What OS was there before Windows? History of Windows in pictures. History of the Windows operating system

Back on March 26, 2013, Microsoft officially confirmed that they were working on an update codenamed “Windows Blue.” On May 14th this update received official Windows name 8.1. Let's say right away that Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system did not turn out very well at all, something went wrong, so the updated Windows 8.1 is coming out next. Microsoft itself admitted that Windows 8 turned out to be a failed system, just as there were failed transitional operating systems such as Windows Millennium Edition and Windows Vista.

Among many users of Windows operating systems, questions arise: what are versions and editions, and how many of them exist? Even on many large and small sites, versions are mistakenly confused with revisions and vice versa. So let's fill this gap. It would seem that it makes no difference what to call it, but there is still a difference. We will also find out when basic and extended support for different Windows operating systems will end.

Let's start our review with the operating room Windows systems 7.

Windows 7

Windows 7- custom operating system Windows family NT follows the release date of Windows Vista and the predecessor of Windows 8.

• Kernel version - 6.1.
• Core type: Hybrid core.
• Release date: July 22, 2009.
• Latest version released: February 22, 2011. (version 6.1.7601.23403).
• Mainstream support: Ended January 13, 2015.
• Extended support: valid until January 14, 2020.

Let us recall that the kernel version for Windows 2000 is 5.0, for Windows XP it is 5.1, Windows Server 2003 - 5.2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 - 6.0.

Subsequent updates and additions to the operating system are called Windows versions. IN in this case The latest version of Windows 7, released on February 22, 2011, is called version 6.1.7601.23403, or more simply put, Build. So, the latest version of Windows 7 is written as - . Let us remind you that this is the latest version of Windows 7; Microsoft has not released any more “seven” versions.

Windows 7 version:

1. At the end of December 2008, another test version, numbered build 7000, leaked onto the Internet. It was this build that became the first official beta version of the new system, Windows 7 Beta.
2. On March 14, Windows 7 build 7057 leaked online. On March 25, a limited group of Microsoft TechNet partners received Windows 7 build 7068 (6.1.7068.0.winmain.090321-1322). On March 26, this assembly was successfully leaked onto the Internet.
3. On April 7, the next build 7077 (6.1.7077.0.winmain_win7rc.090404-1255), dated April 4, leaked to the network. On April 8, TechNet confirmed that this build is RC Escrow. This meant that the public RC1 would not have long to wait.
4. The official version of the Windows 7 Release Candidate was build 7100.0.winmain_win7rc.090421-1700, it passed the engineering sign-off.
5. On July 21, 2009, the final RTM version of Windows 7 (the so-called “Golden Code”) was leaked, and its signing took place on July 18, 2009.
6. Windows 7 SP1 (build 7601) (February 22, 2011). The assembly received the number: 7601.17514.101119-1850.

Windows 7 edition:

1. Windows 7 Starter(Starter, usually pre-installed on netbooks)
2. Windows 7 Home Basic(Home Basic)
3. Windows 7 Home Premium(Home Premium)
4. Windows 7 Professional(Professional)
5. Windows 7 Enterprise(Enterprise, for sale to large corporate clients)
6. Windows 7 Ultimate(Ultimate)

Interesting facts about Windows 7
In Windows 7, as in previous operating systems from Microsoft, activation is used license key. Hackers disabled it in several ways, but even before the release, which took place on October 22, a method was found to completely bypass this mechanism using flashing Computer BIOS. Windows Vista was activated in the same way, so in fact Windows activation 7 was hacked even before its appearance, since it was obvious that its mechanism would not undergo significant changes. A few months after the OS was released, update KB971033 was released, which, when installed, blocked unlicensed Windows versions 7, however, after some time a way to bypass this was developed.

Windows 8

Windows 8- an operating system belonging to the Windows NT family, next in the line after Windows 7 and before Windows 8.1. Developed by Microsoft Corporation. The first information about Windows 8 began to appear even before Windows 7 went on sale - in April 2009, when Microsoft posted an offer in the vacancies department for developers and testers to participate in the development of Windows 8.

