history of the microsoft

8/12/2019 History of the Microsoft

1/23

History of the MS-DOS to Windows 8 Operating Systems

On August 12, 1981,IBMintroduced its new revolution in a box, the "Personal Computer"complete with a brandnew operating system from Microsoft, a 16-bit computer operating system called MS-DOS 1.0.

What is an Operating System

The operating system or OS is the foundation software of a computer, that which schedules tasks, allocatesstorage, and presents a default interface to the user between applications. The facilities an operating systemprovides and its general design exerts an extremely strong influence on the applications created for the computer.IBM & Microsoft History

In 1980, IBM first approachedBill GatesofMicrosoft,to discuss the state of home computers and what Microsoft

products could do for IBM. Gates gave IBM a few ideas on what would make a great home computer, among themto haveBasicwritten into the ROM chip. Microsoft had already produced several versions of Basic for differentcomputer system beginning with theAltair,so Gates was more than happy to write a version for IBM.

Gary Kildall

As for an operating system (OS) for an IBM computer, since Microsoft had never written an operating system

before, Gates had suggested that IBM investigate an OS called CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers),written by Gary Kildall of Digital Research. Kindall had his Ph.D. in computers and had written the most successful

operating system of the time, selling over 600,000 copies of CP/M, his operating system set the standard at thattime.The Secret Birth of MS-DOS

IBM tried to contact Gary Kildall for a meeting, executives met with Mrs Kildall who refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement. IBM soon returned to Bill Gates and gave Microsoft the contract to write a new operating

system, one that would eventually wipe Gary Kildall's CP/M out of common use.

The "Microsoft Disk Operating System" or MS-DOS was based on Microsoft's purchase of QDOS, the "Quick andDirty Operating System" written by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products, for their prototype Intel 8086based computer.

However, ironically QDOS was based (or copied from as some historians feel) on Gary Kildall's CP/M. Tim Patersonhad bought a CP/M manual and used it as the basis to write his operating system in six weeks. QDOS wasdifferent enough from CP/M to be considered legally a different product. IBM had deep enough pockets in any caseto probably have won an infringement case, if they had needed to protect their product. Microsoft bought therights to QDOS for $50,000, keeping the IBM & Microsoft deal a secret from Tim Paterson and his company,

Seattle Computer Products.

Deal of the Century

Bill Gates then talked IBM into letting Microsoft retain the rights, to market MS-DOS separate from theIBMPCproject, Gates and Microsoft proceeded to make a fortune from the licensing of MS-DOS. In 1981, Tim Patersonquit Seattle Computer Products and found employment at Microsoft."Life begins with a disk drive." - Tim Paterson
http://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Bill_Gates.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Bill_Gates.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Bill_Gates.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/CorporateProfiles/p/Microsoft-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/CorporateProfiles/p/Microsoft-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/CorporateProfiles/p/Microsoft-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbasic.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbasic.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbasic.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120198.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120198.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120198.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa120198.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blbasic.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/CorporateProfiles/p/Microsoft-History.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Bill_Gates.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-Pc.htmhttp://inventors.about.com/od/computersandinternet/a/Ibm-History.htm


2/23

A history of Windows19751981

19821985

19871990

19901994

19951998

19982000

20012005

20062008

20092011

20122013

2013
http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/http://void%280%29/


3/23

A History of Windows19751981: Microsoft boots up

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

Its the1970s. At work, we rely on typewriters. If we need to copy a document, we likely use a mimeograph or carbon

paper. Few have heard of microcomputers, but two young computer enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, see that

personal computing is a path to the future.

In 1975, Gates and Allen form a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft begins small, but has a

huge visiona computer on every desktop and in every home. During the next years, Microsoft begins to change the

ways we work.

The dawn of MS-DOS

In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire Gates former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to help run the company. The next

month, IBM approaches Microsoft about a project code-named "Chess." In response, Microsoft focuses on a new

operating system - the software that manages, or runs, the computer hardware and also serves to bridge the gap

between the computer hardware and programs, such as a word processor. Its the foundation on which computer

programs can run. They name their new operating system "MS-DOS."

