.
Windows
.
Windows
Windows News -
*Windows XP Service Pack 3 released
April 29, 2008
XP Service Pack 3 includes a cumulative aggregation of all post SP2 updates and
fixes, as well as some Vista functionality: Network Access Protection, "Black
Hole" Router Detection, the MS Kernel Cryptographic Module, and the ability to
install XP without entering a product key. Internet Explorer 7 must still be
downloaded and installed separately.
*Windows Vista Service Pack 1 released
March 2008
Update April 2008 - Vista SP1 was released in April
and included a cumulative aggregation of all post RTM updates and fixes, as well
as scores of additions, improvements and enhancements in areas ranging from
hardware support and reliability to security. Unfortunately, like the Vista RTM
itself, SP1 is bug ridden, and definitely not the Vista 'fix' we were hoping
for. Kahuna recommends if you don't already have Vista installed, stay away from
Vista and SP1 for as long as you can. If you have Vista, then go ahead and
install SP1.
*Windows "Vienna" being
called Windows 7, due 2010
In July 2007, MS announced Windows 7 was targeted for release in 2010 with both
32-bit and 64-bit variants for both consumers and businesses. This suggests that
Microsoft's intention to move entirely to the 64-bit x64 codebase is proceeding
slower than hoped.
In March of 2007, word came out the internally, Redmond was calling Vienna
Windows Seven.
In January 2006, Blackcomb was renamed Vienna. Blackcomb was originally planned
as the successor to Whistler (WinXP); both were named after the
Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort. Originally planned in the late 1990s and early
2000s, in August of 2001 Blackcomb was pushed back several years and Vista
(originally codenamed "Longhorn" after a bar in the Whistler-Blackcomb resort)
was announced as a release between XP and Blackcomb. Since then, Blackcomb's
status and feature set has been in flux. Vienna is now planned as both a client
and server release with a release estimate between 2011-2012. Originally, Vienna
was planned as being not just a major revision of Windows, but a complete
departure from the way we have typically thought about interacting with a
computer. While Windows Vista is intended to be a technologies-based release,
with some added UI sparkle (in the form of the Windows Aero set of technologies
and guidelines), Vienna is targeted directly at revolutionizing the way we
interact with our home and office PCs. Previously known info: Windows.NET 2.0 is
in development under the code name Blackcomb. Internally known as NT version 6.0
(Windows 2000 was 5.0, Windows XP was 5.1 and Longhorn is NT 5.2), Blackcomb,
originally due in 2005 (but as of June 2002, Longhorn was pushed back to 2005,
so this due date will undoubtedly be moved back), will be the next full upgrade
of the Windows OS and will include new operating systems and a new GUI for both
consumers and business users. It's possible that the Blackcomb GUI will replace
the familiar "Start Menu" with either a HTML based system or a 3D "Gallery"
style system. There will be a clear shift in the way Microsoft does data
storage. It is coming full circle, right back to the unified storage model of
Cairo, promised but not delivered back in the early 1990s as the super-OS built
upon Windows NT. Blackcomb is also supposed to have built-in database file store
technology. There are rumors that Blackcomb will feature a new kernel and
possibly no start menu, but these are just rumors. There have been some internal
alpha builds, but nothing is known to have escaped to the net.
*Windows Development Info
Update April 2008 - In late April, MS released XP
SP3, the final service for the aging and soon-to-be-discontinued desktop
operating system. XP Service Pack 3 includes a cumulative aggregation of all
post SP2 updates and fixes, as well as some Vista functionality: Network Access
Protection, "Black Hole" Router Detection, the MS Kernel Cryptographic Module,
and the ability to install XP without entering a product key. Internet Explorer
7 must still be downloaded and installed separately.
Update April 2008 - Vista SP1 was released in April and included a
cumulative aggregation of all post RTM updates and fixes, as well as scores of
additions, improvements and enhancements in areas ranging from hardware support
and reliability to security. Unfortunately, like the Vista RTM itself, SP1 is
bug ridden.
Update July 2007 - In July 2007, MS announced
Windows 7 was targeted for release in 2010 with both 32-bit and 64-bit variants
for both consumers and businesses. This suggests that Microsoft's intention to
move entirely to the 64-bit x64 codebase is proceeding slower than hoped. As for
Vista SP1, once again Microsoft can't stay on schedule and has announced SP1
will be released in 2008. When in 2008 is obviously another question.