• Kernel version - 6.2.
• Core type: Hybrid core.
• Supported platforms: x86, x86-64, ARM.
• Interface: Metro UI.
• Release date: October 26, 2012.
• Mainstream and extended support end date: Ended January 12, 2016.

Windows 8 version history:

1. On September 13, 2011, Windows 8 Developer Preview was released.
2. On February 29, 2012, the first beta version of Windows 8 Consumer Preview became available, the release was announced at Mobile World Congress.
3. On May 31, 2012, the last public version became available. preliminary version OS Windows 8 Release Preview.
4. On August 1, 2012, the RTM version was released.
5. On August 15, 2012, the RTM version became available for MSDN subscribers to download.
6. The latest version 6.2.9200 went on sale on October 26, 2012.

Windows 8 edition:

1. Windows 8 Single Language- completely similar to Windows 8 (Core), but the ability to change the language is disabled. Comes with laptops and netbooks.
2. Windows 8 "With Bing"- version of Windows 8, in which in the browser Internet Explorer search engine the default is Bing, but it cannot be changed. Comes with some laptops.
3. Windows 8 (Core)
4. Windows 8 Professional
5. Windows 8 Professional Windows Media Center"- different from “professional” availability of Windows Media Center
6. Windows 8 Enterprise
7. Windows RT
8. Additionally, Windows 8: Windows 8 N, Windows 8 Pro N, and Windows 8 Pro Pack N. These versions do not include Windows apps Media Player, Camera, Music, Video.

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is an operating system of the Windows NT family produced by Microsoft Corporation, next in release to Windows 8 and before Windows 10. Compared to Windows 8, it has a number of updates and changes in working with the graphical interface. Windows 8.1, like Windows 8, is aimed at touch PCs, but does not exclude the possibility of use on classic PCs.

Back on March 26, 2013, Microsoft officially confirmed that they were working on an update codenamed “ Windows Blue" On May 14, this update was officially named Windows 8.1. Let's say right away that Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system did not turn out very well at all, something went wrong, so the updated Windows 8.1 is coming out next. Microsoft itself admitted that Windows 8 turned out to be a failed system, just as there were failed transitional operating systems such as Windows Millennium Edition and Windows Vista.

Also, you should not confuse Windows 8 with 8.1, these are different operating systems, they are a little similar only in appearance. Windows 8.1 turned out really well. The installation itself is quick, and its performance is simply pleasing. Compared to Windows 7, of course, the new Windows 8.1 is many times ahead in all respects. Let's be honest, even the new Windows 10 is inferior. Today, those users who worked on 8.1 and Ten are of course returning to Windows 8.1. At the moment, the fastest, most reliable and easiest system in terms of settings and interface.

• Kernel version - 6.3.
• Core type: Hybrid core.
• Supported platforms: x86, x86-64.
• Interface: Windows API, . NET Framework, Windows Forms, Windows Presentation Foundation, DirectX and Media Foundation.
• Release date of the first issue: October 17, 2013.
• Latest version released: November 2014. (6.3.9600.17031)
• Mainstream support: Ended January 9, 2018.
• Extended support: valid until January 10, 2023.

Windows 8.1 version history:

1. The first release of Windows 8.1 was released on October 17, 2013.
2. Windows 8.1 Update was expected to be released in August 2014, but Microsoft decided not to release it, making only an update with some new features, betting on more frequent updates. On August 12, the first update package was released, which was called August Update. Next, Microsoft has re-released security bulletin MS14-045 for all supported versions of Windows. Previous version The patch was withdrawn in early August due to problems installing the so-called “August update.”
3. Later, the WinBeta website found plans for Update 3, which, according to preliminary data, was supposed to be released in November. As a result, Microsoft did release an update that falls under Windows 8.1 Update 3.
4. Since October 2016, Microsoft has moved Windows 8.1 to a cumulative update model. Each monthly update released later builds on the previous ones and is released in one overall package. Previously released updates are still available in separate patches.
5. Last release date Windows 8.1 with Update 3 (build 9600)— November 2014

