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1985 Windows 1.0
The First Version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 1.0, with simple applications and the concept of multitasking on PC
1987 Windows 2.0
The Second Version of Windows, Windows 2.0 with some fixes and the Control Panel.
1988 Windows 2.1
The Second Version of Windows with some additions,
and some fixes, Windows 2.1,
the Paint software is seen in this one!
1990 Windows 3.0
The Third Version of Windows, Windows 3.0,
featuring the File Manager and Program Manager,
replacing the old MS DOS based File and Program Managers.
1992 Windows 3.1
The later released upgraded version of Windows 3.0,
which had support for 32-bit Disk Access,
Personalization options and had the Minesweeper game for the first time.
1995 Windows 95
Windows 95, the changed look,
the new interface and the beginning of the form of Windows
which we see now. Enhanced Graphics and better Communication Programs.
1998 Windows 98
Windows 98, one of the most successful versions of
Windows till now, this version of Windows can still be seen in some
PCs even today. With Extended Softwares, better Performance,
this Version was the first milestone in the path of the development
of Windows.
2000 Windows ME
Windows ME or Windows Millenium Edition,
though not a very popular version of Windows,
but still it had some better tools and
performance than the previous ones in some cases.
2001 Windows XP
Windows XP, the Daddy of all versions of Windows,
the most popular version of windows even today.
Windows XP is still used today because of its unmatched performance,
tools and interface.
This has been the best version of Windows till the arrival of Windows 7.
2006 Windows Vista
Windows Vista, though it go so well in the public, but still its a good version of Windows specially for the interface
the Windows Aeroa, Effect,
making the Window Transparency work like magic.
2009 Windows 7
Windows 7, the best version of Windows till date.
With the new and advanced features such as the Superbar,
this version of Windows created another milestone for Microsoft after Windows 98 and Windows XP.
Windows 7 features an unbeatable user interface,
and powerful tools that makes it the best among the rest.
2012 Windows 8
Windows 8, to be released in the late 2012.
The interface of Windows 8 as seen at the D9 Conference.
A better version of Windows as proposed by Microsoft,
with the changed User Interface.
From Windows 1.0 to Windows 8: The Evolution of the Windows Logo [Pic]
Notice the similarity between the Windows 1.0 and Windows 8 logos. Getting back to basics, Microsoft?
Windows 7 is the most powerful and feature-packed version of the operating system we've seen so far, but you won't necessarily see that straight away.
Dubious default settings mean most Windows 7 installations aren't properly optimised, and if you want your system to have the best performance, usability, security and battery life then you'll need to apply a few extra tweaks. Here's what you need to know.
1. Get Windows 7 anti-virus
FREE AV: The latest F-Secure beta provides free all-round PC protection for six months
2. Tweak the Windows 7 taskbar
Next you'll want to get your Windows 7 system feeling a little more like home. Are you a little confused by the way application buttons are combined on the new taskbar, for instance? Then get things back to normal by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting Properties and selecting "Combine when taskbar is full" from the "Taskbar buttons" list.
And while you're there, try checking the "Use small icons" box to save a little screen real estate.
3. Customise Explorer
Windows 7 adds many useful improvements, but the default Explorer settings are still as dubious as ever and you'll want to tweak them right away. Click Start, type Folder and choose Folder Options from the list to get started.
The new Explorer navigation pane shows disconcertingly few drives and folders when you start. This makes for faster loading, but also means reaching your destination often requires extra clicks.
If you prefer the Vista style of navigation then click the General tab, and check both "Show all folders" and "Automatically expand to current folder".
Windows 7 also hides drives that are empty, which means the contents of the Computer folder can change in unexpected ways. We find that distracting, but it's easy to change: just click the View tab and clear the "Hide empty drives..." box.
And it's generally a good idea to set up Explorer to display file extensions and hidden files, unless very inexperienced users have access to your PC. Click the View tab, select "Show hidden files, folders and drives", clear the "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files" boxes and click OK to finish the job.
4. Uncover secret wallpaper
Right-click the desktop, select Personalise and you'll be able to set your desktop background to some impressive new wallpapers, including a set for the United Kingdom (or wherever in the world you are).
But Microsoft has also provided more regional wallpapers for you to try. Click Desktop Background > Browse, navigate to \Windows\Globalization\MCT, choose a region you like - MCT-AU\Australia, say - and click OK to see the new images.
(You don't see the MCT folder? Windows must be configured to display hidden folders - see step 3, "Customise Explorer".)
CHANGE OF SCENERY: The South African folder has some spectacular wallpaper photos
5. Speed up Windows 7
By default Windows 7 puts you on its "balanced" power plan, which saves energy but might also cut performance.
If you're using a desktop and are interested in speed above all else then click Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Create a Power Plan, choose the High Performance option and give your plan a name. Click Next > Create, choose the "Change plan settings" link next to your custom power plan, and tweak it to suit your needs.