Update March 2007 - Confirmation came from
Microsoft on what the hell Fiji is - it will be the next Windows Media Center,
due 2007/2008. Microsoft's plan of record is to release this next Windows Media
Center build "out of band," meaning in between core Windows releases. So far,
Fiji is on track to release before Vienna. Meanwhile, word came out that Vienna
was internally, at Redmond, being called Windows Seven.
Update January 2007 - Microsoft finally releases the consumer versions of
Vista.
Update December 2006 - Microsoft announced the
Vista final RTM build November 8, 2006 as build 6.0.6000.16386. The business
versions were officially launched November 30, 2006, but consumer versions will
not be launched until January of February 2007. Analysts are concerned over the
very short beta test and expect plenty of problems. MS already has Vista SP1 in
development.
Full Story -
In 1993, Microsoft began the development of it's 9x operating systems. In August
'95, the original release of Windows 95 (aka
Chicago) hit and it was buggy. During this
time, MS was developing Windows 96 (aka
Nashville). In February '96, Windows 95a SR1
was released to fix the buggy original release. In March of '96, MS had a final
version of Win96 ready that included the premier of DirectX. MS never released
Windows 96, but a version escaped to the internet and those that ran Windows 96
confirmed that it was indeed excellent. In September of '96, Windows 95b SR 2
was released to OEM's to keep up with new hardware developments. In December of
'96, MS released an update patch called SR 2.1that added USB support to Windows
95. About that time, MS began the development of Windows 97 (aka
Memphis). In October of '97, MS released
Windows 95c SR2.5 to OEM's: again to keep up with new hardware developments.
Problems associated with integrating the Win97 OS and the Web dragged Win97
development into '98 causing MS to settle on the Memphis release name: Windows
98. Windows 98 now incorporates some of the NT kernal. In August of 1999, MS
release Windows 98 SE (Second
Edition) to keep up with hardware
developments. In February 2000, MS released NT5 under the commercial name of
Windows 2000. Windows 2000 will has business 4 editions, Pro, Platform, Server
and Advanced Server. Because of software, hardware and gaming compatibility
issues Microsoft scrapped the consumer version of Windows 2000 and now plans to
extend the Windows 9x series with one more release, Windows ME (Windows
Millennium Edition), which was released in
September 2000 and will undoubtably be the last in the 9x series. During 1999,
MS started developing Windows Neptune which was the codename for the operating
system to follow Windows ME and was to be a NT based consumer version of
Windows. Odyssey was yet another NT based OS that would follow Windows 2000.
Both were cancelled and efforts combined in the Whistler project which was based
on Windows 2000 and was the first consumer version of the NT code (NT
5.1). In February of 2000, Windows codename
Blackcomb was announced as the OS that would follow Whistler. Whistler, named
Windows XP, was RTM in August 2001. MS released SP1 (Service
Pack 1) for Whistler on in September 9, 2002.
XP SP1 includes bug fixes, Freestyle and Mira technologies and Tablet PC
software. It also includes the changes required by the consent decree with the
DOJ and the nine states as well as new anti-piracy WPA technology. The next full
version of Windows is NT 6, codenamed Longhorn (NT
6.0), is expected in late 2006 or early 2007.
Longhorn replaced Blackcomb as NT 6.0 and will incorporate the .NET 1.0
initiative as well as fixes for the Network Wizard and added goodies like DVD
recording and movie making. Additionally, because of the delay in Longhorn, MS
released yet another Service Pack (SP2)
for Windows XP in August of 2004. In July of 2005, Longhorn was officially named
"Windows Vista". Vista was planned to be a step toward a new MS data base file
store system which was targeted to be fully implemented in Blackcomb.
