1975-1986http://www.tacktech.com |
11/29/1975 |
"Micro-soft" name used by Bill Gates in a letter to Paul Allen. |
11/26/1976 |
The tradename "Microsoft" is registered. |
08/25/1980 |
Microsoft XENIX OS was announced.
XENIX was an enhanced version id the UNIX operating system. |
--/--/1981 |
Microsoft began work on Windows (originally termed the Interface Manager) |
08/12/1981 |
MS-DOS 1.0 shipped with the new IBM Personal Computer |
03/--/1983 |
MS-DOS 2.0 shipped |
11/10/1983 |
Microsoft Windows was announced |
11/--/1984 |
MS-DOS 3.1 is available |
11/20/1985 |
Microsoft Windows
1.0 released
(It was pathetic compared to Apple's Macintosh. It's interface the looked similar to DOS Shell. It contained a few Windows Applications which were able to be cooperatively
multitasked.) |
04/--/1986 |
MS-DOS 3.2 ships |
1987http://www.tacktech.com |
04/02/1987 |
Microsoft Operating System/2 (MS OS/2)
announced, as part of a joint agreement between Microsoft and IBM. |
04/02/1987 |
MS-DOS 3.3 announced. |
04/02/1987 |
Microsoft Windows 2.0 announced. |
04/02/1987 |
Microsoft Windows/386 announced.
It was designed to take advantage of the Intel 80386. |
Fall/--/1987 |
Microsoft Windows 2.0 was introduced.
This new version added overlapping windows. PIF files (These told Windows how a DOS
application should be run) were added to Windows 2.0. |
Late/--/1987 |
Microsoft
Windows/386 released.
Multiple DOS virtual machines was added which allowed the running of multiple DOS
applications at the same time in extended memory. |
Late/--/1987 |
Microsoft renamed Windows 2.1 to
Win/286. |
1988http://www.tacktech.com |
06/28/1988 |
Microsoft Windows/286 and Windows/386
versions 2.1 announced |
07/--/1988 |
MS-DOS 4.0 released |
10/31/1988 |
David Cutler, formerly of Digital and
now working for Microsoft, begins work on Windows NT. |
11/--/1988 |
MS-DOS 4.01 shipped to correct 4.0
problems |
1990http://www.tacktech.com |
04/09/1990 |
Microsoft MS-DOS 4.01 (Russian
Version) introduced |
05/22/1990 |
Microsoft releases Windows 3.0.
First version of Windows to allow use of memory beyond 640Kb, up to 16MB of RAM with 386
enhanced mode, support for color palettes with more than 16 colors, hierarchical menus,
"Program Manager" and "File Manager", private INI files, network
support, and API support for combo boxes.
(Over 10 million copies of Microsoft Windows were sold.) |
1991http://www.tacktech.com |
10/--/1991 |
Windows NT is displayed publicly at a
demo at COMDEX. |
10/20/1991 |
Microsoft Windows
3.0 with Multimedia Extensions released |
06/--/1991 |
MS-DOS 5.0 shipped. This was the first
version of MS-DOS that featured a retail upgrade. |
1992http://www.tacktech.com |
04/06/1992 |
Microsoft Windows
3.1 was released.
TrueType scalable fonts support, Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), mouse trails, and API
multimedia and networking support were added. |
10/11/1992 |
Microsoft Windows NT beta program
shipped |
10/27/1992 |
Microsoft Windows
for Workgroups 3.1 released. It added easier, integrated networking. |
1993http://www.tacktech.com |
03/--/1993 |
Microsoft Windows NT
3.1 Beta |
03/30/1993 |
MS-DOS 6.0 upgrade shipped.
This version included DoubleSpace |
05/24/1993 |
Microsoft Window NT formally launched.
It was scheduled for release in 60 days. |
06/--/1993 |
Microsoft begins the development of
the successor to Windows 3.x which will later be title Windows 95 (code-named
Chicago") |
08/--/1993 |
Microsoft Windows NT
3.1 released after five years in development. It consists of over 6 million lines of code. |
11/--/1993 |
MS-DOS 6.2 released. |
11/08/1993 |
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
was shipped.
