The Top 5 most polarising and iconic versions of Windows OS
Parth
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The Top 5 most polarising and iconic versions of Windows OS

From the moment Microsoft introduced the world to Windows, it became an integral part of our digital lives, shaping how we interact with computers. Over the years, this iconic operating system has undergone significant transformations, with each new version bringing a unique blend of excitement and controversy. In this blog, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the top 5 most polarizing and iconic versions of Windows OS.

From the nostalgic Windows 95 to the revolutionary Windows 11, these iterations have left a lasting impact on technology and have sparked both admiration and critique among users worldwide. So, join us as we delve into the fascinating evolution of Windows OS, where we’ll witness its evolution, controversies, and ultimately, its enduring legacy in the world of computing.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about the top 5 most polarising and iconic versions of Windows OS –

 

Number 1. Windows 98

 

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Windows 98 was a consumer-oriented operating system developed by Microsoft as part of its Windows 9x family of Microsoft Windows operating systems. It was released to manufacturing on May 15, 1998, and generally to retail on June 25, 1998. Like its predecessor, Windows 95, it is a hybrid 16-bit and 32-bit monolithic product with the boot stage based on MS-DOS.

Windows 98 was seen by many as a small upgrade to Windows 95, rather than a rebuilt version of Windows. The biggest changes were:

  • Internet Explorer (a web browser) was made part of the GUI (what the user sees) and the file manager. This had already happened in the last versions of Windows 95 that were released. This is called ‘web integration’.
  • Larger disk partitions (separations) were allowed.
  • Support for USB devices was added.
  • Improved support for multimedia devices, such as DVD players and digital cameras.
  • The Windows Driver Model was introduced, which made it easier for developers to create drivers for new hardware.

Windows 98 was a commercial success, selling over 40 million copies in its first year. However, it was also criticized for its stability and security. Microsoft released a second edition of Windows 98 in 1999, which addressed some of these issues.

Support for Windows 98 ended on July 11, 2006. However, it is still possible to run Windows 98 on modern computers using virtualization software.