When the IBM PC running MS-DOS ships in 1981, it introduces a whole new language to the general public. Typing

C: and various cryptic commands gradually become part of daily work. People discover the backslash (\) key.

MS-DOS is effective, but also proves difficult to understand for many people. There has to be a better way to build an

operating system.

Geek trivia:MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System.


4/23

19821985: Introducing Windows 1.0

The Windows 1.0 desktop

Microsoft works on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manageris the code name and is considered

as the final name, but Windowsprevails because it best describes the boxes or computing windows that are

fundamental to the new system. Windows is announced in 1983, but it takes a while to develop. Skeptics call it

vaporware.

On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0. Now, rather than

typing MS-DOS commands, you just move a mouse to point and click your way through screens, or windows. Bill

Gates says, It is unique software designed for the serious PC user.

The fully-packaged Windows 1.0


5/23


6/23

Windows 2.0

On December 9, 1987 Microsoft releases Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and expanded memory. With improved

graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up

your work. Some software developers write their first Windowsbased programs for this release.

Windows 2.0 is designed for the Intel 286 processor. When the Intel 386 processor is released, Windows/386 soon

follows to take advantage of its extended memory capabilities. Subsequent Windows releases continue to improve the

speed, reliability, and usability of the PC.

In 1988, Microsoft becomes the worlds largest PC software company based on sales. Computers are starting to

become a part of daily life for some office workers.

Geek trivia:Control Panel makes its first appearance in Windows 2.0.


7/23

19901994: Windows 3.0Windows NTGetting the graphics

The Windows 3.0 desktop

Windows 3.0

On May 22, 1990, Microsoft announces Windows 3.0, followed shortly by Windows 3.1 in 1992. Taken together, they

sell 10 million copies in their first two years, making this the most widely used Windows operating system yet. The

scale of this success causes Microsoft to revise earlier plans. Virtual Memory improves visual graphics. In 1990

Windows starts to look like the versions to come.

Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colours, and improved icons. A new

wave of 386 PCs helps drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, programs run

noticeably faster. Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager arrive in Windows 3.0.


8/23

Bill Gates shows the newly-released Windows 3.0

Windows software is installed with floppy discs bought in large boxes with heavy instruction manuals.

The popularity of Windows 3.0 grows with the release of a new Windows software development kit (SDK), which helps

software developers focus more on writing programs and less on writing device drivers.

Windows is increasingly used at work and home and now includes games like Solitaire, Hearts, and Minesweeper. An

advertisement: Now you can use the incredible power of Windows3.0 to goof off.

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support and, for the first time,

PCs become an integral part of the emerging client/server computing evolution.

Windows NT

When Windows NT releases on July 27, 1993, Microsoft meets an important milestone: the completion of a project

begun in the late 1980s to build an advanced new operating system from scratch. "Windows NT represents nothing

less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements," Bill

Gates says at its release.

Unlike Windows 3.1, however, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit operating system, which makes it a strategic business

platform that supports high-end engineering and scientific programs.

Geek trivia:The group that develops Windows NT was originally called the "Portable Systems" team.


9/23

19951998: Windows 95the PC comes of age (and don't forget the Internet)

The Windows 95 desktop

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft releases Windows 95, selling a record-setting 7 million copies in the first five weeks. Its

the most publicized launch Microsoft has ever taken on. Television commercials feature the Rolling Stones singing

"Start Me Up" over images of the new Start button. The press release simply begins: Its here.

This is the era of fax/modems, email, the new online world, and dazzling multimedia games and educational software.

Windows 95 has built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that make it easy toinstall hardware and software. The 32-bit operating system also offers enhanced multimedia capabilities, more

powerful features for mobile computing, and integrated networking.

Launch day: Bill Gates introduces Windows 95

At the time of the Windows 95 release, the previous Windows and MSDOS operating systems are running on about

80 percent of the worlds PCs. Windows95 is the upgrade to these operating systems. To run Windows 95, you need a

PC with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended) and at least 4 MB of RAM (8 MB of RAM recommended).

