Windows Operating System is one of the most selling products of Microsoft. This year, our very own, Microsoft Window’s turns 29 years old. Looking back at the first launch of the product Window’s 1.0 in November 1985 which sky-rocketed the use of personal computers, there are things you did not know about it.
- The software back in the days were not free like nowadays. The Apple Lisa cost $10,000 while the very first Macintosh cost $2,495 in 1984. Comparatively, Windows 1.0 release up roared because of the cheap cost of $99.
- Windows 1.0 ran on text-based MS-DOS. So, if your computer did not have DOS, Windows could not be operated.
- The idea of using another device to use the computer, operating system, was ridiculous. Later, people warmed up to the idea of using a mouse.
- Microsoft’s first graphically rich user interface, Windows 1.0 was a basic standard compared to Windows now. So, it surged enormous potential.
- The features were drop-down menus, scroll bars, icons, dialogue boxes and one navigated the system by simple point and click. This same primary interface is still used till the date.
- Switching among programs without having to quit was a boon and a time-saver.
- It had a game called ‘Reversi,’ a board game for two players.
- Microsoft invigorated other companies to develop programs but not primarily for Microsoft interface.
- The code name of the product was ‘Interface Manager’ which was later changed to ‘Windows.’
- The product was out after two years it was revealed.
- Windows OS was a step to a better future for Microsoft.
- Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s Executive, starred in the first promo of Windows 1.0 with his lines “Wait until you see Windows Write and Windows Paint!”
- The first version of Windows 1.0 had many bugs, and some programs malfunctioned. But from this step, windows has now created Windows 10 and will flourish more.