Windows 1.0 to 8

1985  Windows 1.0

The First Version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 1.0, with simple applications and the concept of multitasking on PC.

1987  Windows 2.0 

The Second Version of Windows, Windows 2.0 with some fixes and the Control Panel. 

1988  Windows 2.1 

The Second Version of Windows with some additions, and some fixes, Windows 2.1, the Paint software is seen in this one! 

1990  Windows 3.0 

The Third Version of Windows, Windows 3.0, featuring the File Manager and Program Manager, replacing the old MS DOS based File and Program Managers. 

1992  Windows 3.1 

The later released upgraded version of Windows 3.0, which had support for 32-bit Disk Access, Personalization options and had the Minesweeper game for the first time. 

1995  Windows 95 

Windows 95, the changed look, the new interface and the beginning of the form of Windows which we see now. Enhanced Graphics and better Communication Programs. 

1998  Windows 98 

Windows 98, one of the most successful versions of Windows till now, this version of Windows can still be seen in some PCs even today. With Extended Softwares, better Performance, this Version was the first milestone in the path of the development of Windows. 

2000  Windows ME 

Windows ME or Windows Millenium Edition, though not a very popular version of Windows, but still it had some better tools and performance than the previous ones in some cases. 

2001  Windows XP 

Windows XP, the Daddy of all versions of Windows, the most popular version of windows even today. Windows XP is still used today because of its unmatched performance, tools and interface. This has been the best version of Windows till the arrival of Windows 7. 

2006  Windows Vista 

Windows Vista, though it didn't go so well in the public, but still its a good version of Windows specially for the interface the Windows Aerobic Effect, making the Window Transparency work like magic.

2009  Windows 7 

Windows 7, the best version of Windows till date. With the new and advanced features such as the Superbar, this version of Windows created another milestone for Microsoft after Windows 98 and Windows XP. Windows 7 features an unbeatable user interface, and powerful tools that makes it the best among the rest. 

2012  Windows 8 

Windows 8, to be released in the late 2012. The interface of Windows 8 as seen at the D9 Conference. A better version of Windows as proposed by Microsoft, with the changed User Interface.

By: Muhammad Iqbal Akhtar.

Download and Install Differently Designed Windows 8

Yes Windows 8 comes with a hybrid design and isn’t like the Windows OS we are usually familiar with. Latest version brings completely new visual interface, which is optimized for touchscreen devices but can be equally efficient with mouse and keyboard for desktop computers.

Here’s a preview of What Windows 8 will look like:

Start Screen:

Lock Screen:

Keyboard and Apps (Earlier we used to call them programs):

File Management:

Download Windows 8

Microsoft was quick enough to release the developer version for Windows 8 for general public.

You can select from one of following versions available at Microsoft’s website:

• Windows Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit
• Windows Developer Preview English, 64-bit
• Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit

It appears that Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit will be suitable for many, unless you need to get the developer tools too.

You can download any version of Windows 8 from this link.

How to Install Windows 8 on Virtual Machines:

• You can install Windows 8 preview on a virtual machine instead of dedicating an entire PC for it.
• You can use VirtualBox for hardware virtualization
• Download Windows 8 from above given link.
• Create a new VirtualBox virtual machine and select Windows 8 as the OS type.
• In the Motherboard tab under System, check Enable IO APIC.
• In the Processor tab under System, check Enable PAE/NX.
• In the Acceleration tab under System, check Enable VT-x/AMD-V and Enable Nested Paging.
• In the Video tab under Display, check Enable 2D acceleration.
• Remember to mount the Windows 8 .ISO file you downloaded and you’re good to go!

Note: Make sure your PC supports hardware virtualization for this to work, or you can go with a fresh machine to install Windows 8. Remember, you can’t un-install this copy of Windows unless you format the drive.

Want to Change Metro UI:

• If you want to disable the Metro UI?
• Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
• Change the value of RPEnabled from 1 to 0.