On the eve of the release of Windows 8, passage review of the most significant 10 versions of the operating system from Microsoft.

In the mid 80's, Windows was designed as a simple overlay of MS-DOS to simplify access to the PC and application management. Many will remember that it was also possible to use other GUIs as Geoworks. Now using a mouse and in an intuitive interface, PC users can enjoy the capabilities of their computer to write, count, draw or even playing cards. - Windows 1.01 (20 November 1985)

First operating system by Microsoft, Windows 1.0 has a graphical interface providing access to different types of applications: word processing and image, address book, calculator, games, etc.. This first version is a failure, however, the fault ergonomics and limited execution time is too slow.

- Windows 2.0 (9 December 1987)

This new version is a big step forward for Windows. The system now handles multitasking with overlapping windows and icons appear on the desktop. It is also the first version to incorporate the "Control Panel."

- Windows 3.1 (18 March 1992)

This evolution of Windows is that really hit the mainstream. Its biggest innovation is to multiply the preinstalled fonts, which offer new opportunities for text processing. Windows 3.1 also marks the arrival of the screen saver, the "registry" and support for audio and video. This is also the time of the appearance of "Solitaire" and "Minesweeper".

- Windows 95 (24 August 1995)

To great fanfare, to the tune of the famous Start Me Up Rolling Stones messes all Windows 95. The graphical environment has been completely redesigned with the appearance of the "Start" button, the taskbar buttons and "reduce", "zoom" and "close" on each window. Connecting peripherals turn is simplified thanks to "plug-and-play." It is also the first time that Internet Explorer is integrated into Windows.

- Windows 98 (25 June 1998)

This version of the OS supports DVD playback and USB devices, two technologies that will soon be indispensable to the general public. The Quick Launch toolbar also appeared in Windows 98.

- Windows Me (14 September 2000)

To celebrate the new millennium, Windows Me offers numerous enhancements in multimedia, with tools like Windows Movie Maker or Media Player 7, enabling everyone to perform video editing. It also includes for the first time a tool for "System Restore." Technically speaking, Windows Me was the last operating system from Microsoft based on the code base of Windows 95. It is a very buggy OS that left bad memories for many users who have chosen to upgrade to Windows NT Workstation.

- Windows XP (25 October 2001)

In addition to the interface, made more user-friendly and intuitive, Windows XP also focuses on assistance and many security updates. This version introduces the "remote desktop", which allows you to connect the computer to use the printer or other devices, and takes into account the different types of Internet connection (ADSL modems, WiFi, etc.). . Microsoft Windows XP remains a huge success, both fast and reliable.

- Windows Vista (30 January 2007)

Launched with great fanfare in Windows Vista will prove a failure for Microsoft, a system fault too greedy, too innovative and very buggy. In addition, all help control during installation or launch new programs quickly become invasive. For its part, the Windows Media Player is a multimedia center from which it is possible to watch television, editing videos or view photos. Finally, Vista introduces a design for the "Start" button, also declined to its new Office suite.

- Windows 7 (22 October 2009)

Windows 7 marks a shift visual interface with a taskbar review, the reappearance of themes (color, wallpaper, sounds) and custom layout widgets on the desktop. The operating system is trying to manage especially - without much success - touch devices (rotation, zoom, etc..) And allows you to enjoy all of its media library from your PC or to a stereo or even television.

- Windows 8 (26 October 2012)

The last operating system from Microsoft is an evolution of Windows 7. Its interface has been completely redesigned to use a tablet with touch or a PC with a suitable slab. Among its many innovations, it offers a completely visual interface débaptisée Metro and horizontal navigation. In practice, especially how we look zap as soon as possible the home interface to find the desk.