Unfortunately, Microsoft had to scrap those plans to try and keep Vista on
schedule. The Vista business versions were released November 30, 2006 and the
consumer versions were released in January 2007. In January 2006, the MS OS project codenamed Blackcomb was changed to
codename Vienna (formerly NT 6
and previously expected in 2005). In March of
2007, word was out that Vienna was internally, at Redmond, being called Windows
Seven. Vienna was
planned to offer Professional and Home versions based in the .NET 2.0 initiative
along with a new GUI. It's possible that the Vienna GUI will replace the
familiar "Start Menu" with either a HTML based system or a 3D "Gallery" style
system. Little more is known about Vienna and the product's feature-set is still
in flux. However, Vienna is likely to form the foundation of Microsoft's Next
Generation Windows Services (NGWS)
initiative.
| Windows Versions Table | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Version | Code Name | |
|
5/08 |
6.0.600? |
Fiji |
The next Windows Media Center edition has begun beta testing. MS has kept information on the new version in a tight lockdown and there is currently no other info available on Fiji. |
|
4/08 |
WindowsXP |
WinXP SP3 |
XP Service Pack 3 includes a cumulative aggregation of all post SP2 updates and fixes, as well as some Vista functionality: Network Access Protection, "Black Hole" Router Detection, the MS Kernel Cryptographic Module, and the ability to install XP without entering a product key. Internet Explorer 7 must still be downloaded and installed separately. |
|
3/08 |
6.0.6001 |
Vista SP1 |
Vista SP1 includes a cumulative aggregation of all post RTM updates and fixes, as well as scores of additions, improvements and enhancements in areas ranging from hardware support and reliability to security. Unfortunately, like the Vista RTM itself, SP1 is bug ridden and has already caused problems with some systems. |
|
8/07 |
WindowsXP |
WinXP SP3 |
Early in August, a pre-beta of WinXP SP3 was given to a small group of testers. Coming in at less than 350MB, the service pack includes fixes for over 900 reported problems, some of which have already been resolved with post-Service Pack 2 hotfixes. |
|
7/07 |
Win Vista |
Vista |
In mid July, a pre-beta of Vista SP1 was given to a small group of testers. Yes, there are a ton of fixes stuffed in for all the bugs that were in the original Vista release. MS is so far mum on the subject. |
|
7/07 |
NT 7.0 |
Vienna |
MS has scheduled Windows 7 for 2010. There will be both 32-bit and 64-bit variants for both consumers and businesses. This suggests that Microsoft's intention to move entirely to the 64-bit x64 codebase is proceeding slower than hoped. |
|
3/07 |
NT 7.0 |
Vienna |
Word has come out that Vienna is internally, at Redmond, being called Windows 7. The feature set is still in flux, but will probably include, at least initially, all the technology that was cut out of Vista to keep the release schedule on track, such as the long awaited, 'new' MS data base file store system. |
|
3/07 |
6.0.600? |
Fiji |
Finally, confirmation from Microsoft on what the hell Fiji is - it will be the next Windows Media Center, due 2007/2008. Microsoft's plan of record is to release this next Windows Media Center build "out of band," meaning in between core Windows releases. So far, Fiji is on track to release before Vienna. |
|
1/07 |
INFO |
Vista |
Microsoft has confirmed that Vista SP1 has been put on the fast track and is now scheduled for release in the 2nd half of 2007. In a statement regarding the service pack, Microsoft admits that Vista has some 'high impact' problems that need to be addressed and fixed. |
|
1/07 |
6.0.6000 |
Longhorn |
Microsoft finally releases the consumer versions of Vista. Unfornately, Vista has some significant problems forcing MS to fast track Service Pack 1 for release later this year. |
|
11/06 |
6.0.6000 |
Longhorn |
After 5 long years of development, Microsoft announced the final build of Vista on November 8, 2006 as build 6.0.6000.16386. MS is boasting this is their most secure OS ever. We will see. The hype is all about the 'new' GUI, yawn. Business versions were officially launched November 30, 2006, but consumer versions will not be launched until January of February 2007. Analysts are concerned over the very short beta test and expect plenty of problems. MS already has Vista SP1 in development. |
|
10/06 |
6.0.6??? |
Vista SP1 |
