Note
Graphical User Interface (GUI): Windows 1.0 marked a departure from the command-line interface of MS-DOS. It introduced a GUI that allowed users to interact with tasks using a mouse, rather than typing commands1.
MS-DOS Integration: Windows 1.0 ran on top of MS-DOS as a 16-bit shell program known as MS-DOS Executive. It provided an environment where users could run graphical Windows programs alongside existing MS-DOS software1.
Built-in Programs: Windows 1.0 included several built-in programs, such as:
Calculator: A basic calculator application.
Paint: A simple drawing program.
Notepad: A text editor for creating and editing plain text files.
Multitasking and Mouse Support: Windows 1.0 introduced multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run multiple programs simultaneously. It also supported mouse input, making it easier to interact with the system1.
Window Management: Unlike modern windowing systems, Windows 1.0 did not allow windows to overlap. Instead, they were tiled on the screen1.
Release Versions: Windows 1.0 received four releases (1.01 through 1.04), mainly adding support for newer hardware and additional languages1.
Reception: Reviews were mixed. Critics expressed concerns about compatibility with existing software and performance issues. However, Microsoft’s early presentations and support from hardware and software makers were positive1.
Legacy: Windows 1.0 paved the way for future versions of Windows. It was succeeded by Windows 2.0 in December 19871.
Despite its limitations, Windows 1.0 laid the groundwork for Microsoft’s journey into graphical computing.
