Technology Tip Number 127 A Short History of Windows

An operating system is the collection of software that controls how the computer works. If you have a PC or IBM format computer chances are pretty good that you are running a Windows Operating System from a company called Microsoft. Windows Operating Systems have been around since th's and you should be familiar with some of the names and chronology of their development.

Below is a diagram showing the basic development of the Windows operating system from 1990 to 2013.

Windows Operating Systems

1990
Windows 3.x

1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Windows 95

1996
1997
1998
Windows 98

1999
2000
Windows Me
2001
Windows XP

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Windows Vista

2008
2009
Windows 7

2010
2011
2012
Windows 8

2013
The most recent Windows operating system has the unique feature of being designed to run on desktop computers, laptops, tablets (Microsoft Surface) and even smart phones. This concept could have many advantages in a technology world where the proliferation of different devices and operating systems can seem overwhelming. Unfortunately, this has required a fundamental shift in the user experience which resulted in a difficult backlash from many consumers.

The result has been, "the biggest product U-turn since New Coke" and the release in late 2013 of Windows 8.1. You can watch a summary of the newest operating system from CNET News featuring Steve Ballmer.