Class 3.01: A Brief History of Windows

Windows is an operating system made by Microsoft. An operating system is a software program makes the computer function. The operating system is already installed on a computer when it is purchased.

The operating system allows you to complete many useful everyday tasks on your computer like read email, edit vacation pictures, write a letter, play games and much more.

The first version of Windows was released in 1985. Prior to Windows 1.0, PCs used Disk Operating System or DOS, which required the user to type in memorized commands to locate and runs programs. Windows allows the user to click on icons to perform the same commands – this is called a graphical user interface (GUI).

The most recent version of Windows is Windows 11, which was released in late 2021. This class covers Windows 10. Other versions of Windows may look and function differently.

The Desktop >>