Windows has a long and colorful history. Here is the time line:
NOTE: I go by when the item was released to the general public for my dates
November 20, 1985
Windows 1.01: (NOTE: Windows 1.0 was never released to the public. It was used as a demonstration at a technology show. Windows 1.01 had a few minor bug fixes.) This version of windows was the first windows ever. It provided users with a graphical interface unlike DOS, and utilized the computer in ways DOS could not. But it still used DOS's functions, and therefore could not run without a DOS environment.
May 1986
Windows 1.02: Windows' first international release with versions for many European languages.
August 1986
Windows 1.03: First US and international release: Added drivers for European keyboards, plus more drivers for printers and monitors.
April 1987
Windows 1.04: Added support for the VGA graphics adapters of the new IBM PS/2 computers. Microsoft also announced the OS/2 operating system, which was supposed to ultimately replace both Windows and DOS.
November 23, 1987
Windows 2.0: This release introduced the modern "minimize and maximize" functions on the windows. It also had overlapping windows. It also introduced the Alt-key functions (ie: alt-y, alt-x) It also had a lot of legal issues with Apple. Apple filed suit with Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard for making Windows look too much like the Apple Mac OS. Apple lost the suit, and windows lived on. Also, Windows/286 and Windows/386 are variations of Windows 2.0 that were able to use the Intel 80286 and 80386 processors (much like Windows XP 32-bit and Windows XP-64-bit editions. You could call these the first processor-based variations of Windows)
May 27, 1988
Windows/286 2.1 and Windows/386 2.1: The original Windows 2.0 was never upgraded, while it's variations /286 & /386 were upgraded to 2.1. These variations took advantage of specific features of the Intel 80286 and 80386 processors.
March 1989
Windows/286 2.11 and Windows/386 2.11: These versions were just changes to make windows run faster and manage scrips more efficiently.
May 22, 1990
Windows 3.0: This was the first widely successful version of windows that was a formidable rival to Mac OS's. It had support for the 286 and 386 machines built in and improved. The MS-DOS Executive was replaced with the Program Manager, an icon-based window that had program groups for access to programs. It included Write and Notepad, and it was the first Windows version to include Solitaire. It was the last windows version to advertise 100% compatibility with programs for previous versions of windows
October 20, 1991
Windows 3.0 +Multimedia Extensions: The multimedia extensions was software to enable windows to use CD-ROM drives (for music) and sound cards. It wasn't really an official upgrade, just an add on.
April 6, 1992
Windows 3.1: This was the first windows version to offer TrueType fonts. It made windows a serious desktop publishing platform. It was the first to support 32-bit disk access. It also replaced Reversi with Minesweeper.
October 27, 1992
Windows For Workgroups 3.1: This was an extended version of Windows 3.1, that was the first version that included native network support. It had the Hearts card game, and support for network protocols of the time.
Sometime in 1993
Windows 3.11: Besides a few minor files being updated, the only difference between this and Windows 3.1 was the version number in the About dialog box. (NOTE: Windows 3.2 was a release specially written for Simplified Chinese. It is basically the same as 3.11 besides using Chinese characters.
July 27, 1993
Windows NT 3.1: This is the first NT release of windows. It was so similar to Windows 3.11, it was mistaken for it. It was origionally supposed to be OS/2 3.0, Microsoft's other OS at the time partnered with IBM. But the Windows franchise was so sucessful, they decided to call it Windows NT.
November 8, 1993
Windows For Workgroups 3.11: This version of windows included native 32-bit networking, native 32-bit file access, and was able to be patched by 3rd party products to provide limited support for TCP/IP and the Windows 32-bit API used in Windows NT. This was the last version of windows to have the original execution kernel. It was to be replaced with an all-new kernel in Windows 95.
September 21, 1994
Windows NT 3.5 Workstation/Advanced Server: This is the first version of windows to include a server edition and a workstation edition that were basically the same OS (like its eventual succeeder Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 Advanced Server). It was built to run faster than it's previous release. It used less memory and had more efficiency. It's interface was designed to be consistent with Windows 3.xx. It refused to run on processors newer than the original Pentium. It was also the first to have Service Packs released by Microsoft.
May 30, 1995
Windows NT 3.51 Workstation/Advanced Server: This release of windows was the first to support 32-bit programs (designed for the then upcoming Windows 95). Even some recent 32-bit programs like Mozilla Firefox still run on NT 3.51. Microsoft released the replacement for Program Manager called Shell Technology Preview (to eventually be called Windows Explorer). It never made it to any update of NT 3.51. This version was the last to run on a 386 and was the least resource hungry of the series. It still finds a place on some older machines for occasional use. It was the last to require MS-DOS to run.
