1 of 6 WINDOWS COMPARISION WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES WINDOWS The first version of windows provided a new software environment for developing and running applications that use bitmap displays and mouse pointing devices. With this first version of windows, user moved a mouse to point and click their way through task, such as starting applications. In addition, Windows user could switch among several concurrently running applications. The product included a set of desktop applications, including the MS-DOS file management program, a calendar, card file, notepad, calculator, clock and telecommunications programs, which helped user manage day-to-day activities. This early Interface Manager product preceded the Windows 1.0 GUI 1,2,3,4,5,6 NEXT23,4,5,6NEXT

2 of 6 WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES Windows Windows 2.0 took advantage of the improved processing speed of the Intel 286 processor, expanded memory, and inter-application communication capabilities made possible through Dynamic Data Exchanged (DDE). With improved graphics support, user could now overlap windows, control screen layout and use keyboard combinations to move rapidly through Windows operations. Many developer wrote their first Windows-based applications for this release. Windows The third major release of the Windows platform from Microsoft offered improved performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and full support of the more powerful Intel 386 processor. A new wave of 386 PCs helped drive the popularity of Windows 3.0, which offered a wide range of useful features and capabilities, including : Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager. A completely rewritten application development environment. An improved set of Windows icons. The popularity of Windows 3.0 grew with the release of a new Windows software development kit (SDK), which helped software developers focus more on writing applications and less on writing device drivers. The new File Manager in Windows 3.0 1,1,2,3,4,5,6 NEXT3,4,5,6NEXT

3 of 6 WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES Windows NT Windows NT 3.1 was released on July 27, “NT” stands for new technology. Windows NT 3.1 was a 32-bit operating system. Windows NT was the first Windows operating system to combine support for high-end, client/server business applications with the industry’s leading personal productivity applications. It was initially available in both desktop (workstation) version and a server version called Windows NT Advanced Server. The desktop version was well received by developers because of its security, stability and Microsoft Win32 application programming interface (API). In addition, the operating system broke new ground in security, operating system power, performance, desktop scalability and reliability. New features included a preemptive multitasking scheduler for Windows-based applications, integrated networking, domain server security, OS/2 and POSIX subsystems, support for multiple processor architectures, and the NTFS file system. Windows NT 3.1 contained overlapping Windows and other features. 1,2,1,2,3,4,5,6 NEXT,4,5,6NEXT

4 of 6 WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES Windows Windows 95 was the successor to the three existing general-purpose desktop operating systems from Microsoft-Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroup, and MD-DOS. Windows 95 integrated a 32-bit Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (ICP/IP) stack for built-in Internet support, dial-up networking, and new Plug and Play capabilities that made it easy for users to install hardware and software. The 32-bit operating system also offered enhanced multimedia capabilities, more powerful features for mobile computing, and integrated networking. Windows NT Workstation This upgraded to the Microsoft business desktop operating system brought increased ease of use and simplified management, higher network throughput, and tools for developing and managing intranets. Windows NT Workstation 4.0 included the popular Windows 95 user interface yet provided improved networking support for easier and more secure access to the Internet and corporate intranets. Windows 98 Windows 98 SE 1998 Windows 98 was the upgrade from Windows 95. Described as an operating system that “Works Better, Plays Better”, Windows 98 was the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. With Windows 98, users could find information more easily on theirs PCs as well as the Internet. Other features included the ability to open and close applications more quickly, support for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices. Windows 93 SE was an incremental update to Windows 98. It offered variety of new and enhanced hardware compatibility and Internet-related features. It also helped improve user’s online experience with the Internet Explorer 5.0 browser technology and Microsoft Windows NetMeeting 3.0 conferencing software. Also included was Microsoft DirectX API 6.1, which provided improve support for Windows multimedia, and offered hone networking capabilities through Internet connecting sharing. 1,2,3,1,2,3,4,5,6 NEXT5,6NEXT

5 of 6 WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME) 2000 It was designed for home computer users which offered numerous music, video, hone networking enhancements and reliability improvements. The System Restore feature in Windows ME, helped consumer to troubleshoot the computer system by roll back their PC software configuration to a date or time before problem occurred. Windows Movie Maker provided users with the tools to digitally edit, save, and share home video. And with Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 technologies, users could find, organize, and play digital media easily. Windows 2000 Professional 2000 It is based on Windows NT Workstation 4.0, Windows 2000 Professional was also designed to replace Windows 95, 98, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 on all business desktops and laptops. Windows 2000 Professional added major improvements in reliability, ease of use, Internet compatibility, and support for mobile computing. Among other improvements, Windows 2000 Professional simplified hardware installation by adding support for wide of variety if new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices and infrared devices. 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4,5,6 NEXT6NEXT

6 of 6 WINDOWSYEARSFEATURES Windows XP Professional 2001 Windows XP Professional brings the solid foundation of Windows 2000 the desktop PC, enhancing reliability, security, and performance. With a fresh visual design, Windows XP Professional includes features for business and advanced home computing, including remote desktop support, an encrypting file system and system restore and advanced networking features. Key enhancements for mobile users include wireless 802.1X networking support, Windows Messenger, and Remote Assistance. Windows XP Home Edition 2001 Windows XP Home Edition offered a clean, simplified visual design that makes frequently used features more accessible. Designed for home users, the product offers such enhancements as the Network Setup Wizard, Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker and enhanced digital photo capabilities. Windows XP 64-bit Edition 2001 Windows XP 64-Bit Edition satisfies the needs of power users with workstations that use the Intel Itanium 64-bit processor. It was designed for specialized, technical workstations users who require large amounts of memory and floating point performance in areas such as movie special effects, 3D animation, engineering, and scientific applications. 1,2,3,4,5,1,2,3,4,5,6 HOMEHOME