Apparently, Microsoft is expecting plenty of bugs in Vista as they already have Windows Vista Service Pack (SP) 1 in development. Microsoft's plan calls for Vista SP1 to hit right about the same time as Longhorn Server. Details are sketchy, but it's possible of SP1 gets delayed long enough, MS may simply release Vista Release 2, originally scheduled for release in 2008-2009) instead. |
|
10/06 |
6.0.5744 |
Longhorn |
Microsoft released Vista RC2, build 5744, to beta testers in early October. Overall, the system is more responsive than RC1. Graphical windows are smooth and snappy and have even lost the slight ‘lag’ associated with earlier builds. Networking is fixed. User Account Control is still annoying, but the memory usage has been reduced. However, once again, many feel there was insufficient testing time between RC1 and RC2. |
|
9/06 |
6.0.5600 |
Longhorn |
Microsoft released Vista RC1, build 5600, to beta testers in early September, and then to the public. Early opinions are somewhat favorable - performance is drastically improved over beta 2 and stability is significantly improved, but many worry that there has been insufficient testing as MS rushes to meet its release schedule. A second release candidate is expected. |
|
7/06 |
WindowsXP |
NT 5.1? |
Originally slated for the latter half of 2007, Windows XP Service Pack 3 has been delayed until the first half of 2008. |
|
6/06 |
6.0.5384.465 |
Longhorn |
Microsoft released Vista beta 2, build 5384.4, to beta testers in late May, and then to the public on June 8. More features have been chopped - recently PC-to-PC syncing - as MS tries to meet its release deadline. Early opinions are - XP SP2 in a cheap new suit. |
|
5/06 |
6.0.5365 |
Longhorn |
This is the last interim build Microsoft will issue before beta 2 which is due May 22. Build 5365 is a significant improvement over the builds we've seen previously and features a very annoying User Account Protection implementation. |
|
4/06 |
INFO |
Fiji |
On 4/12/2006, The Inquirer reported the successor to Windows Vista will be code named Fiji. Fiji is also referred to by some as Vista R2. Until recently, Fiji's target delivery date was 2008, but Vista's delay will most likely push that back. |
|
3/06 |
INFO |
Longhorn |
Microsoft announced it will delay Vista Beta 2 to until late May. MS is also pushing back the release to manufacturing (RTM) date to October 25, 2006. MS said it would ship the volume licensed, business oriented versions of Vista in November 2006 and the consumer oriented versions in January 2007, although Vista consumer versions might be available as OEM in retail PCs in December 2006. Note that in October of 2006, WinXP will have been in service for 5 years. |
|
2/06 |
6.0.5308 |
Longhorn |
Known as the February 2006 Community Technical Preview (CTP) build. Microsoft calls this the first feature-complete version of Vista. This build runs very well and AMD Athlon systems while Intel systems are still experiencing some problems. |
|
1/06 |
INFO |
Vienna |
In January 2006, Blackcomb was renamed Vienna. Blackcomb was originally planned as the successor to Whistler (WinXP); both were named after the Whistler-Blackcomb resort. In August of 2001 Blackcomb was pushed back several years and Vista (originally codenamed "Longhorn" after a bar in the Whistler-Blackcomb resort) was announced as a release between XP and Blackcomb. Since then, Blackcomb's status and feature set has been in flux. Vienna is now planned as both a client and server release with a release estimate between 2011-2012. |
|
12/05 |
6.0.5270 |
Longhorn |
Known as the December 2005 Community Technical Preview (CTP) build. This build has many improvements over Beta 1 and contains some new applications, including Windows Defender, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows DVD Maker HD, Windows Collaboration, Windows Calendar and Windows Media Player 11. |
|
7/05 |
6.0.5112 |
Longhorn |
Longhorn's official Beta 1 release. The feature set, which is not yet complete, included: Network Presentation, Remote Desktop Connection, Speech Recognition, Sync Manager, Windows Backup and Media Player 10. General consensus was Vista Beta 1 was already faster than WinXP. |
|
4/05 |
WinXP 64bit |
NT 5.1 |
Windows XP 64bit is just that - the latest version of XP updated with 64bit extensions so the OS supports 64bit CPUs. However, there aren't very many 64bit apps out there. |
|
4/05 |
6.0.5048 |
Longhorn |
This build is a developer preview. Longhorn's release is now scheduled for May 2006. |