August 24, 1995
Windows 95: This was the groundbreaking version of windows that introduced technologies still present on the latest version of windows, Windows Vista. It introduced the Start button, Windows Explorer, Taskbar, and an all new graphical interface. One of the big changes was that Windows no longer needed MS-DOS to operate. It was all built in. It had the effect of putting DOS-compatible OS's out of business, which would be later used in court against Microsoft. It also enabled long filenames, as opposed to the 8-character limit on previous versions of DOS and Windows. The version was a huge success. In only a year or two it became the most successful operating system ever. Though now unsupported and forgotten, this version of windows paved the way for Microsoft's (tyrannical) computer empire.
December 31, 1995
Windows 95 Service Pack 1: A semi-major update of the original retail version of Windows 95 that added tools, drivers, and other updates to Windows 95
February 1996
Windows 95A/OSR1: Another update to Windows 95 that fixed issues with internet connections in the original release. Also was the first Windows version to include Internet Explorer. It was version 2.0. (1.0 was a release of Internet Explorer, but was never included in any windows release.)
August 24, 1996
Windows NT 4.0: The fourth release of Windows NT that looked very similar to Windows 95. The differences between Windows 95 and NT 4 were many. NT was less user friendly with maintenance and use. It also had very limited support for games and DirectX. It also handled programs in a different way, which did improve stability greatly, but it required more work from the computer, making it ultimately slower. It is the last Windows NT release, but the source code continued to Windows 2000. It is still used in many systems today. There were 2 more editions of the server editions, Enterprise Edition, which was designed for high-traffic networks, and Terminal Server, which allowed users to log in remotely.
August 1996
Windows 95B/OSR2: This update to Windows 95 added FAT32 support in response to growing hard drives, where FAT16 could not support. It also added UDMA suppourt, which sped up the system. It also had a variety of bug fixes, and included Internet Explorer 3.0.
October 16, 1996
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 1: An update to Windows NT 4.0 with bug fixes.
December 14, 1996
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 2: Another update to Windows NT 4.0.
April 1997
Windows 95B/OSR2.1: Another update to Windows 95 that included bug fixes and limited support for USB devices. (This was not like modern USB. These used the same plug, but this was 1.0/1.1, much slower and more unstable)
May 15, 1997
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3: Another update to Windows NT 4.0.
November 1997
Windows 95C/OSR2.5: This was the last update to Windows 95. It included Internet Explorer 4.0, and bug fixes.
December 1997
Windows NT 4.0 Option Pack: An optional update to Windows NT 4.0 that provided new features.
June 25, 1998
Windows 98: The successor of Windows 95, Windows 98 introduced a much more simplified Windows Explorer based on Internet Explorer. It was very similar to Windows 95 in it's core functions, but was much more user friendly and supported a much wider range of hardware and software. It was able to run DOS programs, and programs written for Windows versions as old as Windows 3.0. It could also run software made for Windows NT. It was a very lean, mean machine, using less than 400MB of hard drive space, running on very little memory and processors as old as 486's. It did have many stability issues, which were quite annoying when you tried to install programs released after Windows 98. It is still in use on many systems today, due to still being able to support programs written before 2006, when it was listed as unsupported by Microsoft. It's update, Windows 98 Second Edition, has a home on many computers today, because of the ease of use and ability to support new hardware easily.
June 1998
Windows NT Terminal Server Edition: A variant of Windows NT 4.0 that enabled users to log in remotely.
October 25, 1998
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4: Another update to Windows NT 4.0
May 4, 1999
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5: Another update to Windows NT 4.0
May 5, 1999
Windows 98 Second Edition: While still retaining the name and key features of the first edition of Windows 98, Windows 98 SE included some key features that enabled it to last through the years, still being used today. It included a new driver standard, WDM (remeber driver signing? This is what WDM is) replacing VxD while still supporting it. It included more networking tools, the new Internet Explorer 5, and integrated support for DVD-ROM drives. Unlike its first edition, it can be upgraded to Windows Media Player 9, DirectX 9.0c, and other programs that would otherwise crash under the first edition.
June 25, 1999
Windows 98 Service Pack 1: A relatively unknown update to Windows 98 First Edition, it included many bug fixed and was downloadable via Windows 98's website. No longer available, ts updates can be separately installed via Windows Update.
September 27, 1999
Windows NT 4.0 Embedded: A variant of Windows NT 4.0 that was designed for special functions on computers on ATM's, kiosks, and other automated machines.