Windows 8.1 edition:

1. Windows 8.1 Single Language- completely similar to Windows 8.1 (Core), but the ability to change the language is disabled. Comes with laptops and netbooks.
2. Windows 8.1 "With Bing"- version of Windows 8.1, in which the default search engine in the Internet Explorer browser is Bing, and it cannot be changed. Comes with some laptops.
3. Windows 8.1 (Core)- basic version for PC, laptop and tablet computers. Comes with laptops and netbooks.
4. Windows 8.1 Professional- version for PCs, laptops and tablets with functions for small businesses.
5. Windows 8.1 "Professional with Windows Media Center"- differs from the “professional” one in the presence of Windows Media Center.
6. Windows 8.1 Enterprise- Enterprise version with advanced features for corporate resource management, security, etc.
7. Windows RT 8.1- version for tablets ARM architecture, launches apps from the Windows Store only.

Windows 10

Windows 10 - operating system for personal computers and workstations, developed by Microsoft Corporation as part of the Windows NT family. After Windows 8.1, the system received the number 10, bypassing 9.

Among the significant innovations are the voice assistant Cortana, the ability to create and switch multiple desktops, etc. Windows 10 is the last “boxed” version of Windows; all subsequent versions will be distributed exclusively in digital form.

Windows 10 is the first Microsoft operating system that is officially distributed not only from the supplier’s servers, but also from the computers of its users, based on the BitTorrent protocol. The same principle applies to Windows updates 10, and this setting is enabled by default, that is, if the user has limited traffic, a tariff that pays for the volume of traffic, or the network connection speed does not allow unnecessarily loading the communication line, then this option should be disabled. It is also possible to leave the exchange of updates only between computers on the local network.

For the first year after the system's release, users could upgrade to Windows 10 for free on any device running official versions Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, meeting certain requirements.

• Kernel version - 6.3.
• Core type: Hybrid core.
• Supported platforms: ARM, IA-32 and x86-64
• Interface: Metro.
• Release date of the first issue: July 29, 2015.
• Latest release date: 10.0.17134.81 “April 2018 Update” (May 23, 2018).

New versions may be automatically installed on your device until the current version reaches the end of service.

Windows 10 version:

1. Windows 10, Version 1803 - Redstone 4 (Apr 2018, build 17134.1) - ()
2. Windows 10, Version 1709 - Redstone 3 (Sep 2017, build 16299.15)
3. Windows 10, Version 1703 - Redstone 2 (March 2017, build 15063.0)
4. Windows 10, Version 1607 - Redstone 1 (Jul 2016, build 14393.0)
5. Windows 10, Version 1511 - Threshold 2 (Nov 2015, build 10586.0)
6. Windows 10, Version 1511 - Threshold 2 (Feb 2016, build 10586.104)
7. Windows 10, Version 1511 - Threshold 2 (Apr 2016, build 10586.164)
8. Windows 10, Version 1511 - Threshold 1 (Jul 2015, build 10240.16384)

Windows 10 edition (For PCs, laptops and workstations)

Basic:

1. 1. Windows 10 Home(English Home) - basic version for PC, laptop and tablet users. Comes with laptops and netbooks.
   2. Windows 10 Pro- version for PCs, laptops and tablets with functions for small businesses such as CYOD (choose your device).
   3. Windows 10 Enterprise() - version for more big business with advanced enterprise resource management, security, and more.

