolutely right. The controversial thing is Windows 10. Its history is just beginning. So, to say objectively so far is impossible.
It is worth noting what distinguishes this version from all previous Windows. The history of the files in it is hidden so deep that it is very difficult to find. According to an official statement, this is due to the best privacy policy. What confidentiality, if the "top ten" regularly sends all the user data to Microsoft? And she, in turn, provides this information to the NSA and the FBI upon request. Even text entered from the keyboard is intercepted.
But do not deny the obvious advantages of the new OS. So, it can be noted reduced boot time, better work with iron and power saving mode. The last option is relevant only for laptops, but this does not make it unnecessary. Seeing the history of Windows in version 10 is not difficult - this is also a plus. In addition, it supports all the innovations in the world of IT-technologies. Including virtual reality helmets.
Mobile segment
Along with desktop OSs, Microsoft also developed a mobile platform. For these purposes, the company even bought the legendary Finnish brand Nokia. But Bill Gates's offspring did not achieve much success in this field. The history of Windows Mobile is full of tragic errors. Whatever version of the system is a failure. Why is that? Perhaps all because everyone should do his own thing and not go where he does not understand anything? Be that as it may, Microsoft did not succeed in the mobile segment.
Mobile versions of Windows are extremely buggy and unstable. They do not know how to work normally with the hardware of a smartphone, and the Windows Store (an analogue of Market to Android) cannot boast a wide range of applications and games. Developers are not in a hurry to create versions for the platform "Windows". This is due to the fact that the proportion of devices on this platform is negligible. So the developers do not make sense to spray.
Conclusion
Microsoft has had everything in its history of Windows operating systems: ups and downs, successes and failures. But hardly anyone will undertake to refute that Windows is the most popular OS in the world. Yes, now Linux-like systems are gaining momentum. Yes, and Mac OS has increased its market share. But they cannot reach the level of Microsoft in the market of operating systems. At least for now. Windows is truly a "popular" system. Most manufacturers support this particular OS. For others, there is a formless disgrace with the presence of drivers for devices. Be that as it may, if you want a fast, productive and stable system - buy Windows. They haven’t come up with anything better.
Of course, there are security problems, but this is the specifics of a particular OS. Linux, of course, is much safer, but very inconvenient. So feel free to put "Vidovs" - and you will be happy. Just do not forget that the pirated version will be of little use. It is better to spend a certain amount of rubles and forget about all the problems associated with pirated software and operating systems.