Alexey Komolov (St. Petersburg)

Many computer users use Windows OS, but not everyone knows its history - for many it is something new from our time. Therefore, below I will describe a brief history of the Windows OS.

1982 Then, unknown to anyone, Bill Gates began creating the first version of Windows.

1885 The first Microsoft Windows 1.0 saw the light. The release of Windows was a real revolution in the world of computers: the long-awaited multitasking (the ability to simultaneously work with several programs at once) appeared.

By today's standards, graphic Windows decoration It was, to put it mildly, pathetic. But it was the mid-80s, the computers themselves were large and low-performance - so the graphical interface was gorgeous by the standards of that time.

1987 Release of Microsoft Windows 2.0. It is now possible to use hot keys to switch between application windows and perform some simple tasks.

Later, this version was divided into 2 lines: for x286 processors and for more powerful x386 (this version could use more resources of the new processors of that time).

1990 Microsoft Windows 3.0 is released. This version of Windows was a great success thanks to its VGA support, plus the interface was improved.

1992-1993. Microsoft Windows 3.1 and 3.11 are released. These versions of Windows were essentially updated version Windows 3.0: then support for multimedia data appeared, CD-ROM appeared and sound card, the first normally readable vector fonts appeared.

1993 Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 is released. It was the first 32-bit system to have native support for local network. Accordingly, the hardware requirements also increased by that time.

1995 Microsoft Windows 95 (Chicago) is released. It was a full-fledged OS, unlike previous versions, which were essentially “shells” for MS-DOS. Windows 95 introduced the taskbar and Start button menu for the first time.

1998 Microsoft Windows 98 is released. This OS received many significant updates, most of them aimed at improving operation and access to the Internet, drivers were improved, a full-fledged browser was built into the system distribution, and there was support for USB ports.

2000 Microsoft Windows 2000 was released, which was an attempt to combine home Windows 95 with professional Windows NT. This version finally fixed most of the problems with drivers, and also introduced Active Directory is a very important network technology.

The same year 2000. At the same time, Microsoft Windows ME was released. This OS was supposed to replace Windows 98 on weaker computers that could not handle the more resource-hungry Windows 2000. It was the last in a line that began with version 95 and was not very successful due to its instability and glitches.

2001 Microsoft Windows XP is released (in my opinion, the most successful solution in the line Windows family to date).

It is still used on many millions of user computers around the world - thanks to its stability, greater ease of use, less buggy and fairly wide options in the settings of the OS itself.

2003 Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is released - the successor to Windows 2000.

A little later, Microsoft Windows Vista (Longhorn) was released, which became the successor to Windows ME - just as failed and buggy, although it brought several useful updates: an improved security system, an improved search system, hibernation mode, an updated interface and other little things.

Most users received Microsoft Windows 7 with a bang after the disastrous Vista.

Here they were able to fix the problem with “inflated” system requirements, speed up its loading, enable multi-touch support, improve application compatibility, redesign the taskbar, and add many small useful features.

True, there were still a lot of glitches, which is why many did not want to switch to Windows 7: some controls were removed, a lot was renamed (what’s the point?), something was swapped. Some settings elements from one window have been moved to several different windows, which makes the work less convenient. Some settings are disabled, and some changes in the system spontaneously reset to “default” after a while. There is no way to place files in folders in random order, which is inconvenient.

2012 Microsoft Windows 8 is coming out. The release of this version of Windows created a lot of hype - they tried to visually adapt this version to all devices (computers, laptops, tablets, etc.). It's too early to judge its popularity, but we can say for sure: this is one of the riskiest versions of Windows. Here the interface has been completely redesigned and everyone’s favorite and very convenient Start button has been removed.

True, the design of large shortcuts is convenient when working on tablets, but it is extremely inconvenient on other computers.

By the way, pay attention to two screenshots. This is what AOL looks like, released in 1996:

And this is what Windows 8, released in 2012, looks like:

Many users have the impression that after Gates left the post of president, Microsoft began to “evolve” in the opposite direction (Vista. 7 and 8 were no longer released under his leadership).

Near future. The first rumors about the release of Windows 9 (Blue) have already begun to appear. By mid-2013 the situation should become clearer.

Hello dear friends! Today we will touch on the issue of the history of the development of Windows and will try to highlight the most interesting points. Thus, we will also learn what types of operating rooms there are Windows systems.

In 1985, the first version of Windows appeared, which was not appreciated by users and was ignored. Perhaps because it only complemented the capabilities of DOS, being in fact a graphical shell and add-on to the MS-DOS suite. Naturally, quite experienced users rated Windows as a fashionable toy.

