The History of Microsoft Windows Operating system: Part 2

Windows Premiere Edition/1.0xWindows 1.0 is a 16-bit graphical operating environment that was released on November 20, 1985. It was Microsoft’s first Windows Operating system with a multi-tasking graphical user interface-based the PC platform released for the general public. Windows 1.0 was the first version of Windows launched.

Codename : Interface Manager
Os archetecture: 16 Bit
Versions : Windows Premiere Edition 17.08.1985
Windows 1.01 20.10.1985
Windows 1.02 15.11.1986
Windows 1.03 1986
Windows 1.04 1987

Windows 1.0 runs a shell program known as MS-DOS Executive. Other supplied programs are Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal, and Write.
Windows 1.0 does not allow overlapping windows. Instead all windows are tiled. Only dialog boxes can appear over other windows.
Windows 1.0 executables, while having the same .exe extension and initial file header as MS-DOS programs, do not contain the so-called MS-DOS stub which prints the “This program requires Microsoft Windows” message and exits when the program is run outside of Windows. Instead, the file header was formatted in such a way as to make DOS reject the executable with a “program too large to fit in memory” error message.

The above and below pictures show the packaging of the first version of Microsoft Windows.

Below is “the popular over the net” flattened and scanned image of the box. For unknown reason, Wikipedia and other sites shows only half of the scanned photo! Here is the full photo:

Bill Gates in his office with his typical smile and head resting over the palm!

If you are interested about the system requirement , click here to visit official Microsoft Website’s related KB article, they are still available !

Windows 1.01

The above screenshot shows the bootscreen of Windows 1.01

Note the change in the graphics from the Beta version (see top of this page to go to the page).

The above screenshot shows the “about” page of Windows 1.01

Reversi game shows significant change in graphics

MS Paint: the basic options were same still Windows 7 came

The clock in Windows 1.01

Windows 1.02

The significant change was the option to choose users region:

Windows 1.03

Windows 1.04

Significant change was made in Windows 1.04, which sold till 1987, which was later replaced by Windows 2.x

This was the desktop of Windows 1.04, note the clock is on the left hand side of the desktop:

The prompt window was introduced:

Disclaimer: It is not possible to upload all the details of every version of Windows Operating system in this website with all the details : It is out of scope of this website. There are excellent documentary websites and books for more details on every version of Windows. I have mainly mentioned the regular consumer versions of Windows and omitted the NT and Server editions. I also have tried hard to make it as much error free, if the readers see any gross mistake, kindly inform me using the “contact me” form. I have tried to give the credit to each and every person for these information, either published as book(s) or on website(s) in a separate page. The page will also serve as a good resource for those who want further information.

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