|
11/04 |
6.0.4083 |
Longhorn |
Elements such as WinFS have now been dropped in order to allow Microsoft to hit it's target ship date in 2006. This build is for AMD 64 bit CPUs. |
|
WindowsXP |
NT5.1 |
XP SP2 includes new Security Center dashboard; enhanced firewall; improved Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Windows Messenger. There's better Bluetooth discovery and configuration; improved Automatic Updates; simpler wireless configuration; a cleaner Add or Remove Programs; multimedia enhancements and Media Center Edition 2004 ("Harmony"); and lastly, under-the-hood code changes and bug fixes. | |
|
7/04 |
INFO |
Longhorn |
Microsoft implanted a new version of the .Net Framework in Windows Codename Longhorn the Version 2.0 framework it has also changed it build numbers of Longhorn from 4xxx to 5xxx. When the Whidbey technology is out and start on Orcas occurs Longhorn may see yet another build number change to 6xxx. |
|
5/04 |
6.0.4074 |
Longhorn |
A new build of Longhorn, pre-beta build 4074, was passed out to attendees of the 2004 WinHEC on May 5 in Seattle. The more obvious changes include a new icon and a theme named "Jade". I'll update this post when more info is available. |
|
4/04 |
Windows XP |
Whistler |
Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) will include some bug fixes, but more importantly, it will be a major security upgrade to WinXP. Include is a new Security Center dashboard, a new Windows Firewall, a pop-up ad blocker in Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Windows Messenger improvements and numerous other changes. Release is expected in late summer 2004. |
|
- |
INFO |
XP Reloaded |
There's been some questions about a Windows XP 'Reloaded' version. Actually, XP Reloaded is more of a marketing push than an actual product. XP Reloaded will incorporate plus all the free new features, Service Packs and updates since Windows XP's original release. The release is targeted for Q3 2004, just in time for the holiday shopping season. |
|
10/03 |
6.0.4051 |
Longhorn |
Still in pre-beta, this build includes some of the Avalon graphics technologies and information on the WinFS file system add-on although the build is using NTFS. Screenshots here and yes, they're real! |
|
- |
INFO |
. | Longhorn is now NT 6.0. MS may release a version of XP which will basically be XP+Service Pack 2. The fate of Blackcomb (formerly planned as NT 6.0) is now unknown. Because of Longhorn's boost to a full version, MS has change the Blackcomb project to be the follow-up to Windows Server 2003. Yukon is the code name for the next release of Microsoft SQL Server, currently in development, and Kodiak is the next-generation Exchange Server. |
|
9/02 |
6.0.3683 |
Longhorn |
This pre-beta build shows off the new menuing system called "Sidebar" which allows a "Sidebar" to be used exclusively as the Start Menu or to be docked to either side of the screen. A new, attractive 3D clock is present on the Task Bar. Screenshots here and yes, they're real! |
|
WindowsXP |
NT5.1 |
XP SP1 is finalized with build 1106. It includes bug fixes, Freestyle and Mira technologies, Tablet PC software and new anti-piracy WPA technology. It also includes the changes required by the consent decree with the DOJ and the nine states. Release date is 9/9/2002. | |
|
6/02 |
6.0.3663 |
Longhorn |
Longhorn is no longer a point release, but is instead a radically new version of Windows, code-named Longhorn and numbered NT 6.0, which, if all goes well, will come out sometime in early 2005. Much of this delay is due to Gates' desire to finally unify data storage and file types with a data base model. The secure PC initiative code named Palladium is also included in this pre-beta. More here. |
|
4/02 |
5.02.xxx |
Longhorn |
Tuesday, April 16, at the Spring Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle, MS announces that Longhorn will not ship until the second half of 2004 at the earliest. Longhorn will expand on Windows XP's support for multimedia, including DVD-RAM and offer shell-based DVD burning capabilities similar to XP's CD burning features. It will also include DVD movie making capabilities, probably through Windows Movie Maker. No word on which formats will be supported, but I'd expect DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW. Projected release - 2003. |
|
3/02 |
5.01.26xx |
Service |
