Microsoft Windows Operating Systems Timeline Name Date Description It is based on text commands - users needed Aug.

25, to enter manual commands at the C: prompt Ms- Dos 1981 to run applications and open folders. Personal Computer (PC). Had a graphical user interface that allowed Nov. 20, people to run programs with a simple mouse Windows 1985 click on an icon rather than relying on the MSDOS method of typing text commands It is a 16-bit operating system. Designed to run on the Intel 286 processor- allowed a desktop Windows Dec. 9, computer to have an expanded memory, so 2.0 1987 that people could run overlapping windows on the screen something not possible in the first version of Windows. It is a 16-bit operating system designed for the Windows May 22, Intel 386 processor. New features including 3.0 1990 the program manager and the file manager. It is a 32-bit operating system that ran on more Windows NT Jul. 27, powerful computers with larger memories. It 3.1 1993 was aimed primarily at business customers rather than consumers. Windows for Workgroups Windows 95 Windows NT 4.0 Windows CE Aug. 11, 1993 Aug. 24, 1995 Feb. 21, 1996 Nov. 11, 1996 It is an upgrade to windows 3.1 peer to peer file sharing. Made it easier for consumers to install new hardware and software. Had an increased ease of use and simplified management, higher network throughput, and tools for developing and managing intranets. First in a series of compact and portable OS for devices. Has been used in handheld PCs, to wireless communications devices such as digital information pagers and smartphones. Users find information more easily on their PCs, as well as the Internet. Other ease-of-use improvements included the ability to open and close applications more quickly, support for reading DVD discs and USB devices. Offered a variety of new and enhanced hardware compatibility and Internet-related features.

Windows 98

Jun. 25, 1998

Windows Second Edition

May 5, 1999

Windows Professional Windows ME Windows XP Windows Server w/ 6 Editions Windows Vista Window Home Server Windows Server 2008

Feb. 17, 2000 Sept. 14, 2000 Oct. 25, 2001 Apr. 25, 2003 Jan. 30, 2006 Nov. 7, 2007

An upgrade to Windows NT Workstation 4.0.Also designed to replace Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Offered numerous music, video, and home networking enhancements and reliability improvements. Enhanced user experience. Professional Home 64 Bit Media Centre Web Edition (32-bit) Standard Edition (32 and 64-bit) Enterprise Edition (32 and 64-bit) Datacenter Edition (32 and 64-bit) Small Business Server (32-bit) Enhanced security by introducing a new restricted user mode called User Account Control. Can be configured and monitored using a console program that can be installed on a client PC. Features: Media Sharing, local and remote drive backup and file duplication Builds on the technological and security advances first introduced with Windows Vista, and is significantly more modular than its predecessor, Windows Server 2003. Advances in touch and handwriting recognition. Support for virtual hard disks, improved performance on multicore processors, improved boot performance, Direct Access, and kernel improvements Has a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (hibernates the Windows on shutdown). new lock screen with clock and notifications, ability to create live USB versions of Windows (Windows To Go). Adds native support for USB 3.0 devices. A user can now log in to Windows with a Microsoft account, Windows Live ID -used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices.

Feb. 27, 2008

Windows 7

Jul. 22, 2009

Windows 8

Oct. 26, 2012