As Windows celebrated the one year anniversary of its latest and most powerful operating system, Windows 10, we take look back at Microsoft’s history and exactly how it got to be one of the most important technology companies in the world.
Founded 41 years ago in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft was originally coined to develop and sell BASIC interpreters for Altair 8800 – the microcomputer designed by MITS. However the company took a different turn, developing the MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) in the mid-1980s. MS-DOS was an operating system for x86-based personal computers. It was the most commonly-used member of the ‘DOS’ family, and as a result, was the main operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during the 1980s and early 1990s. However as technology moved on, it was later taken over by operating systems that offered a graphical user interface (GUI).
In 1983, the company expanded into new markets with the release of the Microsoft Mouse, as well as a publishing division called Microsoft Press. However in 1984, it made what would be a significant breakthrough in their history when they released Microsoft Windows – Windows 1.0. Replacing the aforementioned MS-DOS, it was a graphical extension that provided a more user-friendly interface and helped propel the company into the mainstream. And as a result, in 1986 the company made billionaires of the founders when it had its IPO and subsequent rise in share price.
1987 saw the release of OS/2 to original equipment manufacturers, helping to further build the company’s reputation for being an innovator in the field. This was further cemented in 1990 when it introduced the ground-breaking Microsoft Office along with Windows 3.0. This featured a more streamlined user interface, making it even more accessible for people of all ages. Both Office and Windows became the dominant products in their field, adorning computers around the world and signalling the start of what we know now as the computer generation.
Windows 95 then followed, boasting the (now) familiar ‘Start’ button, along with 32-bit compatibility and pre-emptive multitasking. The web portal, MSN, also came along with the OS’, and was originally intended to be a competitor to the Internet. However the original OS didn’t include Internet Explorer as the team hadn’t finished the pioneering browser, so was included in the Windows Plus! Pack. Other OS’ followed, specially designed for computers with limited memory, such as Windows CE 1.0, however they didn’t release a big OS until Windows 98. Helping to firmly establish the company’s authority in the sector, it signalled a new generation of computing. Windows 2000 and ME came in 2000, further enhancing their robust offering. These were succeeded by one of the most well-loved systems, Windows XP, coming in 2001. XP really set the bar for the computing industry, and even today, the system is still used by computer fans all over the world, and is even being used to power all sorts of tech such as tills.
The rise of mobile devices in 2007 however did highlight a stumble for Microsoft, as it struggled to keep up with rivals Apple and Google. Yet, after going back to basics in 2010, they revamped their aging flagship mobile operating system, Windows Mobile, and replaced it with the new Windows Phone OS. Along with this new OS, the company also took a different approach. Announcing a strategy to work more closely with smartphone manufacturers, such as Nokia, they aimed to provide a consistent user experience across all smartphones using their Windows Phone OS. It used a new user interface design language, codenamed "Metro", which mainly used simple shapes, typography, iconography, as well as the concept of minimalism.
Following the release of Windows Phone, Microsoft were keen to keep up with their competitors so underwent a steady rebranding of its product range throughout 2011 and 2012. The logo was one of the big changes aesthetically, while its products, services and websites assumed the principles and concepts of the Metro design language. As tablets became more prominent in 2011, Microsoft previewed Windows 8, their operating system designed to power both personal computers and tablet computers alike. Following on from this, Microsoft unveiled their tablet, the Surface. Taking on the popular iPad and Google Nexus, it offered improved performance for those looking for computer performance in tablet form.
Since then, primarily thanks to the availability and reliability of the internet, computers have moved on in leaps and bounds. And Windows has always been at the forefront of that. Releasing new systems and updating its hardware every couple of years, every one has been a step in the right direction for the company, and have all helped to establish itself as ‘the one to beat’ for its competitors.
