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Timeline of Windows and Linux Versions

By Ching M
  • Windows 1.0

    Windows 1.0
    The first version of Microsoft Windows provided a graphical user interface (GUI) and introduced concepts like overlapping windows, icons, and menus.
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    Windows 1.0

    The first version of Microsoft Windows provided a graphical user interface (GUI) and introduced concepts like overlapping windows, icons, and menus.
  • Windows 3.0

    Windows 3.0
    This release brought significant improvements over its predecessors, including better performance, enhanced memory management, and support for more applications.
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    Windows 3.0

    This release brought significant improvements over its predecessors, including better performance, enhanced memory management, and support for more applications.
  • Linux 0.01

    The first version of Linux created by Linus Torvalds. This version was the initial release of the Linux kernel. It was a minimalistic kernel with basic features, primarily intended for personal use.
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    1991: Linux 0.01

    The first version of Linux created by Linus Torvalds.
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    Linux 0.01

    The first version of Linux created by Linus Torvalds. This was the initial release of the Linux kernel. It was a minimalistic kernel with basic features, primarily intended for personal use.
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    Linux 0.01

    The first version of Linux created by Linus Torvalds. This version was the initial release of the Linux kernel. It was a minimalistic kernel with basic features, primarily intended for personal use.
  • Slackware 1.0

    Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions. The first version provided a complete Linux system with the kernel, libraries, and basic utilities, along with the X Window System.
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    Slackware 1.0

    Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions. The first version provided a complete Linux system with the kernel, libraries, and basic utilities, along with the X Window System.
  • Windows 95

    Windows 95
    Windows 95 was a major release that introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and the integration of MS-DOS and Windows. It also introduced long filenames and Plug and Play capabilities.
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    Windows 95

    Windows 95 was a major release that introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and the integration of MS-DOS and Windows. It also introduced long filenames and Plug and Play capabilities.
  • Red Hat Linux 4.0

    Red Hat Linux 4.0
    Red Hat Linux became a popular distribution, known for its user-friendly features. Version 4.0 introduced the RPM package manager, which simplified software installation and management.
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    Red Hat Linux 4.0

    Red Hat Linux became a popular distribution, known for its user-friendly features. Version 4.0 introduced the RPM package manager, which simplified software installation and management.
  • Debian 2.0 (Hamm)

    Debian 2.0 (Hamm)
    Debian is a community-driven distribution known for its stability. Version 2.0 included improvements in package management, added support for more architectures, and offered a large software repository.
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    Debian 2.0 (Hamm)

    Debian is a community-driven distribution known for its stability. Version 2.0 included improvements in package management, added support for more architectures, and offered a large software repository.
  • Windows 2000

    Windows 2000
    Positioned as a professional operating system, Windows 2000 offered improved stability, advanced networking features, and Active Directory services for businesses.
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    Windows 2000

    Positioned as a professional operating system, Windows 2000 offered improved stability, advanced networking features, and Active Directory services for businesses.
  • Windows XP

    Windows XP
    Windows XP became one of the most widely used Windows versions. It featured a more visually appealing interface, improved performance, and introduced features like System Restore.
  • Linux 2.4

    Linux 2.4
    This version of the Linux kernel introduced several significant features and improvements, including better scalability, improved performance on larger systems, support for USB devices, and improved file system support.
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    Linux 2.4

    This version of the Linux kernel introduced several significant features and improvements, including better scalability, improved performance on larger systems, support for USB devices, and improved file system support.
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    Windows XP

    Windows XP became one of the most widely used Windows versions. It featured a more visually appealing interface, improved performance, and introduced features like System Restore.
  • Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog)

    Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog)
    Ubuntu emerged as a popular desktop-focused Linux distribution. The first official release, 4.10, emphasized ease of use and included the GNOME desktop environment and various pre-installed applications.
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    Ubuntu 4.10 (Warty Warthog)

    Ubuntu emerged as a popular desktop-focused Linux distribution. The first official release, 4.10, emphasized ease of use and included the GNOME desktop environment and various pre-installed applications.
  • Fedora 7

    Fedora 7
    Fedora is a community-driven distribution sponsored by Red Hat. Version 7 introduced the concept of Fedora spins, allowing users to choose different desktop environments during installation.
  • Windows Vista

    Windows Vista
    Windows Vista introduced a redesigned interface with the Aero visual style. It focused on security enhancements, including User Account Control, but faced criticism for its resource requirements.
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    Fedora 7

    Fedora is a community-driven distribution sponsored by Red Hat. Version 7 introduced the concept of Fedora spins, allowing users to choose different desktop environments during installation.
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    Windows Vista

    Windows Vista introduced a redesigned interface with the Aero visual style. It focused on security enhancements, including User Account Control, but faced criticism for its resource requirements.
  • Windows 7

    Windows 7
    Windows 7 was well-received as a successor to Windows Vista, offering improved performance, streamlined interface changes, and enhanced compatibility with hardware and software.
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    Windows 7

    Windows 7 was well-received as a successor to Windows Vista, offering improved performance, streamlined interface changes, and enhanced compatibility with hardware and software.
  • Linux 3.0

    Linux 3.0
    The release of Linux 3.0 marked a change in the version numbering system, as it was not a significant technical upgrade. However, it continued to bring improvements and new features to the Linux kernel.
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    Linux 3.0

    The release of Linux 3.0 marked a change in the version numbering system, as it was not a significant technical upgrade. However, it continued to bring improvements and new features to the Linux kernel.
  • Windows 8

    Windows 8
    Windows 8 aimed to provide a consistent experience across desktops, laptops, and tablets. It introduced the Metro interface, optimized for touch-enabled devices, alongside traditional desktop functionality.
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    Windows 8

    Windows 8 aimed to provide a consistent experience across desktops, laptops, and tablets. It introduced the Metro interface, optimized for touch-enabled devices, alongside traditional desktop functionality.
  • Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)

    Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)
    Linux Mint is a popular distribution based on Ubuntu, aiming for an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Version 15 included the Cinnamon desktop environment and introduced new desktop effects.
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    Linux Mint 15 (Olivia)

    Linux Mint is a popular distribution based on Ubuntu, aiming for an intuitive and user-friendly experience. Version 15 included the Cinnamon desktop environment and introduced new desktop effects.
  • Windows 10

    Windows 10
    Windows 10 is the current major version of Windows. It combines elements of Windows 7 and Windows 8, introduces the Microsoft Store, and offers regular feature updates, emphasizing security and productivity.
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    Windows 10

    Windows 10 is the current major version of Windows. It combines elements of Windows 7 and Windows 8, introduces the Microsoft Store, and offers regular feature updates, emphasizing security and productivity.
  • Linux 5.10

    Linux 5.10
    Linux 5.10 is a long-term support (LTS) version of the Linux kernel, ensuring stability and ongoing updates. It introduced improved hardware support, performance optimizations, and enhanced security features.
  • Windows 11

    Windows 11
    Windows 11 is the latest major release of the Windows operating system. It features a redesigned Start menu, centered taskbar, improved performance, and better support for gaming and touch-enabled devices.
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    Linux 5.10

    Linux 5.10 is a long-term support (LTS) version of the Linux kernel, ensuring stability and ongoing updates. It introduced improved hardware support, performance optimizations, and enhanced security features.
  • Period: to

    Windows 11

    Windows 11 is the latest major release of the Windows operating system. It features a redesigned Start menu, centered taskbar, improved performance, and better support for gaming and touch-enabled devices.