Early Windows OS Systems 1.0 Through 3.1

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Windows 1.0

Windows 1.0, the first version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Microsoft first announced Windows in November 1983. It was originally intended to be an operating environment for the MS-DOS operating system, which was the dominant operating system for IBM PC compatible personal computers during that era. Windows 1.0 was officially released on November 20, 1985. This version was more of a graphical shell than a full-fledged operating system, running on top of MS-DOS. It introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) for the first time to many PC users. It featured a simple user interface with drop-down menus, scroll bars, and icons. It included several programs like a calendar, card file, notepad, calculator, clock, and a rudimentary version of Paint. Windows 1 was discontinued in 1987 in favor of Windows 2.0

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Windows 2.0

Windows 2 Development Phase was 1985-1987; and officially released in December 1987. This version represented a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering better performance and enhanced memory management capabilities. The user interface was more user-friendly, with overlapping windows instead of the tiled windows of its predecessor. It took advantage of the expanded memory capabilities of the Intel 286 processor. Windows 2.0 included updated versions of Paint and Write and introduced more sophisticated applications like Excel and Word for Windows. The Program Manager and File Manager features, which became staples in later versions of Windows, were first seen in Windows 2.0. Windows 2.0 had two main versions: Windows/286 and Windows/386, each optimized for the respective 286 and 386 Intel processors.

Microsoft faced a legal challenge from Apple Computer, Inc., which claimed that Windows 2.0 infringed on Apple's graphical user interface. This lawsuit was a significant event during the era of Windows 2.0.

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Windows 3.0 - 3.11

Windows 3.0 and 3.1 Development Phase 1987-1990; Windows 3.0 was launched on May 22, 1990. This version represented a major breakthrough in terms of graphics, usability, and performance, with significant improvements in both the graphical interface and the underlying technology. Windows 3.0 was highly successful, selling millions of copies in its first year. It marked the point where Windows became a significant player in the operating system market.

On April 6, 1992, Microsoft released Windows 3.1. This version built upon the success of Windows 3.0 with several enhancements. Key Features of Windows 3.1 Included the introduction of TrueType fonts, offering better on-screen typography. Improved stability and performance. Enhanced multimedia capabilities. Drop of Real Mode support, focusing on the more powerful Standard and 386 Enhanced Modes.

Windows 3.11 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11 in 1993, were minor updates to Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.1, primarily focused on fixing bugs and improving stability. The end of the Windows 3.x Line was in 1995, The Windows 3.x series was eventually succeeded by Windows 95, released on August 24, 1995.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows_version_history/

https://www.dpscomputing.com/blog/2012/02/17/microsoft-windows-a-brief-history/

https://ravindugunarathna.medium.com/evolution-of-windows-6a6f8374919d