Derivatives:

1. Windows 10 Home Single Language(Home Single Language, Home SL) is completely similar to the Home edition without the ability to change the language. Comes with laptops and netbooks.
2. Windows 10 Home with Bing(Home With Bing) - a version of Windows 10 in which Edge browsers and Internet Explorer, the default search engine is Bing, but it cannot be changed. Comes with some laptops.
3. Windows 10S- special Windows configuration 10 "Pro", launches applications only from the Microsoft Store. The edition appeared with the release of version 1703.
4. Windows 10 Pro for educational institutions» (Pro Education) - the Pro version for educational institutions, appeared with the release of version 1607.
5. Windows 10 Pro For Workstations(Pro for Workstations) - special Windows option 10 Pro, features advanced hardware support (at the server level) and is designed to meet the complex needs of mission-critical, compute-intensive environments, with support for creating storage with file system ReFS (starting from version 1709 in all editions except Pro for Workstation and “Corporate”, support has been removed, provides the most demanding applications and data with the required performance using non-volatile memory modules (NVDIMM-N). Supports up to 4 CPUs and up to 6 TB RAM(in “Pro” - up to 2 TB). The edition appeared with the release of version 1709.
6. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing(Enterprise LTSC, formerly Enterprise LTSB) - a special version of “Corporate”, differs from other editions by long-term support for one version and the absence of a Store and UWP applications (except for the “Settings” application).
7. Windows 10 Education(Education) - the “Corporate” option for educational institutions; versions below 1703 do not have Cortana.
8. Windows 10 Team- edition for Surface tablets Hub.

For EU countries (Windows Media Player, Groove music, Cinema and TV are missing, but it is possible to add them manually).

Differences between Windows versions of operating systems and basic differences between Windows editions. This is exactly what this article will discuss.

Each subsequent version of Windows differs from the previous one in features and functionality. Let's look at the fundamental differences between all the main versions operating system more details. Consider the corporation's most popular products in order of their release to the market.

Windows XP
The Windows XP version is considered outdated today. Since mid-2016, Microsoft has not released an update to this operating system. Therefore, modern programs and applications are not compatible with this version. In addition, the algorithm itself differs in the operation of the software.

First of all, it should be noted that the search is not very convenient. The system does not start searching required document before you enter the entire keyword. Because of this, the time spent on the operation increases significantly. In addition, launching programs is not ergonomic. In order to find the required application, you need to know exactly where it is located. Otherwise, you can spend many minutes examining pop-up menus, turning pages, and still not find the required program.

In terms of file playback, Windows XP is also inferior to its modern counterparts. For example, when viewing videos and photos, they are projected only onto the monitor. In other words, the user does not have the opportunity to connect other devices, for example, plasma TV, to broadcast the signal.

Windows 7
Unlike Windows XP, this version of the software has more sophisticated search and control algorithms. For example, to search for files, there is an interactive form in the Start menu. To use it, just start typing the name of the file and application you are looking for. After this, the system itself will offer you several materials that match the description.

The network settings have also changed. So in Windows 7, when creating a network, settings occur automatically, while the user is only asked to select additional options. For example, saving a password. You can connect additional equipment to a personal computer with the presented OS. For example, TVs with built-in or additional tuners.

File and folder management deserves special attention. Consider a situation where you need to find and play music from the same artist, which, however, is actually located in different folders. In this case, you can sort the entire library according to specified characteristics and enjoy listening.

That's not all functional features Windows 7, because this wonderful operating system is loved by users due to its impressive functionality and compatibility with most applications. In addition, the OS is compatible even with low technical capabilities computers.

Windows 10
The design of Windows 10 is dominated by the flat trend. IN lately This design technique is especially popular among large developers and publishers from around the world. However, let's look at functionality and navigation, leaving out the aesthetic side of the issue.

So, Windows 10 has been supplemented with a new field for system messages and notifications. Here the user will be able to see important notifications in chronological order, as well as application messages (new emails, download completion, etc.). The OS can implement several desktops at once, which is extremely convenient. Imagine having different sets of applications and folders on your PC for work and leisure. It's very convenient.

The presence of a visual assistant is also an advantage of this version. With its help you can keep a log and quickly search necessary information. Among other updates, it is worth noting the absence of the usual Internet Explorer. Instead, the new Spartan browser is installed, which comes with much more impressive functionality.

The user has extensive opportunities to synchronize data not only between browsers, but also in applications. From the point of view of installing games and add-ons, this version is preferable, because it is compatible with all new game developments. According to analysts, over the next year, Windows 10 will become the most popular operating system in the world.