Officially called Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). XP SP1 will include bug fixes, but it will also ship with Freestyle and Mira technologies and Tablet PC software. Expected release: September 2002. |
|
3/02 |
6.00.xxx
|
Blackcomb |
To accommodate the delay in Longhorn, the projected Blackcomb release has been pushed back to 2005. |
|
3/02 |
5.02.xxx |
Longhorn |
MS's implementation of a new data base file store system is slowing Longhorn development. Projected release is now late 2003 or early 2004. |
NT5.1 |
Windows XP was RTM 8/24 and will appeared in stores on October 25. Based on the Win2K code base, with the 'ease of use' plug'n'play features of WinME, WinXP kicks ass. Rock solid stable, better CPU utilization, better graphics and media capabilities. Shipped with IE 6.0 and DirectX 8.1 | ||
Win .NET 1.0 |
NT5.2 |
The next Windows update, Windows .NET 1.0, is due in 2002-3. | |
WindowsXP RC2 |
NT5.1 |
Release Candidate 2 is out! XP will include both Home and Pro editions, and a 64-bit Edition targeting Itanium-based hardware. Server editions (Windows Server .NET) are expected to ship by early 2002. XP also includes the controversial Windows Product Activation (WPA). | |
|
2/01 |
6.00.351
|
Blackcomb |
Will include new operating systems for both consumers and business users. There will be a clear shift in the way Microsoft does data storage and built-in database technology. Projected release - 2002. |
SP1 |
(NT5) |
Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is the first comprehensive collection of bug fixes for the 32-bit versions of Professional, Server, and Advanced Server editions of this OS. Datacenter Server, which became widely available at the same time as SP1, ships with the SP1 fixes out of the box. | |
WindowsME |
Windows Millennium Editon was RTM 6/20/2000. WinME is geared more toward 32bit code, burying DOS even further than in Win98. There is also a new TCP/IP stack and a System Restore feature. IE 5.5 is included. These four items help make WinME the most stable Win9x OS yet. Some minor UI improvements give WinME the look and feel of Win2000. Retail release 9/14/2000. | ||
(Windows) |
Beta NT5.1 |
Whistler is based on Win2000 (NT). MS plans to market all the business and server version as well as a consumer version. Whistler is not the 64-bit version of Windows 2000. Whistler is planned to use a new user interface. This version is aka Windows.Net 1.0 | |
Blackcomb |
NT6 |
MS is now developing Blackcomb which will be the follow up to Whistler and will likely form the foundation of Microsoft's Next Generation Windows Services (NGWS) initiative. BTW, Whistler & Blackcomb are ski resorts in British Columbia. This version is aka Windows.Net 2.0. Due in 2004. | |
Windows2000 |
(NT5) |
Windows 2000 retail release, February 17, 2000. At this time, I'm recommending this version to experienced/business users only. It runs perfectly fine, if you're not a gamer. Gamers will likely experience problems with their hardware drivers and games. | |
4.90.2419.5 |
Beta 2 |
Millennium has been officially renamed Windows Millennium Edition or WindowsME. It's coming along and is now stable enough for me to recommend for more experienced users. Projected release date is May 26, 2000. | |
Whistler |
NT5.1 |
MS is reportedly developing Whistler which will the first consumer version of the NT code. Whistler is currently slated to follow Windows Millennium. One feature, called Fusion, promises to clear up the "dll hell" of Windows. This version will also be known as Windows.Net 1.0 | |
| . | MS had 3 Windows consumer version development lines running. Windows Neptune was the codename for the operating system to follow WindowsME. Windows Odyssey was a consumer NT OS that was to follow Windows 2000. Both have since been cancelled in favor of Whistler which will be the first consumer version of the NT code. | ||
| . | Because of continuing software, hardware and gaming compatibility issues, MS has decided to scrap the consumer version of Windows 2000 and make one more release of the Windows 9x series (Millennium) to help developers and users slowly migrate toward Cairo (aka Windows2000/NT5). | ||
Windows2000 |
RC3 |
Release candidate 3 should be near final. | |
Millennium 4.90.2380.2 |
Beta 1 |
Windows Millennium will be the final OS based in the 9x series. Microsoft chose this route because of Windows 2000's problems with games and gaming hardware. Currently, Millennium is set to release in November/December 2000. | |
Update for Windows98 |
2nd Edition Updates |
