What Happened On November 20th?

The Birth of Microsoft 1.0 (1985)

On November 20, 1985, the landscape of personal computing underwent a seismic transformation with the release of Microsoft Windows 1.0. Microsoft, led by co-founder Bill Gates, introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) that would revolutionize the way people interacted with computers. The release of Windows 1.0 laid the foundation for the modern computing experience, shaping the trajectory of technology and establishing Microsoft as a global tech powerhouse.

Released as a graphical extension for MS-DOS, Windows 1.0 introduced several groundbreaking features that would become standard in future operating systems:

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI): Windows 1.0 replaced the traditional text-based interface with a visually intuitive GUI, featuring icons, windows, and drop-down menus. This allowed users to interact with the computer using a mouse, making computing more accessible.
2. Multitasking: Windows 1.0 enabled users to run multiple applications simultaneously, a feature that greatly enhanced productivity and efficiency.
3. Desktop Publishing: The operating environment included applications such as Notepad, Paint, and Write, empowering users to create and edit documents with ease.
4. Control Panel: Windows 1.0 introduced the Control Panel, providing users with a centralized location to customize system settings and preferences.
5. MS-DOS Executive: This feature served as a file manager, allowing users to navigate and manage files using a graphical interface.