November 22, 1999
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6: Another update to Windows NT 4.0
November 30, 1999
Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6a: Another update to Windows NT 4.0, oddly released only 8 days after the previous version.
December 9, 1999
Windows NT Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4: An update to Windows NT Terminal Server Edition
February 17, 2000
Windows 2000: This version of windows used the same kernel as Windows NT 4.0, and therefore succeeded it. It was a business-oriented version of Windows, available in for editions: Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server. Unlike it's predecessor, Windows 2000 provided support for DirectX 9.0c, gaming, and support for common Windows programs. It included NTFS, a filesystem used by previous versions of Windows NT, but now it was updated to provide encryption, compression, and quotas. It included enhancements that made it comparable to Windows 98 SE, even though they were completely different in their kernels, and designed for different markets. It improved Windows Explorer, providing new functionality. Windows 2000 is the oldest version of Windows that is commonly used in many places and is still supported by Microsoft, though is being outdated, behind Windows XP and Vista.
March 27, 2000
Windows NT Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 5: An update to Windows NT Terminal Server Edititon
August 15, 2000
Windows 2000 Service Pack 1: An update to Windows 2000
September 14, 2000
Windows Millennium Edition: Windows ME replaced Windows 98 and was advertised as the "home edition" of Windows 2000. Actually this version of windows introduced many of the popular features of Windows XP, like the Windows Movie Maker, System Restore, Universal Plug and Play, Windows Image Acquisition (for getting images from digital cameras and scanners), Automatic Updates, Compressed Folders, the games Pinball, Spider Solitare, Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers, Internet Hearts, Internet Reversi, and Internet Spades, the easier-to-use Help and Support, generic support for USB Flash drives, and Windows File Protection (where windows protects the key operating system files so you don't delete them). You could say it was an early edition of Windows XP. It was the last version of Windows based on the DOS/Windows hybrid kernel. It actually restricted real-mode DOS for a faster boot, making older disk utilities and programs useless. It was also the last not to use Windows Product Activation, where you must contact Microsoft before you can use your software. At the time of it's release, it was very unpopular due to bugs and non ease of use. It is no longer supported, and represents the last update to kernel responsible for Microsoft's success. The windows line would change after this with Windows XP, closing the gap between Windows NT and Windows 9x/ME.
May 16, 2001
Windows 2000 Service Pack 2: An update to Windows 2000
October 25, 2001
Windows XP: This version was the real cash-cow of Microsoft. In 2006 there was an estimated 400 million copies in use. In fact, this document was typed under Windows XP. It came in 2 editions, Home and Professional. It also had variations for the new x64 processors, Windows XP 64-bit edition. Windows XP was known for its much-improved stability over its predecessors and had an all-new graphical interface, fully redesigned for ease of use. Almost every aspect of the operating system was redesigned, the icons, menus, control panels, desktop, you name it, it was probably redesigned. Everything for the most part was easier to use and more stable. It also introduced the infamous Windows Product Activation for the first time, bringing lawsuits to Microsoft and headaches to customers. It also caused more lawsuits when people complained that Microsoft was abusing its monopoly by integrating Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Messenger into the operating system. Users would have to figure out how to disable these programs first before they installed another internet browser or media player, and after they did that, it was still there anyway. Windows XP was a colossal success despite its few run-ins to the law. After its release, there was a lull in Microsoft's development of desktop operating systems. It would be another 6 years before XP's successor would be released, Windows Vista.
August 1, 2002
Windows 2000 Service Pack 3: An update to Windows 2000
September 9, 2002
Windows XP Service Pack 1: An update to Windows XP that enabled users to disable the bundled software that came with XP, and introduced USB 2.0
October 31, 2002
Windows Media Center Edition 2003: Windows MCE was originally available only through computer manufacturers. MCE was basically Windows XP with enhanced media software, like FM Radio and ability to support a remote control.
February 3, 2003
Windows XP Service Pack 1a: An update to Windows XP that removed Microsoft's Java virtual machine after a lawsuit with Sun Microsystems
April 24, 2003
Windows Server 2003: The successor to Windows 2000 Server, this was a server operating system that was designed to run web servers, network servers, etc. It has several variants, each aimed at a specific purpose. They are: Small Business Server, Web Edition, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, Compute Cluster Server, and Storage Server.
June 25, 2003
Windows 2000 Service Pack 4: An update to Windows 2000
September 30, 2003
Windows Media Center Edition 2004: An update to MCE 2003 that was later included in Windows XP Service Pack 2
August 6, 2004
Windows XP Service Pack 2: This update was released with special emphasis on security and included an extremely limited firewall. It also included a popup blocker with Internet Explorer and Bluetooth support.