This version corrected some network-related problems. |
1994http://www.tacktech.com |
03/02/1994 |
MS-DOS 6.21 ships with drive
compression removed due to a law suit. |
04/11/1994 |
MS-DOS 6.22 ships with new DriveSpace
drive compression. |
Q1/--/1994 |
Microsoft is planing to release a new
version Windows the second half of 1994. |
09/06/1994 |
Microsoft Windows NT
3.5 (code-named Daytona") released. It consists of over 9 million lines of
code. |
09/08/1994 |
Microsoft Windows 95 becomes the
official name of the new version of Windows code-named "Chicago". |
1995http://www.tacktech.com |
06/--/1995 |
Microsoft Windows NT
3.51 released. Minor release is to support upcoming Windows 95 programs. |
08/24/1995 |
Microsoft Windows 95
released. It include MS-DOS 7.0 v4.00.950
The upgrade consisted of 17cabs. The full version had 28 cabs. |
12/--/1995 |
Microsoft Windows code-named
"Nashville" v4.10.999
This was often referred to as Windows 96. It was never release. Windows 98 later included
it's features. |
1996http://www.tacktech.com |
02/--/1996 |
Microsoft Windows 95
SR1 released v4.00.950A/OSR1 |
08/24/1996 |
Microsoft Windows NT
4.0 released. It consists of over 16 million lines of code. |
09/--/1996 |
Microsoft Windows 95
SR2 released v4.00.950B/OSR2 or Build 4.00.1111/Detroit |
|
Microsoft Windows 95 is scheduled for
a major overhaul in 1997, code-named Memphis (Windows 98 1st ED). |
11/--/1996 |
Microsoft Windows CE
1.0 released, supporting handheld-PCs |
12/--/1996 |
Microsoft Windows 95
SR2.1 (build 4.03.1212)
1MB supplement for SR2 named usbsupp.exe. Partial USB support includes host controller and hub drivers, and the HID and Imaging classes. AGP support. Recommended for SR2 users wanting USB. |
12/--/1996 |
Microsoft Windows 95 code-named
Detroit (SR3) v4.10.1525.3
This development line attempted to give Windows 95 integrated Internet components. It buggy and unstable. The planned release was Dec. 1996. Microsoft scraped it. |
1997http://www.tacktech.com |
07/--/1997 |
Microsoft Windows 98
(Beta 1), code-named "Memphis" released. v4.10.1525.3 (Also, referred to as
Windows 9x and Windows 97) Consisted of 47 cabs with IE4 build 4.71.0913.5. NT kernel and speedier registry handling. Curiously, the version# lines up with W96 (4.10.999). Included Winsock2, multiple display support, a DVD player, DirectX5, USB support, Memphis specific Tweak UI additions, System Optimizer, System Troubleshooter and TV listings software (MS CDF). |
09/27/1997 |
Microsoft Windows NT
5.0 (Beta 1) released. Later known as Windows 2000 |
11/--/1997 |
Microsoft Windows CE
2.0 released |
12/--/1997 |
Microsoft Windows
SR2.5 v4.00.950C / ORSR2.5 (build 4.03.1214)
OEM only release. Mostly identical to SR2, but adds SR2.1 USB/AGP update along with IE4 and DirectX 5. Contained the second USB supplement. |
12/--/1997 |
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack
released |
1998http://www.tacktech.com |
06/25/1998 |
Microsoft Windows 98 released.
v4.10.1998.6
Consisted of 69 cabs with IE4 version 4.72.3110. Features: Some NT kernel and speedier
registry handling, FAT32. |
07/--/1998 |
Microsoft Windows CE
2.1 released, supporting palm-sized PCs |
08/20/1998 |
Microsoft Windows NT 5.0 (Beta 2)
released (code-named "Cairo) |
10/27/1998 |
Microsoft announces that Windows NT
5.0 will be renamed "Windows 2000" |
12/16/1998 |
Microsoft Windows 2000 (RC0) release |
1999http://www.tacktech.com |
01/--/1999 |
Microsoft Windows 98 SP1 (Beta 1)
v4.10.2120
Contains Internet Explorer 5 & DX6.1 Delay of beta 2 caused by bugs in IE5
and a memory leak. Microsoft discontinued SP1 in favor a smaller 41MB patch.