Appearance after Windows XP new system Windows Vista is considered the worst option after all previous OS releases. It is presented as a “dress rehearsal” for Windows 7. It would seem that the good qualities of the new system should have interested users. Such as built-in search, three-dimensional Aero interface with beautiful screensavers, good protection, did not help, everything was done extremely poorly, the system did not work. This failure destroyed all the plans of developers who were counting on a timeout until 2012, allowing them to develop a completely new model of Windows, putting all their efforts into it, but they had to urgently refine Windows Vista, preserving the best developments, and eliminate at least part of Vista’s shortcomings.

There are 5 versions of Windows 7: “Starter Edition”, Home Basic, Home Advanced, Professional, Ultimate. They can be switched to 40 languages. In addition, 2 modifications have been released, 32 and 64-bit, taking into account the release of more modern processors, no less than dual-core, and a video card no older than 2010.

The next version is Windows 8, which was released in October 2012. It should be noted that this OS uses new interface program called Metro. It loads after the system starts and looks like tiles with links to applications.

The desktop hasn't disappeared; it's also present in Windows 8. You can open it by clicking on a tile in the Metro interface. The biggest indignation that caused users after the release of this version was that there was no “Start” button on the desktop, which was previously in all versions of Windows. Yes, the button itself is there, but the usual functions for the user are missing. This matter can be corrected by installing a program that will return “Start” and everything will fall into place.

I will make a small list of innovations:

• The App Store has been added.
• There are two methods for user login.
• The Explorer has changed.
• Added new functions for system recovery.
• We made a new task manager.
• Family Safety feature.
• Added support for USB 3.0, DirectX 11.1, Net.Framework 4.5, Bluetooth 4.0.
• Searching for files and applications has become much better.
• Changing the keyboard layout can now be done using the keyboard shortcuts “Win” + “Space”.
• A number of other innovations were introduced that were not present in other versions of operating systems.

Windows XP(internal version - Windows NT 5.1) - operating system Microsoft's Windows NT family. It was released on October 25, 2001 and is a development of Windows 2000 Professional. The name XP comes from the English. experience. The name came into practice as a professional version.

Unlike the previous Windows 2000, which came in both server and client versions, Windows XP is a client-only system. Its server version is the later released Windows Server 2003. Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 are built on the same operating system kernel, as a result of which their development and updating proceed more or less in parallel.

The most noticeable improvements in Windows XP compared to Windows 2000 are:

• new design of the graphical interface, including more rounded shapes and smooth colors; as well as additional functional improvements (such as the ability to display a folder as a slide show in Windows Explorer);
• support for the ClearType text smoothing method, which improves the display of text on LCD displays;
• the ability to quickly switch users, allowing you to temporarily interrupt the work of one user and log in as another user, while leaving the applications launched by the first user enabled;
• Remote Assistance feature allows advanced users and technicians to connect to a Windows XP computer over a network to resolve problems. At the same time, the helping user can see the contents of the screen, conduct a conversation and (with the permission of the remote user) take control into their own hands;
• a system recovery program designed to return the system to a certain previous state, as well as improve other methods of system recovery. So, when loading the last successful configuration, the previous set of drivers is also loaded, which in some cases allows you to easily restore the system in case of problems that arose as a result of installing drivers; the ability to roll back drivers, etc.;
• improved compatibility with older programs and games. A special compatibility wizard allows you to emulate the behavior of one of the previous versions of the OS (starting with Windows 95) for a separate program;
• the possibility of remote access to the workstation due to the inclusion of a miniature terminal server in the system (only in the Professional edition);
• more advanced system management functions from command line;
• support Windows Explorer digital photo formats and audio files (automatically displays metadata for audio files, such as ID3 tags for MP3 files);
• Windows XP includes technologies developed by Roxio that allow you to directly burn a CD from Explorer without installing additional software, making working with rewritable CDs similar to working with floppy disks or hard drives. Media Player also includes the ability to record audio CDs. The ability to work with disk images is not provided;
• Windows XP can work with ZIP and CAB archives without installing additional software. Working with archives of this type is possible in Explorer as with regular folders, which can be created and deleted, entered into the archive, and added/deleted files just like working with regular folders. It is also possible to set a password for the archive. If necessary, you can assign any third party to work with these archives;
• improvements in the EFS subsystem, consisting in the optional recovery agent, more secure key storage. Encrypted files are now not just deleted, but overwritten with zeros, which is much more reliable. Starting with SP1, it becomes possible to use (the default) the AES algorithm, along with DESX and 3-DES.
• Customizable toolbars that help you optimize access to files, folders, and Internet resources. It is enough to place them on the edge of the desktop (like a sidebar) or on the Taskbar (in the form of a link).

