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If you own a computer, then you probably know what operating system your computer runs. There is a very good chance that you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system on your computer. While you may love your Windows and all of its features, you may not know the history of this terrific operating system. For instance, did you know that Windows was almost marketed as Interface Manager? Windows has come a long way over the past few decades, from clunky and bothersome to sleek, fast, and ever improving.
Microsoft released the first version of Windows in 1985. After Apple raised a bit of a fuss about some of the similar features that Windows had in comparison to their software, Microsoft worked out a licensing agreement to keep all of their bases covered. Windows version 2.0 was released in 1987. A large lawsuit filed by Apple ensued. Apple alleged that Microsoft had infringed on several of their patents. Microsoft simply referred back to the licensing agreement that skillfully gave Microsoft the right to use Apple features in all future versions of Windows. Microsoft won the lawsuit and Windows continued to improve.
Windows version 3.0 was released in 1990, with 3.1 following in 1992. These versions of Windows were the most popular operating systems installed on PCs until Windows 95 hit the market. Windows 98 was released in 1998 and featured the built-in browser, Internet Explorer. Windows 2000 came out in the corresponding year, quickly followed by XP in 2001. XP was a solid system and held the market for several years. Then, along came Vista in 2007.
Finally, Windows 7 was released in 2009. This operating system addressed several Vista issues and seems to be an improved system. Microsoft, however, is far from done. The technology surrounding computer software keeps improving and there are many more versions sure to come.
