History of Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is an operating system developed for personal computers and widely used worldwide.
Early Years
The journey of Microsoft Windows began in 1985 with its first version, Windows 1.0. Unfortunately, this initial attempt was not very successful. Although users found the interface original, they generally thought it was not functional. Sales figures were also low. Windows 1.0 was perceived more as a graphical extension of MS-DOS rather than a full-fledged operating system.
Microsoft did not give up. They returned in 1987 with Windows 2.0. Things changed in this version — new programs developed specifically for Windows, like Excel and Word for Windows, caught the attention of office users. This laid the groundwork for the rise of Windows.
Microsoft Windows achieved real success with Windows 3.0, released in 1990.
XP and Beyond
In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, merging the NT and MS-DOS-based product lines. Windows XP introduced a more modern and professional appearance. The Fast User Switching feature allowed multiple users to use the same computer and switch between them easily.
Windows XP remained the most widely used release for years, from early 2001 until Vista development began in 2007.
About five years after XP, Microsoft released Windows Vista in 2006. Despite containing many innovations, Vista did not achieve the expected success due to criticisms and its high price. However, it laid the foundation for subsequent operating systems.
Windows 7 followed and was widely adopted. Windows 8.x came and went with a short lifespan. Windows 10, which remains popular on desktop computers, was then released.
Windows 11 is now the most current version of the Windows operating system, and many companies are gradually transitioning machines from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
The current version of the Windows operating system for servers is **Windows Server 2025**.
Accessing Windows
When the computer is powered on, you will be directed to the Windows desktop or login screen. The login screen is where you enter your current account information.
Local Access
If you are logging into a computer to which you have physical access, you are accessing it locally. You interact directly with the machine's keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
+--------------------+
| Physical Machine |
| |
| [ Login Screen ] |
| Username: ______ |
| Password: ______ |
| |
+--------------------+
|
v
[ Desktop ]
Remote Access
If it is a machine you do not have physical access to (server, virtual machine, etc.), you can connect using RDP.
RDP stands for Remote Desktop Protocol — a technology developed by Microsoft. Remote Desktop allows you to access another computer over a network and work as if you were sitting directly in front of that computer.
If RDP is enabled, you can connect by entering your username and password. A popular program that uses the RDP protocol is Remmina.
[ Client Machine ]
|
| RDP (Port 3389)
| Network
v
[ Remote Windows Server ]
- Full desktop access
- Keyboard/mouse input
- Screen output
Windows Interface
The Windows interface is a visual environment that allows users to interact with the computer. It helps users run programs, manage files, and change settings.
Main Interface Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Desktop | The main screen. An area where icons, files, and folders are located. |
| Start Menu | Provides access to programs, settings, and other system tools. |
| Search Box | Located on the desktop; allows searching for files, programs, and settings. |
| Taskbar | A bar at the bottom of the desktop showing running programs, open windows, and notifications. |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| [ Desktop Area ] |
| |
| [Icon] [Icon] [Folder] |
| |
| |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| [Start] [Search] | [Running Apps...] | [Clock][Tray] |
+----------------------------------------------------------+
Taskbar
Summary
Windows has evolved from a simple graphical shell on top of MS-DOS into a full-featured, enterprise-grade operating system. From Windows 1.0 in 1985 to Windows 11 today, each version has brought improvements in performance, security, and usability. Whether accessed locally or remotely via RDP, Windows provides a consistent graphical interface built around the Desktop, Start Menu, Search, and Taskbar.