Differences between editions of Windows
Along with the differences between versions, there are multiple differences between editions of the same operating system. Let's discuss these differences in more detail at Windows example 10 and Windows 7.

Editions of the seventh version of Windows:
Starter is the simplest edition, intended for undemanding users.
Home – here there is a minimum range of settings necessary for comfortable work.
Professional (Professional) – the edition contains a sufficient set of tools for managing the content and functionality of the OS.
Corporate (Enterprise) – the operating system is intended for corporate use, compatible with office programs and applications. Maximum adapted for efficient work.
Maximum (Ultimate) – combines everything functionality previous editions and fully corresponds to its name.
Editions of the tenth version of Windows:
Windows 10 Home - designed for home use and contains only basic functions.
Windows 10 Professional has advanced customization tools and a list of business features.
Windows 10 Enterprise – software for large corporations and holdings.

The Windows operating system has neither less nor more, but thirty years of experience, during which it has gone through a difficult path of development from the very first Windows 1.0, created by Bill Gates back in 1985, to the current tenth version.

And even though the first version of Windows was not an independent operating system, it paved the way for future graphic systems from Microsoft.

Windows 95

The year 1995 was marked by the release of a new multitasking graphics system Windows, which already presented its Russian version in November of the same year.

This operating system had a huge set of innovations that made it the most recognizable among similar products.

Windows 95 acquired a full-fledged graphical interface and became a truly independent system.

She was able to surprise everyone with the menu that appeared « Start», system tray, as well as the basis of all basics - the desktop.

The average user was attracted to this operating system by its extremely simple and very convenient interface.

When you press the button « Start» a small window opened with all the necessary tools, among which were « Search», « Reference», « Execute», « Stop» And « Shutdown ».

In addition, there was an item « Settings», which allowed you to customize not only the control panel and taskbar, but also installed by users printers.

The following was also added to this window: important point, How « Programs». It displayed all the programs that participated in startup, as well as standard ones, containing a decent set of necessary elements.

Some of them became a kind of calling card of Microsoft Corporation and were passed on to all subsequent versions of Windows with enviable stability.

It’s even impossible to imagine any version of this operating system without games « Sapper», « Hearts», and also solitaire « Kerchief».

Nowadays, we also sometimes don’t mind relaxing after a hard day at work and playing cards on our home computer.

In total Windows 2000 received 4 service packs and two collections of patches.

All of them were aimed not only at correcting security flaws in the operating system, but also at solving other serious problems.

Windows XP

The next stage in the development of operating systems network line became Windows XP, which during development bore the internal name Whistler.

This Microsoft product was released in October 2001 and was strictly a client system.

Windows XP was rightfully one of the most best systems in the world, as it had not only a simple and most convenient interface, but also an improved color scheme.

Almost everything visual elements this operating system had a colorful and voluminous appearance, and the low system requirements any hardware making it the most popular and used operating system.

Over the years, quite a large number of versions have been released Windows XP, however, two of them were available to the Russian-speaking user - Windows XP Professional Edition And Windows XP Home Edition.

The first was intended, to a greater extent, for enterprises and all kinds of entrepreneurs and had a rich set of functions in its arsenal.

Among them it is worth noting the presence remote access to the desktop, support for multiprocessor configurations, and the ability to encrypt files.

Home Edition was released on the same kernel as Professional Edition, however, it was a stripped-down version of it.

As a result, this operating system was relatively inexpensive and was used on home PCs.

Preview of the Windows Vista operating system

Another product of the NT family was Windows Vista, which was launched in January 2007.

This system was aimed primarily at working on personal home computers and workstations.

Compared to XP Vista began to have a new interface design and updated input and output controls.

In addition, Vista has introduced new feature hibernation mode, based on "hibernation files".

This function made it possible to restore the computer’s operation not only using RAM data, but also a copy of it, which was saved on the computer’s hard drive.

The operating system added a transparent sidebar that the user could fill with the mini-applications they liked.

To avoid infecting the operating system with viruses from external media (USB devices), Windows Vista By default, their autorun function was disabled.