Windows XP was released in many variants: Windows XP Professional Edition, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded for Point of Service, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP 64- bit Edition, Windows XP Edition N, Windows XP Starter Edition, Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs. A description of each option can be found.

Microsoft stopped providing free support for the Windows XP operating system (OS) on April 14, 2009. Windows users XP will not be able to contact Microsoft for free technical support in case of incidents, for design changes and in other situations. Now they will have to use “extended support” services for this - this means that all calls will become paid. Extended support will continue until April 8, 2014.

In addition, free Windows support Server 2003.

System requirements for Windows XP (some requirements depend on the OS modification and installed updates):

• supports 2 processors;
• minimum processor frequency is 233 MHz, but recommended Intel processor Pentium/Celeron, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron or compatible, frequency 300 MHz or more;
• The minimum allowed amount of RAM is 64 MB (with RAM equal to 64 MB, performance and functionality may be reduced), 128 MB of RAM is recommended (for the Professional version - 256) or more;
• from 1.5 to 2 GB of free hard disk space, depending on the modification, update package and installation method (from disk or over the network);

Windows Server 2003(internal version - Windows NT 5.2) - an operating system of the Windows NT family from Microsoft, designed to work on servers. It was released on April 24, 2003.

Windows Server 2003 is a development of Windows 2000 Server and a server version of the Windows XP operating system. Microsoft originally planned to call this product "Windows .NET Server" to promote its new platform Microsoft .NET. However, this name was later dropped to avoid causing misconceptions about .NET in the software market.

Windows Server 2003 primarily builds on the functionality found in previous version The system is Windows 2000 Server, but there are some noticeable changes:

• .NET support. Windows Server 2003 is the first Microsoft operating system to come with the .NET Framework pre-installed, allowing the system to act as an application server for the Microsoft .NET platform without installing any additional software;
• it became possible to rename an Active Directory domain after its deployment;
• The ability to change the Active Directory schema has been simplified - for example, disabling attributes and classes.
• The user interface for managing the catalog has changed for the better (it has become possible, for example, to move objects by dragging them and simultaneously change the properties of several objects);
• Group Policy management tools have been improved, including Group program Policy Management Console;
• Windows Server 2003 included version 6.0 of Internet Information Services (IIS), which has a significantly different architecture from the architecture of IIS 5.0 available in Windows 2000. In particular, to improve stability, it became possible to isolate applications from each other in separate processes without reducing performance . A new HTTP.sys driver has also been created to handle requests via HTTP protocol, which runs in kernel mode and, as a result, requests processing is accelerated;
• Windows Server 2003 placed a lot of emphasis on system security. For example, the system is now installed in the most limited form, without any additional services, which reduces the attack surface. Windows Server 2003 also includes software firewall Internet Connection Firewall. Subsequently, a service pack was released for the system, which is entirely focused on improving the security of the system and includes several additional functions to protect against attacks;

in Windows Server 2003, for the first time, the Volume Shadow Copy Service appeared, which automatically saves old versions of user files, allowing you to return to a previous version of a document if necessary. Working with shadow copies is only possible if a “shadow copy client” is installed on the user’s PC whose documents need to be restored;

The set of administration utilities called from the command line has been expanded, which simplifies the automation of system management.

Windows Server 2003 was released in four main editions: Web Edition, Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, Datacenter Edition. Each of these publications was aimed at a specific market sector.

Also released in June 2006 was Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (CCS), which was designed for high-end applications that require cluster computing.

System requirements for Windows Server 2003 (some requirements depend on the OS version):

• support from 2 to 8 processors, with the Datacenter Edition requiring a minimum of 8 processors (32 maximum).
• from 1.5 to 2 GB of free hard disk space, depending on the edition;
• for Web Edition and Standard Edition the following is required: minimum processor frequency - 133 MHz, but recommended - 550 MHz; RAM - 128 MB, but 256 MB is recommended;
• Enterprise Edition requires: minimum processor frequency - 133 MHz, but recommended - 733 MHz; RAM - 128 MB, but 256 MB is recommended;
• Enterprise Edition requires: minimum processor frequency - 400 MHz, but recommended - 733 MHz; RAM - 512 MB, but 1024 MB is recommended;
• others, common to all versions Windows devices: monitor, VGA video adapter, mouse, keyboard, CD reader or DVDs, 3.5-inch drive for floppy disks, network card(for network installation).

