History of Common Operating Systems

Name: Dalang, Shelly Yvonne B. Grade & Section: 10-A

1. Windows OS

 Developer: Microsoft Corporation

 First Released: November 20, 1985 (Windows 1.0)

History: The history of Windows began in 1981 when Microsoft started work on a program called "Interface
Manager." It was announced in November 1983 as "Windows" and officially released as Windows 1.0 in
November 1985. This was Microsoft's first attempt at a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to interact
with icons and buttons using a mouse, rather than typing commands into MS-DOS.

Early versions like Windows 1.0 and 2.0 (1987) introduced fundamental GUI elements like minimize/maximize
buttons and the Control Panel. Windows 3.0 (1990) was the first widely popular version, introducing
multitasking and a more colorful interface.

Key milestones include:

 Windows 95: Introduced the iconic Start button and taskbar, and integrated Internet Explorer.
 Windows XP (2001): A highly popular and long-lived version known for its stability and user-friendly
interface.
 Windows 7 (2009): Another very popular release, praised for its improved usability and performance.
 Windows 10 (2015): Offered as a free upgrade, it aimed for a universal application architecture across
various devices and adopted a service model with continuous updates.

Windows has consistently dominated the personal computer market, evolving from a simple shell over MS-
DOS to a sophisticated, feature-rich operating system.

2. Mac OS
  Developer: Apple Inc.
 First Released: 1984 (as "Macintosh System Software"); March 2001 (as Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah)

History: Mac OS (originally known as Mac OS, then Mac OS X, and later OS X) was introduced by Apple in
1984 as the operating system for its Macintosh line of personal computers. The Macintosh was a pioneer in
popularizing the graphical user interface (GUI), with users navigating through folders and files using a mouse.

In 1996, Apple acquired NeXT Computers, founded by Steve Jobs after his departure from Apple. This
acquisition brought the NeXTSTEP system, which heavily influenced the development of the next generation of
Apple's operating system.

A major redesign was launched in March 2001 with Mac OS X 10.0 "Cheetah." This new OS was built on a
UNIX kernel, offering technical advancements like memory protection and preemptive multitasking, along with
a new interface called Aqua and the "Dock" bar.

Apple continued to release new versions with "big cat" names (e.g., Puma, Jaguar, Panther, Tiger, Leopard,
Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion) until OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" (2013), when they shifted to California
landmark names. In 2016, Apple renamed the system to Mac OS to align with its other operating systems
(iOS, watchOS, tvOS). Mac OS is known for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and strong integration
with other Apple devices.

3. Android

 Developer: Android Inc. (acquired by Google Inc.)

 First Released: September 23, 2008 (Android 1.0)

History: Android began in 2003 as a project by Android Inc., co-founded by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick
Sears, and Chris White. Initially, the goal was to develop an operating system for digital cameras, but the focus
shifted to smartphones in 2004.

Google Inc. acquired Android Inc. in 2005. The Google Android team decided to base the operating system on
the Linux kernel, making it an open-source platform.

On November 5, 2007, Google announced the Open Handset Alliance (OHA), a consortium of technology and
mobile companies, to promote the development of open standards for mobile devices. The first public beta of
Android was released on November 5, 2007.

The first commercial version, Android 1.0, was released on September 23, 2008, with the HTC Dream (T-
Mobile G1) being the first commercially available Android device. Early versions of Android did not have
dessert-themed codenames, but starting with Android 1.5 "Cupcake" (2009), subsequent releases were named
after desserts or sugary treats in alphabetical order (e.g., Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice
Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie). Starting with Android 10,
Google dropped the dessert naming convention.
Android quickly became the most popular operating system for mobile devices worldwide, known for its open-
source nature, customization options, and vast app ecosystem.

4. iOS

 Developer: Apple Inc.

 First Released: June 2007 (as "iPhone OS")

History: iOS is Apple's mobile operating system that powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. It was first
unveiled by Steve Jobs in January 2007 alongside the first-generation iPhone and was officially released in
June 2007.

Initially, it was known as "iPhone OS" because it was exclusively designed for the iPhone. Its revolutionary
multi-touch interface and ease of use were key factors in the iPhone's success.

When Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, the operating system was renamed iOS to reflect its broader
compatibility beyond just the iPhone. iOS is known for its intuitive user interface, strong security features,
seamless integration with Apple's hardware, and a curated app ecosystem through the App Store. Apple releases
major updates to iOS annually, introducing new features and improvements.