Microsoft thought it too big for downloading. Microsoft may release an upgrade CD
(SP1) which it would sell for a nominal price from it's Webster. |
04/29/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 (Beta 3) released v5.00.2031 |
05/05/1999 |
Microsoft Windows 98 SE (second
edition) released v4.10.2222.
Contained bug fixes, security fixes, Internet Explorer 5 & DirectX6.1
Also, new functionality and hardware capabilities were added. |
07/02/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 (RC1) released |
07/23/1999 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium Developer
Preview 1 released |
07/26/1999 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium Offically
Announced |
08/--/1999 |
Microsoft Windows 98 SE update CD
available. This CD will upgrade your Windows 98 4.10.1998 to Second Edition. You can order
it from Microsoft.
(The Windows 98 Customer Service Pack CD just fixes bugs and Y2K issues, ) |
08/25/1999 |
Microsoft and Compaq discontinue all
Windows NT/2000 development for the Alpha processor |
09/15/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 (RC2) released build 2128 |
09/23/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium (Beta 1) - build 4.90.2380.2
Windows Millennium Beta 1 - TechNet Dec. 1999
Build 4.90.2380
IE 5.50.3723.1301 56-bit cipher
OE 5.00.2919.5600
Explorer 5.50.3723.1301
Media Player: 7.00.00.0093
File Dates 09/20/1999 10:00AM
CD Label: WinMil B1
Files on CD Date: 09/22/1999 12:20PM |
11/11/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 (RC3) released v5.00.2183 |
11/23/1999 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium (Beta 2) - build 4.90.2419.5
Windows Millennium Beta 2 - TechNet Jan. 2000
Build 4.90.2419
IE 5.50.3825.1300 56-bit cipher
OE 5.50.3825.400
Explorer 5.50.3825.1300
Meda Player: 6.4.07.1028
File Dates 11/17/1999 05:00PM
CD Label: WinMil Beta
Files on CD Date: 11/17/1999 05:00PM
Folder on CD Dates: 11/17/1999 05:00PM
Included CD Sampler |
12/15/1999 |
Microsoft Windows 2000 RTM released
(i.e., coding completed) |
12/--/1999 |
Microsoft Windows Whistler build
5.01.xxxx (Later Windows.NET)
Microsoft had three Windows consumer version development lines running. Windows Neptune
was the codename for the operating system to follow Windows ME. Windows Odyssey was yet
another OS that would follow Windows Neptune. Both have since been cancelled in favor of
Whistler which will the first consumer version of the NT code. |
2000http://www.tacktech.com |
01/19/2000 |
Microsoft Windows 2000 MSDN released |
01/20/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium (Beta 2 refresh) - build 2452 |
02/10/2000? |
Microsoft Windows Whistler build
5.01.2200 |
02/17/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 Professional, Server, and Advanced Server released. v5.00.2195 |
02/18/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2470 |
02/25/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2476 |
03/--/2000 |
Microsoft Blackcomb is now being
developed which will be the follow up to Whistler . |
03/03/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2481 |
03/10/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2487 |
03/17/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2491 |
03/27/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2499 |
03/20/2000? |
Microsoft Windows Whistler build
5.01.2211.1 leaked on the Web |
03/30/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2499.3 |
04/07/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium (Beta 3)
- build 2499.7 completed |
04/11/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium (Beta 3) - build 2499.7 released
Windows Millennium Beta 3 - TechNet Jun. 2000
Build 4.90.2499
IE 5.50.4030.2400 128-bit cipher
OE 5.50.4029.2901
Explorer 5.50.4030.2400
Meda Player: 7.00.00.1153
File Dates 04/04/2000 05:00PM
CD Label: WinMEB3
Files on CD Date: 04/04/2000 10:00AM
Folder on CD Dates: 05/11/2000 3:47PM 3:47PM 3:34PM 3:40PM 3:41PM 4:11PM
Included CD Sampler |
04/18/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2509 |
04/21/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2513 |
04/25/2000 |
Microsoft showcased 'Whistler' at the
Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) |
04/26/2000? |
Microsoft Windows Whistler build
5.01.2XXX leaked on the Web |
