Microsoft's rich history in technology includes the influential Windows operating system. From its debut in 1985 until recently Windows 11, Microsoft has been constantly innovating and adding new features, shaping the way we use computers and communicate with other people. Windows has evolved from the original Start menu to features like Live Tiles. This evolution reflects Microsoft's commitment to improving the user experience and constantly improving Windows. As a result, Windows has played a significant role in shaping technology and our daily lives. Along the way, we can safely name some of the features that truly shaped the Windows platform. In this article, we'll discuss the top five features that changed the way you use Windows forever.
The revolutionary "Start" menu
Let's start with the Start menu (and yes, that's a pun). It first appeared in Windows 95 and greatly changed the way people used this simple operating system. Before that, from Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.1, you had to rely on something called the Application Manager to run programs. It wasn't very easy because you had to open different groups of programs and use shortcuts.
But with the Start menu in Windows 95, Microsoft introduced a new and better way to use your computer. You could just click the Start button in the lower left corner and access your favorite programs. This idea continued in Windows XP, which made the Start menu wider, showing programs on the left and additional folders such as Documents and Music on the right. This gave you more room to do things your way. In Windows 7 and Vista, Microsoft added a search bar, additional menus, and smaller menus for finding documents and changing settings.
You may remember that in Windows 8 the Start menu was replaced by Live Tiles. These tiles showed quick information about your favorite apps, but everything else wasn't as easy to find. Fortunately, Microsoft brought back the Start menu in Windows 8.1 and later included tiles in the Windows 10 Start menu. You could also add programs to the menu and change their size.
However, Windows 11 made an unexpected change by placing the Start menu in the middle of the taskbar, which caused widespread debate. Windows 11 also ditched live tiles, replacing them with simpler program icons, suggested content, and a larger search window. However, no matter what it looks like, the Start menu is a very important part of Windows and always will be.
Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer debuted in 1995, and it was pretty iconic. At the time, the Internet was just starting to develop, and this new program was part of Windows to help people get online. In addition, it caused the first major competition between browsers, known as the browser wars. It went head-to-head with companies like Netscape and even led to claims that Microsoft was trying to become a monopoly and limit competition by forcing users to use Internet Explorer alongside Windows.
Despite numerous problems, Internet Explorer continued to improve. For example, in version 6, such tools as pop-up blockers and additional features appeared. However, it lost its popularity due to the emergence of browsers such as Google Chrome. It lasted 11 versions, but was replaced by Edge, and in the recent Windows 11 update, Internet Explorer was removed. However, his memory lives on. Edge even has an “Internet Explorer” mode for older websites that need it.
Pre-installed games
Windows has always included games, even when it was primarily command driven. In the beginning, as with Windows 1.0, there was a game called Reversi that came with it. This game helped people practice using a computer mouse. With the development of Windows, more classic games appeared in later versions of the system. You may recognize some of these games.
Classic examples are games like solitaire. It appeared in Windows 3.0 and was in every version of Windows up to Windows 7. There were also games like Minesweeper and FreeCell that first appeared in Windows 3.1. And then there's 3D Pinball, a game that was in Windows NT, Windows 2000, ME and XP. These games are quite famous.
Over time, Microsoft has kept many of these games in its products. Adding games such as Mahjong Titans, Chess Titans and Sudoku, the company continues to consider gaming an important part of its business even now. In Windows 11, you can still enjoy games like Microsoft Solitaire Collection. And when it comes to video games, we can't help but mention the Xbox. With Xbox Game Pass, you can sign up for a subscription and discover a new world of cloud gaming on your computer.
Windows Ink workspace
Touchscreen devices are all the rage these days, and Microsoft has followed suit with its Surface devices. In 2016, it also released something called Windows Ink. It was designed to help you interact with devices using a special pen or stylus. It had a dedicated place where you could access apps like Sticky Notes and the latest ink apps useful for note-taking like OneNote. There were also apps like Sketchpad that included drawing tools like rulers and different types of digital pens.
The dedicated Windows Ink workspace is gone, but some parts of it remain in Windows 11. For example, apps like Microsoft Whiteboard connect to Windows Ink. It allows you to have a digital canvas on which you and your friends can draw and share your thoughts and ideas.
Compatibility of applications for Android and Linux with Windows
We conclude our list by talking about two different operating systems. It used to be strange to think about running Linux and Android apps on Windows. After all, Windows was made by Microsoft, and it seemed like it would only work with what was made for Windows. However, in August 2016, Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux in Windows 10. This allows developers to write Windows applications in a much simpler way. They can use Linux command-line tools and programs alongside Windows, without having to use Linux and Windows at the same time.
This feature is still available in Windows 11. But Microsoft has gone one step further and introduced something else that's great for developers and regular users alike: Windows Subsystem for Android. It works with the Amazon App Store and lets you use Android apps on Windows. The app selection is a bit limited as there is no Google Play Store or Google Play Services, but with some tweaks you can turn your Windows PC into something of an Android device. It's pretty amazing when you think about it!
Visnovok
The Windows operating system has a long history of introducing many new features over the years. These five functions listed above are only a small part of the hundreds of functions that serve the users of the operating system. As a Windows user, which version of the operating system was your personal favorite, and which feature stands out as your all-time favorite? You can share your experience in the comments section.