Upgrade versions are available for both floppy disk and CD-ROM formats. Its available in 12 languages.


10/23

Windows 95 features the first appearance of the Start menu, taskbar, and minimize, maximize, and close buttons on

each window.

Windows 95

Catching the Internet wave

In the early 1990s, tech insiders are talking about the Interneta network of networks that has the power to connect

computers all over the world. In 1995, Bill Gates delivers a memo titled The Internet Tidal Wave, and declares theInternet as the most important development since the advent of the PC.

In the summer of 1995, the first version ofInternet Exploreris released. The browser joins those already vying for

space on the World Wide Web.

Geek trivia:In 1996, Microsoft releases Flight Simulator for Windows 95the first time in its 14-year history that its

available for Windows.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/historyhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/historyhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/historyhttp://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/products/history


11/23

19982000: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me - Windows evolves for

work and play



12/23

Windows 98

Windows 98

Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. PCs are

common at work and home, and Internet cafes where you can get online are popping up. Windows 98 is described as

an operating system that Works Better, Plays Better.

With Windows 98, you can find information more easily on your PC as well as the Internet. Other improvements

include the ability to open and close programs more quickly, and support for reading DVD discs and universal serial

bus (USB) devices. Another first appearance is the Quick Launch bar, which lets you run programs without having to

browse the Start menu or look for them on the desktop.

Geek trivia:Windows 98 is the last version based on MS-DOS.


13/23

The Windows Me media experience

Windows Me

Designed for home computer use, Windows Me offers numerous music, video, and home networking enhancements

and reliability improvements compared to previous versions.

First appearances: System Restore, a feature that can roll back your PC software configuration to a date or time before

a problem occurred. Movie Maker provides users with the tools to digitally edit, save, and share home videos. And

with Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 technologies, you can find, organize, and play digital media.

Geek trivia:Technically speaking, Windows Me was the last Microsoft operating system to be based on the

Windows 95 code base. Microsoft announced that all future operating system products would be based on the

Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernel.


14/23

Windows 2000 Professional

Windows 2000 Professional

More than just the upgrade to Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional is designed to replace

Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Built on top of the

proven Windows NT Workstation 4.0 code base, Windows 2000 adds major improvements in reliability, ease of use,

Internet compatibility, and support for mobile computing.

Among other improvements, Windows 2000 Professional simplifies hardware installation by adding support for a wide

variety of new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394

devices, and infrared devices.

Geek trivia:The nightly stress test performed on Windows 2000 during development is the equivalent of three

months of run time on up to 1,500 computers.


15/23

20012005: Windows XPStable, usable, and fast

The Windows XP Home Edition desktop

On October 25, 2001, Windows XP is released with a redesigned look and feel that's centered on usability and a

unified Help and Support services center. Its available in 25 languages. From the mid-1970s until the release of

Windows XP, about 1 billion PCs have been shipped worldwide.

For Microsoft, Windows XP will become one of its best-selling products in the coming years. Its both fast and stable.

Navigating the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel are more intuitive. Awareness of computer viruses and hackersincreases, but fears are to a certain extent calmed by the online delivery of security updates. Consumers begin to

understand warnings about suspicious attachments and viruses. Theres more emphasis on Help and Support.


16/23

Windows XP Professional box

Windows XP Home Edition offers a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently used features more accessible.

Designed for home use, Windows XP offers such enhancements as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player,

Windows Movie Maker, and enhanced digital photo capabilities.

Windows XP Professional brings the solid foundation of Windows 2000 to the PC desktop, enhancing reliability,security, and performance. With a fresh visual design, Windows XP Professional includes features for business and

advanced home computing, including remote desktop support, an encrypting file system, and system restore and

advanced networking features. Key enhancements for mobile users include wireless 802.1x networking support,

Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance.

Windows XP has several editions during these years:

Windows XP 64-bit Edition (2001) is the first Microsoft operating system for 64-bit processors designed for

working with large amounts of memory and projects such as movie special effects, 3D animations, engineering,

and scientific programs.