This is a CD you can order from Microsoft that will update Win98 4.10.1998 to Win98se. The update installs the latest features and system enhancements of Win98se to your Win98 installation. Get it here. (The Windows 98 Customer Service Pack CD just fixes bugs and Y2K issues, here) | |
Windows2000 |
Beta 3 |
Development progress, but if you want a game machine, stick with Win98. Too many issues for gaming hardware and games. | |
SR1 Final |
MS names this Windows 98 SE (second edition). Contains bug fixes, security fixes, IE 5 & DX6.1 Also new functionality and hardware compatibilities added. Some people use Win98SE as an alternative boot OS under WinXP because of its legacy compatibility with older games and DOS. As of June 2006, MS ended its support of Win98SE, but many people still use it. | ||
SP1 Beta 1 |
Contains IE 5 & DX6.1 Delay of beta 2 caused by bugs in IE5 and a memory leak. Update: MS has discontinued SP1 in favor a smaller patches. At 41mb, MS thought it too big for downloading. MS may release an upgrade CD (SP1) which it would sell for a nominal price from it's website. | ||
Windows2000 (WindowsNT) |
NT5 Beta 2 |
Cairo was the code name attached to the post NT3 projects and is now a technology goal for future WinNT. Many of Cairo's components are being released between NT4/5. MS renamed NT5 to Windows 2000. Four editions will be released, including a planned W98 successor. | |
(Windows98) |
Final |
69 cabs with IE4 version 4.72.3110. Features: Some NT kernal and speedier registry handling. Some trouble upgrading if you don't have current drivers and bios, upgrade those first! If you have this version installed, upgrade to Win98se here. | |
| 12/97 | (Windows95) |
OSR2.5 |
OEM only release. Mostly identical to SR2, but adds SR2.1 USB/AGP update along with IE4 and DirectX 5. No longer relevant. |
(Windows9x) (Windows97) |
Beta 1 (Win 98) |
47cabs with IE4 build 4.71.0913.5. NT kernal and speedier registry handling. Curiously, the version# lines up with W96 (4.10.999). New goodies include Winsock2, multiple displays, DVD player, DirectX5, USB, Memphis specific Tweak UI additions, System Optimizer, System Troubleshooter and TV listings software (MS CDF). | |
(Windows95) |
Update |
500KB 3rd party update for 4.00.950b: OSR2update.zip. Adds mouse highlights, autoarrange command, etc, ála Memphis. Changes version# to 4.10.1351. Recommended for 950b users. If you can't find it, e-mail me and I'll send it to you as an attachment. | |
(Windows95) |
SR3 |
This development line attempts to give W95 integrated internet components. Erratic stability. Incompatible with some software. Planned release was 12/96, MS decides to scrap it. | |
Supplement |
SR2.1 |
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. | |
4.00.1111 |
OSR2 |
OEM only release; 28 cabs. Users of 4.00.950/a may have to download some separate posts in order to upgrade to 4.00.950b (no SP2). No longer relevant. | |
| Windows NT 4.0 released. It consisted of over 16 million lines of code. | |||
OSR1 |
MS Win95 OEM Service Release 1 is released so manufacturers could install the then current version of Win95 in new machines - SP1 (bug fixes) was released for retail users. | ||
| 12/95 | Nashville |
19cab beta of Win96. Never released. Superior memory management, smoother operation and more stable. Forbearer of 'Memphis' and contains some of its functionality. Highly recommended. | |
(Windows95) |
Chicago |
Commercial release of Win95
(17cab upgrade, 28 cab full release). Somewhat unstable and buggy.
No longer relevant. |
|
Windows NT |
Provides OLE 2.0, improved performance and reduced memory requirements. | ||
| Windows for Workgroups 3.11 released with improved networking and fixes. | |||
Windows |
Development began in 10/88. In 10/91, a Windows NT demo was displayed publicly at COMDEX. Finally, in 8/93, after 5 years of development, Windows NT 3.1 was released. It consisted of over 6 million lines of code. NT 3.1 was followed by 3.5 and 3.51 | ||
| Microsoft begins the process of developing the successor to Windows 3x which will eventually be named Windows 95. | |||
| TrueType fonts and many other features added. 10/92 Windows for Workgroups 3.1 released, adding easier, integrated networking. | |||
| Windows 3.0 is the first version to allow use of memory beyond 640Kb. 10/91 multimedia extensions were released. | |||
| Windows 2.0 is the first version with overlapping windows. | |||
| Windows 1.0 is a GUI for MS-DOS 3.1. | |||