Microsoft Windows: How it All Began

by hmiller 15. January 2010 03:37

Microsoft has been extremely influential in the growth and use of computers and Internet service. Since the very early stages of computer development, Microsoft has been creating products that were adopted by software and computer designers, which promoted the growth of acceptance as a standard for operating systems (OS’s) among computer users. Microsoft holds nearly 90 percent of the market share for operating systems used today! The majority of computers sold today have a Microsoft’s operating system, Windows, installed on their computer.

Before Windows operating systems were developed, computer ran with DOS, or, disk operating system. Basically it was just a black screen with white characters and a cursor. Users would type commands or use keyboard shortcuts and prompts (like Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to perform all computer tasks.

For example, to open a program or perform a task, you would type a combination of letters on your keyboard and press “Return” or “Enter”. The program or task would open a similar page with more white characters on a black screen. You could navigate through the options with arrow keys, or type another command to exit or open another command. A cursor would indicate where you can type more commands. The display upon turning on the computer was in a linear format, so you could only perform one task at a time. Previous commands would be higher on the page, disappearing off the top of the page and new commands  displayed underneath.

You can still see and use the original DOS display format and perform tasks that can now be done with mouse clicks. To open the DOS command window, click Start>All Programs>Accessories>Command Prompt. Type “control” and push enter. This will open your Control Panel window. Close the Window

Microsoft bought MS-DOS (Microsoft-Disk Operating System) in the early 80’s, and this was the beginning of the operating systems the majority of computers use today.

GUI, or graphical user interface was a significant development that changed the way we compute. Graphics, like colors, desktop display, icons, and buttons would replace DOS text commands. Instead of typing a combination of letters and hitting “Enter”, you now just double click an icon with a mouse.

Although the first GUI display on mid-80’s computer fade in comparison to today’s high resolution, colors, and animation, it was a big improvement from the black screen with white letters! This is where the Windows operating systems we know today began.

The name “Windows” represents the transition from DOS format to GUI format. Programs and settings now open in its own frame, or window, which means that you can switch back and forth from one programs to another, and as technology improved, have multiple windows open and running at the same time.

The latest Windows operating systems are astounding and complex in comparison to their late 80’s, early 90’s predecessors. As each new system was released, computers were faster, more colorful and aesthetically-appealing, safer, and easier to use (that is, except for the time it takes to learn new methods and layouts!).

In October of 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7, a crisp, fast, safe, and elegant OS that is hardly recognizable in comparison to the first GUI operating system from 20 years ago, Windows 3.0. For more information about the versions and features of Windows operating systems, go to microsoft.com.

***

Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net.

Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!

Digg It!DZone It!StumbleUponTechnoratiRedditDel.icio.usNewsVineFurlBlinkList

Tags: , , , , , ,

computers

Comments

3/4/2010 11:10:56 AM #

watch movies online free

I enjoy watching movies online, it is way easier than going to the theaters.

watch movies online free United States | Reply

3/10/2010 2:58:15 AM #

WoW Mobile

Do you know which mobile phone companies allow tethering?

WoW Mobile United States | Reply

3/21/2010 3:12:29 AM #

Kostenloses Girokonto

Thank you very much for that marvelous blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, I believe you are a brilliant writer. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and come back again. Keep up that marvelous job, have a great day!

Kostenloses Girokonto Germany | Reply

3/28/2010 5:42:08 PM #

free articles4u

Your site is really useful. I will make a bookmark. Will you discuss this again?

free articles4u United States | Reply

4/18/2010 9:13:39 PM #

press release submission

Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I'm more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I've added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.

press release submission United States | Reply

4/20/2010 9:12:45 PM #

Anuncios Clasificados Gratis

Anuncios Clasificados Gratis en España.

Anuncios Clasificados Gratis United States | Reply

4/21/2010 9:56:59 PM #

Bani pe internet

Bani pe net - Learn how to make money online

Bani pe internet United States | Reply

4/23/2010 9:51:54 AM #

wooden file cabinets

The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one.  I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say.  All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

wooden file cabinets United States | Reply

4/23/2010 9:16:56 PM #

discount exercise equipment

One of the more impressive blogs Ive seen.  Thanks so much for keeping the internet classy for a change.  Youve got style, class, bravado.  I mean it.  Please keep it up because without the internet is definitely lacking in intelligence.

discount exercise equipment United States | Reply

4/25/2010 12:39:47 AM #

water filter for showers

You...are...my...hero!!!  I cant believe something like this exists on the internet!  Its so true, so honest, and more than that you dont sound like an idiot!  Finally, someone who knows how to talk about a subject without sounding like a kid who didnt get that bike he wanted for Christmas.

water filter for showers United States | Reply

4/28/2010 1:27:16 AM #

Health forum

I have to say, I dont know if its the clashing colours or the bad grammar, but this blog is hideous!  I mean, I dont want to sound like a know-it-all or anything, but could you have possibly put a little bit more effort into this subject.  Its really interesting, but you dont represent it well at all, man.