Quite interesting and useful option function appeared parental controls, with which it was possible to restrict children’s access not only to certain sites, but also to the use of certain programs.

Over the 30-year history of the OS, nine major versions of the system have been released: from Windows 1.0 developed by Bill Gates to the latest release under the leadership of the new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Windows is the most common operating system and is installed on more than 88% of personal computers in the world.

The very first Windows 1.0 came out in November 1985. In truth, the first version released was Window 1.01, as 1.0 had a serious bug. This was Microsoft's first real attempt at creating a graphical user interface on a 16-bit architecture.

However, Windows 1.0, unlike Mac OS, was not an independent operating system and was only a graphical add-on over DOS. Because of this, many users continued to use “ Command line"to control the system, although there was mouse support in the system.

To get users used to new system input, Microsoft came up with the game Reversi, which had to be played with the mouse. In this way, users learned to move the mouse by clicking on various objects on the screen. “Sapper” also pursued the same goal.

The second and third versions of Windows were also a “shell” for MS-DOS, but had a number of innovations. In 2.0, released on December 9, 1987, it became possible to arrange windows one above the other in any order, the “Control Panel” (which is still used today), and also program description files (PIF files) appeared for the first time. It also became the first Windows platform to feature applications Microsoft Word and Excel.

The third version, which appeared on May 22, 1990, received the Program Manager and File Manager, as well as an updated version of the Control Panel and Solitaire, which is still an integral part of Windows. In addition, the new operating system looks much better thanks to support for 256 colors in the VGA video adapter and changes to the graphical interface.

However, the company is no stranger to experimentation. Thus, at the CES exhibition in 1995 it was presented software product for Windows 3.0 Microsoft Bob, which was developed without the participation of Bill Gates. The idea was to create a “social interface” by replacing the “Program Manager” with a cartoon house, where the corresponding applications were stored in “rooms”, and a dog named Rover served as the default guide around the house.

Photo report: Bill Gates turns 60

Is_photorep_included7848863: 1

Then it was updated, and a character called Paperclip appeared in Microsoft Office. One could say that Bob anticipated the advent of modern virtual personal assistants like Cortana and Siri. In July 2013, Bill Gates commented on the legacy of Windows Bob: "We were simply ahead of our time, as with most of our mistakes."

A full-fledged Microsoft operating system appeared only in August 1995. Windows 95 was a significant milestone in the development of Windows. Compared to 3.0, it had a huge number of innovations.

The Start menu and icons already familiar to all users have appeared quick access to files and applications on the desktop. Windows 95 was the first to use a 32-bit environment, the "Taskbar" and was focused on multitasking. MS-DOS was still playing important role in Windows 95 and was necessary to run a number of programs and elements. Interaction with files and folders was carried out using icons.

Also appeared in Windows 95 Internet browser Explorer, however it was not installed by default - it required Windows package 95 Plus. In more later versions Internet Explorer was originally installed because Netscape Navigator and NCSA Mosaic browsers were popular at that time.

Windows 98, released on June 25, 1998, was even more consumer-oriented than its predecessor, Windows 95, and included a number of improvements user interface via the Desktop Update Center Windows desktop» in Internet Explorer 4, including the Quick Launch Bar, the active desktop, the ability to minimize a window by clicking on the window title, as well as the Back and Forward buttons and the address bar in Windows Explorer.

In 2000, the company introduced two completely different operating systems - Windows 2000 and Windows ME. The first belonged to the NT family of operating systems (new technologies), while the second was built on Windows platform 9x. Windows Millennium can be called the next step in the development of Windows 98, adding some elements of the Windows 2000 interface and making it as simple as possible for modern home use.

Windows ME was heavily criticized by users due to its instability and unreliability, frequent freezes and crashes. Some users deciphered ME as Mistake Edition (erroneous edition). This version is still considered one of the worst products from Microsoft.

Windows 2000 was aimed at business customers, and it later became the basis for Windows XP.

