MS-DOS 1.0
On Aug. 12, 1981, IBM introduces its personal computer with Microsoft's 16-bit operating system, MS-DOS 1.0. The "Microsoft Disk Operating System" or MS-DOS was based on QDOS, the "Quick and Dirty Operating System" written by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products.
Windows 3.0
On May 22, 1990, Microsoft launches Windows 3.0 with GUI graphics, VGA support, and 3D effects similar to those in current versions of Windows. The OS introduces Program Manager and File Manager and is the first real OS success for Microsoft.
Windows NT 3.1
Microsoft launches Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1 on Oct. 24, 1993 as a continuation of its NT project under architect Dave Cutler. The OS launched the company into the LAN server market and introduces the Win32 API. "Windows NT represents nothing less than a fundamental change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements," said company chairman Bill Gates when the OS was released.
