Introduction to Windows 1.0
Kernel type: DOS-based
Project status: Support ended on December 31, 2001
Developer: Microsoft
License: Microsoft EULA
Latest stable version: 1.04 (April 8, 1987)
Overview
Windows 1.0 marked Microsoft’s first attempt at creating a graphical operating system. Built on top of MS-DOS, it introduced a basic graphical user interface (GUI) for increasingly popular tasks like image editing, document management, calculations, and charts.
Inspired by elements from Apple's Lisa—such as windows and buttons—Windows 1.0 initially appeared in black and white, with color support introduced in version 1.01. Despite its ambitions, Windows 1.0 was considered one of Microsoft’s early failures. It could only run one application at a time, much like DOS, and had significant performance issues—slowing task execution by up to 10 times. Additionally, poor programming led to frequent bugs, making it nearly unusable for many users.
Nonetheless, Windows 1.0 introduced a key concept: drivers—software components that allowed applications to interact with hardware independently of the specific machine. This innovation laid the foundation for future compatibility and expansion.
Release History
Windows 1.0 was first announced in November 1983, but it wasn’t released until November 20, 1985. The initial version (1.00) was pulled due to a major error, making version 1.01 the first official release, priced at $99.
Version 1.02 followed in May 1986 as the first international release.
Version 1.03 launched in August 1986, adding support for European keyboard layouts, extra displays, and printers.
Version 1.04, released in April 1987, introduced VGA display support, PS/2 port compatibility, and a basic presentation tool.
Interface and Limitations
Windows 1.0 had several interface drawbacks:
Windows could only be tiled, not overlapped.
They lacked close buttons; users had to close applications via menus.
These limitations stemmed partly from a legal agreement with Apple, restricting certain UI features.
Version 1.02 followed in May 1986 as the first international release.
Version 1.03 launched in August 1986, adding support for European keyboard layouts, extra displays, and printers.
Version 1.04, released in April 1987, introduced VGA display support, PS/2 port compatibility, and a basic presentation tool.
Interface and Limitations
Windows 1.0 had several interface drawbacks:
Windows could only be tiled, not overlapped.
They lacked close buttons; users had to close applications via menus.
These limitations stemmed partly from a legal agreement with Apple, restricting certain UI features.
Minimum System Requirements
MS-DOS 2.0
256 KB of RAM
Two floppy drives or a hard drive
Included Applications
Windows 1.0 came with several basic tools:
Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard Viewer, Clock, Control Panel
Notepad, Paint, Reversi (game), Terminal, Write
Command Interpreter
Legacy
Despite its limited success, Windows 1.0 laid the groundwork for future versions. It was eventually replaced by Windows 2.0 in November 1987, which addressed many of its shortcomings.