In Windows 2000, they played an important role automatic updates. In addition, it introduced a hibernation mode for the first time. Windows 2000 Professional introduced numerous improvements, such as the plug-and-play concept: when you connect a new peripheral device, the operating system itself found necessary drivers for him, and it began to work.

The triumphant release of Windows XP took place in October 2001. The new system was a kind of symbiosis of Windows 2000 and Windows ME. Like Windows 2000, it was based on Windows NT, but it added client-centric elements from Windows ME.

The new OS featured a new graphical interface design, text smoothing on LCD monitors, the ability to quickly switch between users, and many other nice features. Windows XP is a “long-liver” among operating systems: three large-scale updates were released for it, and support for the OS ceased only in 2014, that is, 13 years after its release - this support period is the longest among all Windows operating systems.

Windows XP was a combination of 2000 and ME

The system also had its shortcomings. For example, when installing an OS, the user is prompted to create a account with administrator rights, which leads to potential vulnerability of the system to viruses. Also, the disadvantages include the system requirements that were quite high at that time: a processor of at least 500 MHz and more than 128 MB of RAM.

After the tremendous success of Windows XP, Microsoft releases Windows Vista. The system was released in 2007. The new OS was a kind of attempt to revolutionize the design of the graphical interface. Microsoft also tried to eliminate the security flaws that plagued XP users.

However, the new system turned out to be extremely mediocre. This is evidenced by the fact that the OS took first place in the “Failure of the Year” competition in 2007.

Users were also disappointed in the new product from Microsoft. Particularly noteworthy are problems with performance, incompatibility with many old programs, as well as inflated system requirements that exceed those stated. Users also did not like the new Aero interface. After the release of Windows 7 in 2009, Vista, already unpopular, almost completely died out. As of 2015, Windows Vista's market share is less than 2%.

Users did not like the new Aero interface in Windows Vista

Microsoft's next operating system, Windows 7, was introduced on October 22, 2009. It was supposed to eliminate all the shortcomings that existed in Vista. Aero's design has been greatly improved, and support for older programs that are not available to run on Windows Vista has been implemented. Also appeared in Windows 7 Windows mode XP mode, which allows you to run older applications in virtual machine Windows XP, which provides almost complete support for older applications.

An important feature of the new system is closer integration with driver manufacturers: most are detected automatically. As a result, Microsoft produced an operating system that appealed to a large number of users: in the first eight hours, the number of pre-orders exceeded the demand that Windows Vista had in the first 17 weeks.

But even here there was a fly in the ointment. The main disadvantage of the system is, again, high system requirements, which is why the autonomy of laptops in some cases was reduced by up to 30%. Despite this, the system remains popular to this day: as of September 2015, Windows 7 holds more than 55% of the market share.

In October 2012, Microsoft introduced its next product - Windows 8. The new system received radical new interface, more “tailored” for use on tablets. Thus, in Windows 8, the Start button has disappeared, in its place is access to the Metro interface.

The interface was a tiled platform. Also in the new system there is a store Windows applications Store similar to Play Store And App Store. The main innovations of Windows 8, in addition to the new interface, can be considered native USB support 3.0, improved search and new task manager.

In Windows 8, the company has once again changed the system interface

However, most users did not appreciate the system: Microsoft made too much of a bias towards touch control. This affected the ease of system management on desktops.

The new version of Windows 8.1 was an attempt to correct the shortcomings. The Start button has returned to its rightful place and it has become possible to set the standard desktop to launch by default. Despite an attempt to correct the mistakes made in Windows 8, the update was also received without enthusiasm.

Microsoft's latest operating system is Windows 10, introduced in July 2015. Windows 10 should bring all devices together, including embedded systems, smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs and game consoles. The upgrade to Windows 10 is available to users of devices running Windows 7, 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 free of charge for a year.

The main innovations of the system are the improved Start menu, voice assistant Cortana, as well as the ability to interact simultaneously with a touch interface and a traditional one on hybrid devices.

