Windows Operating System | From Bill Gates and Microsoft’s History to Features, Cost, Security, and Market Share

Windows, developed by Microsoft, is the core platform that led the popularization of personal computers.

Successful versions such as Windows 95, XP, 7, and 10 transformed computer usage culture, and today the latest version is Windows 11.

At present, Windows stands as the standard environment for both individuals and enterprises, preparing for the future by combining with security, cloud, and artificial intelligence.

Hello, this is Jay.

In the previous article, we explored operating systems in general. In this article, we will look specifically at Windows.



The Windows Desktop

The operating system we encounter most often in everyday life is undoubtedly Windows. More than just a program, Windows was the software that created a historic turning point, enabling the worldwide spread of personal computers. Whether we were doing school assignments, preparing reports at work, or enjoying games at home, Windows has consistently worked quietly in the background.

At the center of this historical change was Bill Gates.

Bill Gates, along with his Harvard classmate Paul Allen, foresaw the potential of computers early on. Believing in the coming era of personal computing, they were convinced that software had to be at its core. In 1975, they founded Microsoft, initially selling a BASIC language interpreter. The true turning point came with their contract with IBM. IBM, lacking its own operating system at the time, turned to Microsoft, which provided MS-DOS. This decision marked the beginning of what would become the Windows empire.

However, MS-DOS, limited to a black screen with text, was difficult for the general public to use. Bill Gates wanted computers to be accessible to everyone, which led to the release of Windows 1.0 in 1985. Although it offered limited functions and was unstable at first, it introduced the concepts of the mouse, icons, and windows - foreshadowing a new era.

The Rise of Windows

The real turning points were Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.

Windows 3.1 began to gain widespread use in homes and offices. Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me appeared alongside the rise of the internet, driving the explosive popularization of personal computers. The Start button and taskbar, introduced at this time, remain symbolic features of Windows to this day. Windows was no longer just an operating system - it reshaped people’s everyday lives and work styles.




With the arrival of the 2000s came Windows XP. Thanks to its stability and intuitive interface, XP is regarded as one of the most successful operating systems in history. It became the default environment in schools, companies, and households. Even after Microsoft officially ended support, it continued to be used in some regions.

In contrast, Windows Vista was criticized for its heavy performance and compatibility issues, and Windows 8 caused confusion by emphasizing touch-based interfaces. Microsoft, however, learned from these failures, refining stability and completeness with Windows 7 and Windows 10. Windows 7 gained enormous popularity for its balance of performance and reliability, while Windows 10 introduced a long-term update model and was even called “the last Windows.” Today, Windows 11 stands as the newest version, with a modern design, cloud integration, enhanced gaming capabilities, and a security-focused structure.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Windows

The greatest strength of Windows is compatibility and popularity. Countless software and hardware worldwide are developed with Windows in mind - from games, graphics, and office applications to specialized tools used in industry. DirectX, in particular, played a decisive role in making Windows the de facto standard for gaming graphics. Most peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and cameras, are also primarily designed to work with Windows.

Of course, there are downsides. Because it is the most widely used OS, Windows has often been the main target of hackers. Security issues have been a constant concern, leading Microsoft to implement regular updates and strengthen Windows Defender. Supporting a wide variety of hardware has also sometimes resulted in driver conflicts or system errors. Yet these disadvantages are inseparable from its widespread use.

Windows in Enterprise and Licensing

Windows is not just a consumer OS - it is also the basic environment for enterprises and industries. From banking systems and hospital records to government administration and corporate office setups, Windows is the standard platform. While Linux dominates in server environments, Windows continues to hold overwhelming dominance in corporate desktops and office systems.

Because Windows is commercial software, users must purchase a license. Many PCs come with Windows pre-installed, but those without it are usually cheaper by tens of thousands of won (or around $50–100). However, buyers will eventually need to purchase a genuine license, so the actual cost difference is not significant.

When purchasing Windows, you may encounter several types of licenses:

  • OEM License: Pre-installed by manufacturers like Samsung, LG, or HP. Cheaper but tied to a specific computer, and cannot be transferred.

  • FPP (Full Packaged Product/Retail License): Purchased separately by individuals, now usually sold as a digital code. Can be transferred to a new PC, offering flexibility, but more expensive than OEM.

  • Volume License: Common in enterprises and schools, allowing the same key to be used across multiple PCs for easier management.

For most general consumers, buying a PC with Windows pre-installed is the most convenient choice, even if the initial cost is slightly higher.

The Future of Windows

Modern Windows is no longer limited to PCs. It is evolving with cloud, artificial intelligence, and virtualization technologies. Through its Azure platform, Microsoft is extending the Windows environment into the cloud, while also integrating AI features closely with the OS. This means Windows is still transforming and is likely to remain central to both personal and professional computing in the future.

The history of Windows is also the history of computer popularization itself. Bill Gates’s vision of “a computer on every desk and in every home” has been realized. Windows has grown through both successes and failures, ultimately becoming more than just an operating system: it has become the platform that enables modern digital life.

Understanding Windows goes beyond knowing a single OS - it also means understanding IT history, the current state of computing, and future changes. For that reason, I chose Windows as the first operating system to introduce after the general overview.

In the next article, we will explore Linux.

Thank you for reading, and may you always be happy!


You can view the original Korean blog post at the link below

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Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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