Health forum United States | Reply

4/28/2010 5:34:25 AM #

Technically Challenged

I dont really know what youre talking about here.  This cant be the only way to think about this can it?  It seems like you know a lot about the subject, so why not explore it more?  Make it more accessible to everyone else who may not agree with you?  Youd get a lot more people behind this if you just stopped making general statements.

Technically Challenged United States | Reply

4/30/2010 2:00:53 AM #

online games

Neat info, many thanks to the publisher. It is actually incomprehensive in my experience right now, but in general, the usefulness and valuation is mind-boggling. Regards and all the best ..

online games United States | Reply

4/30/2010 2:40:17 AM #

acai berry weight loss

Ive been meaning to read this and just never got a chance.  Its an issue that Im very interested in, I just started reading and Im glad I did.  Youre a great blogger, one of the best that Ive seen.  This blog definitely has some information on topic that I just wasnt aware of.  Thanks for bringing this stuff to light.

acai berry weight loss United States | Reply

4/30/2010 10:33:37 PM #

metal gates london

Hello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.

metal gates london United States | Reply

5/3/2010 12:49:35 AM #

golden wedding anniversary gifts

Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I'd like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article... but what can I say... I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.

golden wedding anniversary gifts United States | Reply

5/3/2010 4:15:50 AM #

Noise cancelling earbuds

What did you do, just say whatever it is you wanted to make people mad?!  You cant just say something like that and not give any backup for it!  Youve got to at least give me a reason to think that you know what youre talking about, otherwise, you just sound like some kid with a grudge!

Noise cancelling earbuds United States | Reply

5/4/2010 3:17:58 AM #

wood filing cabinet

I cannot WAIT to read more of this.  I mean, you just know so much about this.  So much of it Ive never even thought of.  You sure did put a new twist on something that Ive heard so much about.  I dont believe Ive actually read anything that does this subject as good justice as you just did.

wood filing cabinet United States | Reply

5/4/2010 5:50:07 PM #

Sedona Vacation rentals

This is one of the most incredible blogs Ive read in a very long time.  The amount of information in here is stunning, like you practically wrote the book on the subject.  Your blog is great for anyone who wants to understand this subject more.  Great stuff; please keep it up!

Sedona Vacation rentals United States | Reply

5/4/2010 6:55:41 PM #

pike fishing

Write more, thats all I have to say.  Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.  You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

pike fishing United States | Reply

5/6/2010 8:07:33 AM #

Consumer Buying Guides

If you don't mind my asking, do you make good money from this blog?

Consumer Buying Guides United States | Reply

5/6/2010 8:28:57 AM #

Bankers Desk Lamps

Best of luck to you in the future. You've helped me out today.

Bankers Desk Lamps United States | Reply

5/6/2010 8:49:16 AM #

Chain Saw Chains

This is a great blog. I just thought I'd mention it.

Chain Saw Chains United States | Reply

5/6/2010 9:27:23 AM #

Nightstand Lamps

There is a vast amount of information on the blog you've started. Thanks.

Nightstand Lamps United States | Reply

5/6/2010 10:03:05 AM #

Stihl MS310 Chainsaw

Great article. I wish I could write so well.

Stihl MS310 Chainsaw United States | Reply

5/6/2010 11:15:06 AM #

Pioneer Amplifiers

Great article. I wish I could write so well.

Pioneer Amplifiers United States | Reply

5/8/2010 9:29:47 PM #

making money online selling secrets

Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your thoughts?  I mean, what you say is important and everything.  But its got no punch, no pop!  Maybe if you added a pic or two, a video?  You could have such a more powerful blog if you let people SEE what youre talking about instead of just reading it.

making money online selling secrets United States | Reply

5/10/2010 11:16:50 AM #

permanent hair removal system

Thank you for this blog.  Thats all I can say.  You most definitely have made this blog into something thats eye opening and important.  You clearly know so much about the subject, youve covered so many bases.  Great stuff from this part of the internet.  Again, thank you for this blog.

permanent hair removal system United States | Reply

5/12/2010 2:19:40 PM #

auto insurance quotes

Thank you for this blog.  Thats all I can say.  You most definitely have made this blog into something thats eye opening and important.  You clearly know so much about the subject, youve covered so many bases.  Great stuff from this part of the internet.  Again, thank you for this blog.

auto insurance quotes United States | Reply

5/12/2010 3:18:43 PM #

parenting

Awsome reading here. Thanks alot.

parenting United States | Reply

Add comment




  Country flag

biuquote
  • Comment
  • Preview
Loading



About the author

Hannah Miller is an Online Marketing Representative for Copper.net - America's best provider for Dial-Up Internet Service since 1997.

Hannah has been a Customer Service and Tech Support agent for Copper.net since 2007, which has supplemented her knowledge of dial-up, computers, and the Internet. The entries that are posted in this blog are professional articles relating to our industry. Email your questions, suggestions, and other comments to hmiller@copper.net.

Tag cloud