More detailed information can be found .

Windows Vista- operating system of the Microsoft Windows NT family, a line of operating systems used on user personal computers. In the Windows NT product line, Windows Vista is version 6.0. The abbreviation "WinVI" is sometimes used to refer to "Windows Vista", which combines the name "Vista" and the version number written in Roman numerals.

Windows Vista, like Windows XP, is a client-only system. Microsoft also released a server version of Windows Vista - Windows Server 2008.

The Windows operating system has neither less nor more, but thirty years of experience, during which it has gone through a difficult path of development from the very first Windows 1.0, created by Bill Gates back in 1985, and to the latest at the moment tenth version.

And even though the first version of Windows was not an independent operating system, it paved the way for future graphic systems from Microsoft.

Windows 95

The year 1995 was marked by the release of a new multitasking graphics system Windows, which already presented its Russian version in November of the same year.

This operating system had a huge set of innovations that made it the most recognizable among similar products.

Windows 95 acquired a full-fledged graphical interface and became a truly independent system.

She was able to surprise everyone with the menu that appeared « Start», system tray, as well as the basis of all basics - the desktop.

The average user was attracted to this operating system by its extremely simple and very convenient interface.

When you press the button « Start» a small window opened with all the necessary tools, among which were « Search», « Reference», « Execute», « Stop» And « Shutdown ».

In addition, there was an item « Settings», which allowed you to customize not only the control panel and taskbar, but also printers installed by users.

Also, such an important item was added to this window as « Programs». It displayed all the programs that participated in startup, as well as standard ones, containing a decent set of necessary elements.

Some of them became a kind of calling card of Microsoft Corporation and were passed on to all subsequent versions of Windows with enviable stability.

It’s even impossible to imagine any version of this operating system without games « Sapper», « Hearts», as well as solitaire « Kerchief».

Nowadays, we also sometimes don’t mind relaxing after a hard day at work and playing cards on our home computer.

In total Windows 2000 received 4 service packs and two collections of patches.

All of them were aimed not only at correcting security flaws in the operating system, but also at solving other serious problems.

Windows XP

The next stage in the development of network operating systems was Windows XP, which during development bore the internal name Whistler.

This Microsoft product was released in October 2001 and was strictly a client system.

Windows XP was rightfully one of the most best systems in the world, as it had not only a simple and most convenient interface, but also an improved color scheme.

Almost all visual elements of this operating system had a colorful and voluminous appearance, and low system requirements any hardware making it the most popular and used operating system.

Over the years, quite a large number of versions have been released Windows XP, however, two of them were available to the Russian-speaking user - Windows XP Professional Edition And Windows XP Home Edition.

The first was intended, to a greater extent, for enterprises and all kinds of entrepreneurs and had a rich set of functions in its arsenal.

Among them it is worth noting the presence remote access to the desktop, support for multiprocessor configurations, and the ability to encrypt files.

Home Edition was released on the same kernel as Professional Edition, however, it was a stripped-down version of it.

As a result, this operating system was relatively inexpensive and was used on home PCs.

Preview of the Windows Vista operating system

Another product of the NT family was Windows Vista, which was launched in January 2007.

This system was aimed primarily at working on personal home computers and workstations.

Compared to XP Vista began to have a new interface design and updated input and output controls.

In addition, Vista has introduced a new sleep mode feature based on “hibernation files.”

This function made it possible to restore the computer not only using RAM data, but also a copy of it, which was saved on the computer’s hard drive.

The operating system added a transparent sidebar that the user could fill with the mini-applications they liked.

To avoid infecting the operating system with viruses from external media (USB devices), Windows Vista By default, their autorun function was disabled.

A rather interesting and useful option was the function parental controls, with which it was possible to restrict children’s access not only to certain sites, but also to the use of certain programs.

Released the first version of Windows, which replaced MS-DOS. This was an important milestone that set the stage for modern versions of Windows. Let's remember what versions of the Windows operating system looked like throughout the history of its existence.

Even though Windows 10 is nothing like Windows 1.0, it still has many of the original elements, such as scroll bars, drop-down menus, icons, dialog boxes, applications like Notepad, MS paint.

