This Is How Drastically Your Windows Computer Has Changed Over The Years

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Windows 1.0 (1985)

Windows 1.0 was officially released in 1985, two years after Microsoft first announced the software. The company initially considered calling it Interface Manager, but instead called it Windows after the format in which programs were designed

Windows 2.0 (1987-1990)

The second iteration of Windows launched in 1987, and introduced desktop icons, expanded memory, and the ability to overlap windows.

Windows 3.0 (1990)
When Windows 3.0 debuted in 1990, it became the most widely used version of the software yet. Microsoft sold 10 million copies of Windows 3 in its first two weeks. With Windows 3.0, Microsoft significantly enhanced the software's performance, improved app icons, and added 16 new colors to its graphics.

Windows 95 (1995)
Windows 95 was one of Microsoft's most prominent software releases to date. The iconic Start button made its debut on Windows 95, as did Internet Explorer. Microsoft sold 7 million copies within its first five weeks of availability.

Windows 98 (1998)


Windows 98 was released as the age of the internet was in full swing. Microsoft describes it as the first real software release for consumers. The ability to read DVDs and the Quick Launch menu were among Windows 98's new features.

Windows ME (2000)

With Windows ME, or Millennium Edition, Microsoft added new media-focused features such as Windows Movie Maker. It was also the first version of Windows to support System Restore, which allows you to reset your system's preferences to before a certain date. Windows ME faced some harsh criticisms when it hit the market, however. PC World listed it in their list of the Worst Tech Products of All Time countdown, and ABC's review criticized it for being difficult to install.

Windows XP (2001-2005)

Windows XP was praised for its cleaner aesthetics and smooth performance. "You'll hear few complaints about the operating system itself, especially when it's compared with previous versions," David Pogue wrote in The New York Times' review back in 2001. "No matter what you think of Microsoft, using Windows XP on a new or very recent PC feels sure, swift and satisfying. And that's a big deal." Microsoft also says that it emphasized security with Windows XP.

Windows Vista (2006-2008)

Windows Vista introduced a new design and some minor updates to existing Windows programs, but it was ultimately met with criticism. Many reviews concluded that there was no compelling reason to upgrade from XP.

Windows 7 (2009)
Windows 7 was received with praise when it launched in 2009. CNET called it "what Vista should have been." It's still used across corporate environments today.

Windows 8/8.1 (2012-present)
Windows 8 is Microsoft's most recent version of Windows. Microsoft completely changed the user interface of Windows 8 from the traditional desktop to a tiled, touch-friendly design. The goal was to optimize the OS for tablets, but Windows 8 has seen lukewarm reception at best. The software has been criticized for its complicated interface and lack of a Start menu, which Microsoft is rumored to bring back with Windows 9.

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-windows-used-to-look-like-2014-7#

 

[AWS]

A run down memory lane. I remember when I was accepted as a Windows beta tester when Windows 3.1 was going into beta. I still have the acceptance letter and the install floppies that were shipped with it.

I remember the Windows 98 test which was the first time the Microsoft beta site was used. I got a mail with my user name and password to access the site. I also remember starting the download at night when I went to bed and by the next afternoon you'd have the files to install.

It's a shame they did away with the private Windows beta tests. During the Windows 7 test it was pretty clear we were on our way out. Unlike the other version tests where we got access to every build even alphas we got access to only 2 builds while MSDN had all the others.

I still beta test for Microsoft. I'm in the Office test group and .Net Developers group. I'm just not as active as I was. I might check Connect the new beta site once every 6 months to see what was added to my dashboard.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

I used to get the beta's when my brother still worked for Microsoft. I had the earliest ones (alpha's) right through the RTM's from ME, XP and Vista. After he retired I was on my own and only was able to get the beta's from TechNet for Win 7 & 8. It wasn't quite the same...

I still love to do testing for new software, especially security and back up programs.

 

[Rich-M]

I was a beta tester for Power Quest sickened by the sale to Symantec and then moved to Acronis for many years until I became disillusioned with them as they wouldn't listen to anything we said (Russians what can I tell you)!
So I continue on beta testing Backup Software and Security software when I have the time and can get product but that takes time and reestablishing contacts. Centercode used to be a fun place to pickup beta testing but they seem distant these days. I still get the email asking for my participation but everyone I know there is gone and I am never chosen any more when I say yes.

 

[Rich-M]

Something Cindy said got me psyched again and I contacted Macrium to join them as a beta tester....it seems June was the end of the last period but my contact Saul Painter came through and has added me to the beta test list and promised me I would be in on the next round! I see the future of this whole category with Macrium now as they haven't lost their way as Acronis has.