In Windows 10, Microsoft collects a lot of data about your computer usage. Examples of such data are name, address email and others. Because of this, Microsoft received a barrage of criticism. Some of the criticism also relates to Windows sharing Wi-Fi passwords with other users. In any case, data collection can be turned off at any time; all instructions are searched on the Internet.

Windows can rightfully be called an integral part of an entire generation of PC users. Thanks to Microsoft's OS, millions of people have discovered information Technology and access to the global network. And no matter how much they criticize it, it will in any case remain relevant for many more years.

Windows users have always been worried about one question: will Microsoft release the Windows 11 operating system or not? Since the official announcement of Windows 10, it has been said that this is the last version of Windows. Despite this, users are excitedly awaiting the future arrival of Windows 11; there is a wish list of what I would like to see in it. New format with several new applications and no software compatibility issues are the most requested wishes of Windows users.

About Windows 11

Although many don't mind seeing emergence of Windows 11, Windows startup 10 turned out to be extremely successful. The reason for the success may be Microsoft's focus on developers, who are an important part of any platform. A full-fledged strategy was created that gave users reasons to download updates. In addition to attractive appearance a lot was presented useful functions, including with the aim of luring enterprises to Windows 10.

Microsoft says no to Windows 11: why?

Official news coming from Microsoft office they say: Windows 10 will be the last Windows operating system, there will be no Windows 11. Since technical resources mentioned the release of Windows 11 in 2017-2018, Microsoft decided to dispel these rumors and announce that they are not going to release anything new after Windows 10.

"We're working on Windows 10 now because Windows 10 is latest version Windows,” Microsoft’s Jerry Nixon said at the Ignite conference.

Windows as a service

Microsoft has applied the strategy Latest Windows" At the press conference, Nixon made a statement in which he said that Microsoft has no plans to release a new Windows after Windows 10, so Windows 10 will be the last version for users. But this does not mean that everything will end there and there will be no innovations. Microsoft will not release a new version of Windows, but Windows 10 will receive regular updates to improve the user experience. Nixon was not the only one to make such statements; Microsoft itself said the same thing, promising to regularly update Windows 10 instead of releasing a separate new version of Windows. This was said in Chicago at the Microsoft Ignite conference. Microsoft will apply a specific Windows 10 update pattern using Windows method as a service to serve its users. Microsoft believes that this method is more useful in fulfilling user requests.

Steve Kleinhans, a Microsoft spokesman, also confirmed that there are no plans for a new Windows. Creating a new version takes a lot of time, exactly 2-3 years - during this period the product already becomes outdated.

“There will be no Windows 11,” says Kleinhans. "Every three years, Microsoft would sit down and create a 'big new version of the OS.' Third-party developers did not have access to it, and the product that the world wanted three years ago appeared.”

About the next Microsoft operating system update

It was about the appearance of an operating system update codenamed Redstone. Many experts believed that the update would not be so significant, but would bring expanded support for Windows 10 to different devices, like HoloLens. At the time of these rumors, it was not clear how much this update would affect Windows 10. Many wondered what the name Redstone meant. As it turned out, this is a popular object in Minecraft game, used to create new technologies and improve items.

Release date next update Windows

Microsoft had a surprise in store that the company was not going to share ahead of time. The company promised to regularly release useful updates Windows 10 for its users. Redstone's summer update is coming, which will be the most significant since its release. final version Windows 10

Some technology experts wrote that Microsoft will create a new operating system not for named Windows, however, there is no evidence of this.

Conclusion

So, you might think that there is no need to wait for Windows 11, and you would be partly right. You just need to analyze everything wisely and understand that now there are other people at the helm, not Ballmer and Bill Gates. I do not rule out the fact that after Satya Nadella leaves, everything may return to normal. Moreover, progress still does not stand still. When the full-fledged 9th generation of consoles, DirectX 13 and new PC hardware are released, which may require new or well-modified software, then Windows 11 may be released, or whatever it will be called. Although, on the other hand, Microsoft wanted to completely abandon product numbering, as in Steam or Google Chrome, although there is essentially a product numbering there, it is not too obvious and intrusive.