In the beginning of 1983, Microsoft started developing Windows, an application system to extend the capability of its own MS-DOS system. This article highlights some of the most important developments in the history of Microsoft Windows: Windows 1.0, Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1 and NT, Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.

Windows 1.0

The first Windows 1.0 was introduced in the market on November 18, 1985. This system provides a GUI (graphical user interface), I/O operations, and a memory rationalization. The file management system is the major contribution of MS-DOS to this product.

Windows 3.0

Windows 3.0 was launched in 1990, providing total support of the Intel 386 processor and advanced graphics with 16 colors. It also offers many useful features such as Print Manager, Program Manager, and File Manager; an enhanced set of Windows icons; and a totally rewritten application development environment. Its popularity increased when "SDK" was released.

Windows 3.1 and NT

Windows 3.1 was released in 1992. It includes some minor improvements to Windows 3.0, but consists mainly of multimedia support and bug fixes. It only runs on an 80286 or better processor and excludes Real mode supports. At the same time, Windows NT was being developed as Microsoft wanted to succeed in the networking market. Windows NT 3.1 arrived to developers at the San Francisco Professional Developers Conference in July 1992 and was released in 1993. Windows NT 3.1 is the first Windows operating system independent of DOS.

Windows 95

Windows 95 sold more than a million copies within four days after its release in August 1995. It is considered by many as one the most important pieces of software in computer history. The Inter basics (icons, revisable windows, mouse pointer, and desktop) have borrowed some elements from the Apple Macintosh OS.

Windows 98

Microsoft released Windows 98 on June 25, 1998. It is more reliable and stable than Windows 95. It comes with new hardware drivers and has better support for the FAT32 file system, supporting disk partitions that are more than the 2 GB accepted by Windows 95. It was marketed for home computer users and small businesses.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 is more stable and secure than its predecessors. Released in February 2000, it was developed to accommodate heavy duty intranet and Internet office use. Windows 2000 is a multitasking operating system that can run numerous tasks efficiently. Its reliability means that it can resist attacks and defects and can handle error conditions.

Windows Millennium Edition

Microsoft introduced Windows Millennium Edition (ME) in September 2000. An upgrade of Windows 98, it comes with Internet features and enhanced multimedia. It also featured the first version of System Restore and Windows Movie Maker. Windows Me was developed as a one-year project, serving as a filler release between Windows 98 and Windows XP.

Windows XP

Released on October 25, 2001, Windows XP is an update of Windows 2000 and is also a replacement of Windows 95 and Windows 98. "XP" means "experience", a symbol of the innovative experiences (photos, movies, music, messaging, etc.) that Windows offers to PC users. Portability, ease-of-use, security, reliability, international support, and high performance are the major goals of Windows XP.

Windows Server 2003

Windows Server 2003 was launched on n April 24, 2003. A Windows 2000 update, it is available in six editions: Standard Edition, Web Edition, Datacenter Edition, Enterprise Edition, Storage Server, and Small Business Server.

Windows Vista

Released on November 30, 2006, Windows Vista features new applications (like Windows DVD Maker, Windows Calendar, and new games), the Windows Aero GUI, new graphics features, a new Windows Media Player version, a more secure version of Internet Explorer, and many underlying architectural changes. Consumer versions of Windows Vista were released on January 30, 2007. Windows Vista is available in several editions: Starter, Business, Enterprise, Home Basic, Home Premium, and Ultimate

Windows Server 2008

Microsoft released Windows Server 2008 on February 27, 2008. It builds on the security and technological advances introduced with Windows Vista. Windows Server 2008 is more modular compared to Windows Server 2003, its predecessor.