Windows 1.0 laid the foundation for the introduction of the mouse. On MS-DOS it was possible to issue commands only from the keyboard; with Windows 1.0, you could use the mouse to move windows by pointing the cursor at them and clicking History of Apple MacBook Pro on them. Along with the original, the mouse completely changed the way consumers interact with computers. At the time, many complained that Windows 1.0 placed too much emphasis on using the mouse to execute commands over the keyboard. Microsoft's first version of Windows may not have been so well received, but it started a fight between Microsoft, who wanted to provide computers to the masses.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates holds a copy of Windows in his hands. Photo: Carol Halebian.

Back in 1985 year Windows 1.0. provided two floppy disks, 256 kilobytes of memory and a graphics adapter. If you were going to run several programs, then you needed a PC with a hard drive and 512 KB of memory. With 256 KB of memory, it would be impossible to run anything on modern machines, but those basic characteristics were only the beginning. Even though Apple was ahead of the curve in producing mouse-controlled graphical user interfaces at the time, it still emphasized the combination of hardware and software. Microsoft had already created a cheap operating system for IBM computers, and also positioned itself as a company specializing only in software.

Windows 1.0 took an important step by focusing on applications and core software. IBM stuck to the basics of PC architecture for several years, and Microsoft made it easier for competitors and software developers to create applications. The company ensured that Windows was relatively open and flexible to configuration changes and amendments. Manufacturers personal computers flocked to Windows, and the operating system gained support from other important software companies. The approach of delivering software to hardware partners who sold their own machines created a vast platform for Microsoft - a platform that allows every new version Windows, as demonstrated by a classic video on Youtube.

Windows has been the leader in personal computing for 30 years, and none of the Mac's campaigns have come close to changing that. Microsoft has continued to make changes to Windows and attract new users through devices, business, and today, through the transition to the cloud. Only now with the popularity of smartphones and Windows tablets I was faced with solving my most difficult problem. Perhaps Microsoft can survive the mobile boom only if it returns to its roots, remembering that it is first and foremost a software company. In 2045, we're unlikely to celebrate Windows' 30th anniversary the same way we do today, so let's take a look back at how the operating system has changed since its humble beginnings.

How it all started: Windows 1.0 introduced a GUI (graphical interface), mouse and useful applications:

Windows 2.0 continued 16-bit computerization with VGA graphics and the first versions of Word and Excel.

Windows 3.0 included an improved user interface with new program and a file management program. In addition, with update 3.1, the Minesweeper game appeared:

Windows NT 3.5 was the second release of NT and truly marked Microsoft's entry into the computer business with strong security and file sharing features:

Windows 95 was one of the most significant Windows updates. Microsoft switched to 32-bit architecture and introduced the start menu. A new era of applications has arrived, in Windows update 95 Internet Explorer appeared:

Windows 98 owes its success to Windows 95. It only improved hardware support and performance. Microsoft was web-focused at launch, bringing together applications and features like Active Desktop, Outlook Express, Frontpage Express, Microsoft Chat and NetMeeting.

Windows ME focused on multimedia and home users, but was unstable and contained many bugs. For the first time Microsoft program Movie Maker appeared precisely in ME, along with improved Windows versions Media Player and Internet Explorer.

Windows 2000 was developed for client and server computers, as well as businesses. It was developed based on Windows NT in order to create a new reliable protection files, DLL cache, as well as for hardware with a plug and play standard:

Windows XP perfectly combined Microsoft's attempts to make the system convenient for both home and business use. Based on Windows NT, it was developed for client and service computers. It was developed based on Windows NT to create a reliable file protection system, DLL cache and ready-to-use hardware:

Windows Vista underrated as ME. Although Vista offered a new Aero interface and improved security features, Microsoft spent six years creation of Windows Vista, which only worked well on new hardware. User Account Control was criticized to smithereens, Windows Vista remained an unsuccessful opus in the line of Windows releases.

Windows 7 appeared in 2009 to fill the gaps of Vista. Microsoft has done a good job on system performance, making changes, improving the user interface and making controls accounts more convenient. Windows 7 is one of the most popular versions of Windows.

Windows 8 was a major overhaul of the familiar Windows interface. Microsoft has removed the Start menu and replaced it with a full-screen Start window. New metro style apps have been developed to replace outdated desktop apps. In addition, Microsoft has focused on touchscreens and tablets. For most users, the measure was too drastic, and Microsoft had to reconsider the future of Windows.

Returning to the origins: in Windows 10 we returned the familiar start menu, introduced new features like Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and streaming from Xbox One to PC. The system was developed for hybrid laptops and tablets. Now Microsoft has switched to Windows as a service model in order to update it regularly in the future.