IT/282
Introduction to Operating Systems
Brief history of three different Operating Systems (OS). For the three OS I chose Windows, Linux and Apple systems. Windows 1.0: The very first version of Windows, Windows 1.0, basic interface that used "gadgets," like the calendar and calculator, but it gained little popularity. Released in 1985, the system had basic functionality, introduced the first version of MS Paint and a primitive word processor. Windows 2.0: Released in 1987, was not much better than the first. While 2.0 introduced two current staples Excel and Word to users 2.0 went under fire when Macintosh sued Microsoft for mimicking the look and feel of their current operating system. The lawsuit was dropped. Windows 3.0: The introduction of virtual memory, improved graphics, and the ability to multitask helped propel Windows to sell 10 million copies. In fact, while it was released in 1990, Windows 3.0 wasn't discontinued until 2001. Windows 3.1: A pseudo-release for Microsoft, Windows 3.1 contained fixes and improved font functionality. Microsoft continued to develop a new release, Windows NT, hoping it could be released as a continuation of Windows 3.0 and 3.1. Unfortunately, issues with driver support and software meant it was time for a new version altogether. Windows 95: The change from 16-bit to 32-bit, Windows 95 was designed for increased compatibility and ultimate user-friendliness. Became clear that consumer computers would become the future, Windows 95 was offered on newer computers only because it lacked some backwards compatibility at first. Newer releases and patches made the version easier to use on older machines, by 1995, Microsoft had achieved a widespread interest in home computers. Windows 4.0: The follow-up to Windows 3.0, Windows 4.0 released in 1996 with minor improvements and is not considered a major Windows release. Windows 98: As consumer computers became widespread, Windows 98