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Windows 1.0
The first version of windows built on top of MS-DOS, relying on command-line input. Desktop Icons and Keyboard shortcuts first appeared. The most important aspect of Windows 1.0 was the incorporation of the mouse before it was a common item in households. http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/history_of_microsoft_windows_operating_system.html https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 2.0
2.0 introduced windows overlay, where windows could sit on top of each other, and to be able to minimize and maximize. The control panel, which allowed to control system settings of the computer. Finally, 2.0 introduced Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0 was released, introduced the ability to use MS-DOS for multitasking purposes on the computer. Introduced 256 colors to the OS creating a more dynamic and colorful effect to the system’s interface. Finally, the first appearance of Solitaire, to be used for users to train with the mouse. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 3.1
3.1 introduced TrueType fonts which allowed Windows to be a proper publishing program. Additionally, Minesweeper was also released with 3.1. MS-DOS programs could now be used with the mouse. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 95
Windows 95 introduced the basic concept of the Start Menu that we recognize on our Window’s computers today. The Start Button and the Taskbar were introduced with the menu in this generation as well. As oppose to previous versions, Windows 95 now ran on 32-bit instead of 16-bit. MS-DOS was still used to run certain programs in 95. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 98
With the release of 98, which was built on 95, introduced FAT32, ACPI, DVD, and others, but most importantly it introduced USB to computers. USB improved functionality and had widespread use, allowing devices to be plugged in with the computer. http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/history_of_microsoft_windows_operating_system.html https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/02/from-windows-1-to-windows-10-29-years-of-windows-evolution -
Windows 10
The newest version of Windows. Introduces the new browser, Microsoft Edge, replacing Internet Explorer as an improved version. Next is Cortana, Microsoft’s personalized assistant. The overhauled Start Menu from Windows 8, with Live Tiles and being able to quickly scroll through apps and programs. Windows 10 comes with a slew of many other innovations which, making Microsoft Windows far better. http://techtalk.currys.co.uk/computing/windows-10/top-5-innovations-in-windows-10/
