Microsoft Corporation continues to play a significant role in driving the success of remote, onsite and hybrid work. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, the company is a market leader with a vast assortment of products for streamlining workflow, enhancing job satisfaction and boosting productivity. Microsoft’s phenomenal success has brought about several corporate acquisitions. For example, the company closed its acquisitions of Skype Global for $8.5 billion on October 13, 2011, LinkedIn for $26.2 billion on December 8, 2016, and Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion on October 13, 2023.

Microsoft Windows is a multi-version graphical operating system (OS) installed on computing devices such as business desktops, personal computers, laptops, and tablets. The history of Microsoft Windows can be traced to 1981 when Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates began a project he termed ‘Interface Manager’. The project aimed to develop an OS with a graphical user interface (GUI). 

Gates started the Internet Manager project after observing the huge potential of GUI-based OS. He had a feeling he could capture a wider audience by designing a GUI operating system that cost significantly less than Apple’s GUI-based LISA OS which cost a pricey $9,995 when it was released on January 19 1983. Gates’ vision has since become reality because, apart from mobile telephony where Android and ioS lead, Windows continues to command the largest share of the global OS market.

Windows 1.0, the first version of the Windows OS and the first GUI for IBM-compatible PCs entered the market on November 20, 1985, as a graphical OS shell for MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), Microsoft’s flagship OS at that time. MS-DOS was based on a command line interface (CLI). The GUI-based multitasking and multiuser Windows is a significant upgrade on the CLI-based MS-DOS which was a single-tasking and single-user technology. Unlike the expensive Apple LISA, Windows 1.0 cost just $99 when it was launched.




Since 1985, several versions of Windows have been released by Microsoft. As is usually the case with digital programs, each new release tends to come with new features and all-round improvements. The most popular versions today are Windows 10 and Windows 11 which were launched on July 29, 2015 and October 5, 2021, respectively. 

The Windows 10 product line is made up of the following editions:

Windows is not the world’s dominant operating system for no reason. It offers several benefits to individuals, workers and businesses. The user-friendly interface ensures people can perform both simple and complex tasks even with minimal technical knowledge. It includes features that are useful to those with hearing, vision, focus, dexterity, and mobility challenges (for example, the narrator, magnifier, and contrast display mode). Other features such as the start menu, taskbar, and file explorer enable users to easily find and organise saved files, including documents and applications. Additionally, users can leverage a variety of customisation options to personalise their Windows OS based on their preferences. Each edition has varying features and purposes, so users will need to select the edition that suits their needs the most. 

A key contributor to the widespread popularity of Windows is its compatibility with lots of software. Because of this, you can easily use Windows for work, education, gaming and entertainment. Windows is also compatible with a broad range of hardware product brands and models - from laptops to desktops to hybrid devices. So finding a Windows OS computer that corresponds to your needs and budget should be a breeze.

Businesses can leverage lots of Windows productivity features and tools. One such tool is the widely used Microsoft Office Suite which hosts several valuable applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Additionally, Windows integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's cloud-based services such as Office 365 and OneDrive, thus enabling users to easily collaborate and share files across multiple devices. 

It also comes with advanced security features as well as regular security updates and patches that help check security vulnerabilities and protect users from various threats. A built-in antivirus programme (known as Windows Defender) provides real-time protection against viruses and other malicious software.

Notably, there has been some scepticism from current Windows 10 users. about migrating to Windows 11. These sceptics are particularly critical of the redesigned start menu which has less flexible options than in Windows 10. The newer version also lacks its predecessor’s Live Tiles feature which gathers and displays real-time information and news from the Internet.

Windows is easy to learn and use albeit its many features means it will take some time to assimilate. Microsoft’s website has plenty of resources for learners. The company also offers various courses and certifications that can help you achieve your ambition of having a successful career. A good example is the Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate certification. 

Apart from Microsift’s resources, other websites have lots of stuff a Windows learner could use.  You can also read up Windows-based books. Another option is to ask someone well-versed in the OS to walk you through.

Microsoft is a hugely popular brand whose products and services are helping people develop skills that help them earn a lot of money all over the world. Your earnings with a Microsoft skill will depend on your job.

Job With Microsoft Skills

Project Manager
Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Information Technology Consultant
Information Systems Analyst
Program Analyst
Design Architect

Microsoft Windows has grown over the years to become the industry behemoth that it is today. It is a near-indispensable tool for workers, businesses and students. Its user-friendly interface and productivity-enhancing features are some key reasons for its widespread adoption all over the world. Acquiring Microsoft skills can open a new door to lucrative and fulfilling career opportunities across a host of industries.