04/28/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Millennium - build
2516 |
05/09/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium Edition (RC0) - build 2525 |
05/17/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium Edition (RC1) - build 2525.6 |
06/06/2000? |
Microsoft Windows
Millennium Edition (RC2) - build 2535 |
06/18/2000? |
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
when gold (v4.90.3000.2)
Internet Explorer 5.5 is included. New Icons and color scheme like those found in Windows
2000. |
|
Microsoft Windows Whistler Build
2223.1 |
07/11/2000 |
Microsoft Windows Whistler Build 2250 |
07/31/2000 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 Serivce Pack 1 (SP1) released |
08/31/2000 |
Microsoft Windows 2001, code-named
"Whistler" invites sent to previous beta testers. It is rumored the build 2257
of the Personal and Professional releases are bugged so they will sent the internal,
Washington. This feature is currently not included in the Server and Advanced Server
versions. |
09/14/2000 |
Microsoft Windows ME
to be offically released |
10/01/2000 |
Microsoft Whistler
Beta1 |
12/06/2000 |
Microsoft Whistler
Beta2 |
2001http://www.tacktech.com |
02/14/2001 |
Microsoft Whistler
RC1 |
03/21/2001 |
Microsoft Whistler
RC2 |
04/18/2001 |
Microsoft Whistler
Final Build |
05/06/2001 |
Microsoft announced it will launch Windows XP, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 |
05/16/2001 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 Serivce Pack 2 (SP2) released |
10/25/2001 |
Microsoft Windows XP Home / Windows XP Professional
Released |
2002http://www.tacktech.com |
08/01/2002 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 Serivce Pack 3 (SP3) released |
09/09/2002 |
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) Released |
2003http://www.tacktech.com |
02/03/2003 |
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) Released |
03/28/2003 |
Microsoft Releases Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 to Manufacturing |
06/26/2003 |
Microsoft Windows
2000 Serivce Pack 4 (SP4) released |
2004http://www.tacktech.com |
08/25/2004 |
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Released |
2006http://www.tacktech.com |
09/06/2006 |
Microsoft announces the availability of Windows Vista (RC1) Build 5600 to Technical Beta Testers. |
09/23/2006 |
Microsoft announces the availability of Windows Vista (RC1) UPDATE Build 5728 to Technical Beta Testers. |
10/07/2006 |
Microsoft announces the availability of Windows Vista (RC2) Build 5744 to Technical Beta Testers. |
11/08/2006 |
Microsoft Windows Vista is released to manufacturing (RTM) |
11/08/2006 |
Microsoft sets November 30, 2006 as the release date for Vista to business customers and January 30, 2007 as the official date for Vista worldwide general availability. |
2007http://www.tacktech.com |
07/19/2007 |
Microsoft Windows 7 announced. |
08/09/2007 |
Microsoft Windows XP Professional (N) Service Pack 2c (SP2c) Released |
12/10/2007 |
Microsoft announces the availability of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (RC1) Build 6001 |
2008http://www.tacktech.com |
01/19/2008 |
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 RC (Second Public Release) |
01/19/2008 |
Microsoft Windows 7 (M1 / Build 6519.1) |
03/18/2008 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) Released |
05/06/2008 |
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Released |
12/06/2008 |
Microsoft announces the availability of Windows Vista (SP2) Beta |
2009http://www.tacktech.com |
01/07/2009 |
Microsoft Windows 7 Beta (First Public Release / Build 7000) |
02/27/2009 |
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is released to manufacturing (RTM) |
05/25/2009 |
Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) Released (Build 6.0.6002.18005 / Five Language Standalone) |
05/25/2009 |
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2) Released (Build 6.0.6002.18005 / Five Language Standalone) |
07/22/2009 |
Microsoft Windows 7 is released to manufacturing (RTM) |
08/14/2009 |
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 is released to manufacturing (RTM) |
10/22/2009 |
Microsoft Windows 7
Released to Public |
10/22/2009 |
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
Launched |