Windows XP Media Center Edition (2002) is made for home computing and entertainment. You can browse

the Internet, watch live television, enjoy digital music and video collections, and watch DVDs.


17/23

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (2002) realizes the vision of pen-based computing. Tablet PCs include a digital

pen for handwriting recognition and you can use the mouse or keyboard, too.

Geek trivia:Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code.

20062008: Windows VistaSmart on security

The Windows Vista desktop

Windows Vista is released in 2006 with the strongest security system yet. User Account Control helps prevent

potentially harmful software from making changes to your computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate, BitLocker Drive

Encryption provides better data protection for your computer, as laptop sales and security needs increase.

Windows Vista also features enhancements to Windows Media Player as more and more people come to see their PCs

as central locations for digital media. Here you can watch television, view and send photographs, and edit videos.


18/23

Windows Vista Ultimate

Design plays a big role in Windows Vista, and features such as the taskbar and the borders around windows get a

brand new look. Search gets new emphasis and helps people find files on their PCs faster. Windows Vista introduces

new editions that each have a different mix of features. It's available in 35 languages. The redesigned Start button

makes its first appearance in Windows Vista.

Geek trivia:More than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista at launch.


19/23

2009: Windows 7 introduces Windows Touch


Windows 7 is released for the wireless world of the late 2000s. Laptops are outselling desktops, and it's become

common to connect to public wireless hotspots in coffee shops and private networks in the home.

Windows 7 includes new ways to work with windowslike Snap, Peek, and Shakethat improves functionality and

makes the interface more fun to use. It also marks the debut of Windows Touch, which lets touchscreen users browse

the web, flip through photos, and open files and folders.


20/23

Windows 7

Geek trivia:Windows 7 is evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide before it's released.


21/23

2012: Windows 8 features apps and tiles

A PC running Windows 8


22/23

Windows 8 Pro

Windows 8 is a reimagined operating system, from the chipset to the user experience, and introduces a totally new

interface that works smoothly for both touch and mouse and keyboard. It functions as both a tablet for entertainment

and a full-featured PC for getting things done. Windows 8 also includes enhancements of the familiar Windows

desktop, with a new taskbar and streamlined file management.

Windows 8 features a Start screen with tiles that connect to people, files, apps, and websites. Apps are front and

center, with access to a new place to get appsthe Windows Storebuilt right in to the Start screen.

Along with Windows 8, Microsoft also launches Windows RT, which runs on some tablets and PCs. Windows RT is

designed for sleek devices and long battery life, and exclusively runs apps from the Windows Store. It also comes with

a built-in version of Office that's optimized for touchscreens.

Geek trivia:Power users notices that Windows 8 makes the detection and correction of file system errors both more

transparent and less intrusive.

2013: Windows 8.1 expands the Windows 8 vision

A tablet running Windows 8.1


23/23

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 advances the Windows 8 vision of providing a powerful collection of apps and cloud connectivity on

great devices; its everything people loved aboutWindows 8, plus some enhancements.

Windows 8.1 combines Microsoft's vision of innovation with customer feedback on Windows 8 to provide many

improvements and new features: more Start screen personalization options that sync across all devices, the option to

boot directly to the desktop, Bing Smart Search so you can find what you're looking for across the PC or the web, a

Start button to navigate between the desktop and Start Screen, and more flexible options for viewing multipleapplications at once on one or all screens. There are also several new built-in apps such as Bing Food & Drink, Bing

Health & Fitness, and great utility apps like Reading List, Calculator, and Alarms. Many of the great apps shipped in

Windows 8 are back and even better, making your experience more enjoyable right from the start.

In addition to these user experience changes, Windows 8.1includes new and improved features like Workplace Join

and Work Folders that enable Windows devices to connect more easily to corporate resources.

Geek trivia:Power users with multi-monitors can now have up to four apps from the Windows Store per screen

appear on each monitor connected to the PC.

history of the microsoft

Documents