What was the operating system before windows

These versions of Windows were still built on DOS. But there was a time when the Windows desktop was the new, user-friendly interface. Image Credit: mrdorkesq on Flickr.

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Best iPad Mini Cases. Best Gifts for Cutting the Cord. Best Bluetooth Speakers. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Gaming Monitors. Best iPads. Best iPhones. It now consists of three operating system subfamilies that are released almost at the same time and share the same kernel: Windows: The operating system for mainstream personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

The latest version is Windows Skip to content Android Windows Linux Apple. Home » Other. See also Quick Answer: What is operating system and features of operating system? See also Question: What does going into administration mean for employees? Over 29 years later, Windows looks very different but somehow familiar with elements that have survived the test of time, increases in computing power and — most recently — a shift from the keyboard and mouse to the touchscreen.

This is where it all started for Windows. It was notable because it relied heavily on use of a mouse before the mouse was a common computer input device.

To help users become familiar with this odd input system, Microsoft included a game, Reversi visible in the screenshot that relied on mouse control, not the keyboard, to get people used to moving the mouse around and clicking onscreen elements.

The control panel, where various system settings and configuration options were collected together in one place, was introduced in Windows 2 and survives to this day. Microsoft Word and Excel also made their first appearances running on Windows 2. The first Windows that required a hard drive launched in Windows 3 introduced the ability to run MS-DOS programmes in windows, which brought multitasking to legacy programmes, and supported colours bringing a more modern, colourful look to the interface.

More important - at least to the sum total of human time wasted - it introduced the card-moving timesink and mouse use trainer Solitaire. Windows 1 and 2 both had point release updates, but Windows 3. Minesweeper also made its first appearance. Windows 3. Could it be any more up-to-date? Windows 95 also introduced a bit environment, the task bar and focused on multitasking. MS-DOS still played an important role for Windows 95, which required it to run some programmes and elements.

Internet Explorer also made its debut on Windows 95, but was not installed by default requiring the Windows 95 Plus! Windows 98 introduced the back and forward navigation buttons and the address bar in Windows Explorer, among other things.