October 12, 2004
Windows Media Center Edition 2005: An update to MCE 2004 that included many new features and was the first available to non-system builders.
March 30, 2005
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1: An update Windows Server 2003
January 30, 2007
Windows Vista: After nearly 6 years and dozens of delays, the successor to Windows XP was released to the public. Currently the latest version of windows, it introduced the most radical redesign of the Windows OS since Windows 95. It includes a new user interface, and has an optional interface dubbed Windows Aero which allows you to make cool effects with your windows. It comes in many editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Perhaps the worst windows release ever, it either removes or cripples many classic Windows features. It no longer has Hyper Terminal, a feature since Windows 95. WordPad can no longer open .doc files. Sound Recorder is stripped of almost all its features, making it almost useless. It doesn't include any of XP's themes, or even any of the classic themes that had been in windows since the 3.x era. It has few drivers for older hardware, making some computers unable to use it. It is the most resource hungry OS ever, clogging even the fastest computers arteries with its ridiculous 3D visual themes. Microsoft claimed that it would be the most popular operating system ever, but much to its surprise (but not to anyone else's) it was a flop. As I write this, almost a year after it was released, it has only gained 6.5% of the market share. System builders include Windows Vista with their computers, but some people dislike the new OS so much they roll back to Windows XP. The business front is even worse, 43% of businesses planned to upgrade when it was first released, now that number is at 10%. Microsoft, in a panic, decided to extend XP's time on the shelf, so they can continue to at least make a profit. Perhaps it will never catch on, and Windows 7, the codename for the replacement for Windows Vista, will ultimately replace XP.
March 12, 2007
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2: An update to Windows Server 2003
July 16, 2007
Windows Home Server: A home server built upon Windows Server 2003 SP2. The only difference is a user-friendly interface designed for people with no prior knowledge of servers.
February 27, 2008
Windows Server 2008: The successor to Windows Server 2003 released 5 years earlier, Windows Server 2008 is built on the same code base as Windows Vista. A notable new feature is Server Core, where no Windows Explorer (start bar and my computer, the basis of windows) runs and all work is done with a command line or while connected to a Microsoft Management Console. There is no internet explorer and it is useful for server functions. Active Directory and Terminal Services get major upgrades, and new features include Windows Power Shell, basically DOS on steroids, including 160 commands and features built on the .NET framework. Self-healing NTFS heals any problems on the hard drive without having to be taken off line. There are also many other improvements. The 9 different editions are: Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition, Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition, Windows HPC Server 2008, Windows Web Server 2008, Windows Storage Server 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2008,
Windows Essential Business Server 2008,
and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems.
March 18, 2008
Windows Vista Service Pack 1: An update to Windows Vista that included performance improvements and new features
May 6, 2008
Windows XP Service Pack 3: An update to Windows XP that included thousands of hotfixes since SP2. Release was delayed after a compatibility problem with Windows Embedded, primarily used in businesses with computers like ATMs and dedicated computer terminals
UPCOMING:
Windows 7: Rumored to be released sometime this year as early as the second quarter, Windows 7 looks promising from the public beta build. Built from the same kernel as Vista, but much faster, it is designed to work with all programs and drivers compatible with Vista. It is slated to come in 3 editions (home premium, professional, and ultimate. There is a rumor that it could include a special laptop edition). It uses a new networking system called Homegroup, which will make it easier for consumers to use a home network. The windows shell has been redesigned, with the taskbar looking more like and maybe even better than Apple OS's dock. The Windows Aero and Glass effects are still there, but are much more resource efficient. It also has support for touch-screen and voice recognition built in. The Windows Action center replaces the Windows Security center, and is much more useful and less intrusive. It also removes some features such as Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Calendar and Windows Mail, now included in a free windows Live addon. Windows Sidebar was also removed. The beta can still be downloaded from Microsoft's website, but probably no later than February 2009. The 7000 build beta will expire August 2009.
Windows Server 2008 R2: May be released alongside or shortly after Windows 7, Windows 2008 R2 is a minor update to Windows Server 2008. Notable features included will be new virtualization capabilities, less power consumption, new IIS version 7.5, and support for processor cores from 64 to 256. 32 bit processors will no longer be supported. Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN subscribers have access to a beta released in January 2009.
Updated January 24, 2009
All this info was found on Wikipedia and various news sources. For more detailed info, go to Wikipedia.