Windows 2.0

Introduction

In the late 1980s, the world of personal computing was on the cusp of a revolution. Enter Windows 2.0, a significant milestone in the evolution of graphical operating systems. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of Windows 2.0, its features, and its impact.

The Birth of Windows 2.0

• Release Date: December 9, 1987
• Developer: Microsoft
• License: Commercial software

What Was Windows 2.0?

Windows 2.0 was the successor to the original Windows 1.0 and marked a substantial leap forward. Here are some key features that set it apart:

Key Features of Windows 2.0

1. Overlapping Windows and Resizable Interfaces:

   • Windows 2.0 allowed users to overlap application windows, a feature that transformed multitasking. No longer confined to a single full-screen application, users could now work with multiple programs simultaneously.
   • The ability to resize windows further improved usability. Gone were the days of fixed window sizes; users could now tailor their workspace to their needs.

2. Desktop Icons and Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Windows 2.0 introduced desktop icons, paving the way for a more intuitive user experience. These icons provided quick access to applications and files.
   • Keyboard shortcuts became an integral part of the Windows environment. Users could perform tasks swiftly by pressing combinations of keys, enhancing productivity.

3. 16-Color VGA Graphics:

   • With Windows 2.0, Microsoft embraced the VGA (Video Graphics Array) standard, allowing for a richer visual experience. Users could enjoy 16 colors on their screens, a significant improvement over the monochrome displays of the past.

4. Microsoft Word and Excel:

   • Windows 2.0 bundled Microsoft Word and Excel, marking their debut. These applications became essential tools for word processing and spreadsheet management, respectively.

5. Window Overlapping Feature:

   • The introduction of overlapping windows was a game-changer. Users could seamlessly switch between applications, arranging them side by side or partially overlapping. This feature enhanced productivity and made multitasking more efficient.

6. The Ability to Move Windows:

   • Windows 2.0 empowered users to move windows freely across the screen. Whether repositioning a document editor or a spreadsheet, users had newfound control over their workspace.

7. The Ability to Minimize and Maximize Windows:

   • Windows 2.0 introduced the concept of minimizing and maximizing windows. Users could shrink a window down to an icon on the taskbar or expand it to fill the entire screen. This flexibility allowed efficient management of open applications.

Windows/386: The Advanced Sibling

While Windows 2.0 had a basic edition for 8086 real mode, it also introduced a more advanced variant: Windows/386. Here’s what set it apart:

1. Protected Mode Kernel:

   • Windows/386 operated in protected mode, a significant leap forward. Above this kernel, the graphical user interface (GUI) and applications ran as virtual 8086 mode tasks.
   • This allowed for fully preemptive multitasking, enabling several MS-DOS programs to run concurrently. Unlike its sibling, background applications no longer needed to be suspended.

2. Expanded Memory Usage:

   • Each DOS application could utilize available low memory before Windows started, except for a few kilobytes of overhead. This made Windows/386 more efficient in memory management.

Upgrade from MS-DOS 3.2

Transitioning from MS-DOS 3.2 to Windows 2.0 was akin to stepping into a new era. Users marveled at the newfound flexibility, as overlapping windows and resizable interfaces revolutionized their computing experience. The leap from the static, single-window environment of MS-DOS 3.2 to the dynamic multitasking capabilities of Windows 2.0 was nothing short of remarkable.

Windows 2.0 Applications

In the early days of graphical computing, Microsoft Windows 2.0 introduced a suite of applications that significantly enhanced user productivity. Let’s delve into these applications and discover their impact:

1. Calculator (CALC.EXE):

   • The Microsoft Windows Calculator provided basic arithmetic functions. While simple, it was a handy tool for quick calculations.

2. Calendar (CALENDAR.EXE):

   • The Microsoft Windows Calendar application allowed users to manage their schedules, appointments, and important dates. It was a precursor to modern digital calendars.

3. Cardfile (CARDFILE.EXE):

   • Cardfile was a digital version of an index card system. Users could create, organize, and search for virtual cards containing information such as contacts, notes, or references.

4. ClipBook Viewer (CLIPBRD.EXE):

   • The ClipBook Viewer allowed users to view the contents of the Windows clipboard. It was essential for copying and pasting text between applications.

5. Clock (CLOCK.EXE):

   • The Microsoft Windows Clock served as a digital timepiece. Users could customize its appearance and set alarms or reminders.

6. Notepad (NOTEPAD.EXE):

   • Notepad was a simple text editor for creating and editing plain text files. It was lightweight and useful for jotting down notes or drafting short documents.

7. Paint (PAINT.EXE):

   • Microsoft Windows Paint was an early graphics program. While basic, it allowed users to create simple drawings, edit images, and experiment with colors.

8. Terminal (TERMINAL.EXE):

   • The Terminal application facilitated communication with remote computers or servers via serial connections or telnet. It was essential for accessing mainframes or other systems.

9. Write (WRITE.EXE):

   • Write was a word processor for creating and editing text documents. It lacked the advanced features of Microsoft Word but served well for basic writing tasks.

New Applications Not in Windows 1.0

Windows 2.0 introduced several applications that were absent in its predecessor, Windows 1.0. These included:

1. Microsoft Word: A powerful word processing application.
2. Microsoft Excel: A spreadsheet management tool.

These additions significantly enhanced productivity and made Windows 2.0 a more versatile platform.

Windows 2.1: The Evolution Continues

• Release Date: May 27, 1988
• CPU Compatibility Variants: Windows/286 and Windows/386
• Noteworthy Features:
  • High Memory Area (HMA): Windows/286 utilized an additional 64 KB of extended memory in real mode, enhancing performance.
  • Windows/386: Introduced a protected mode kernel, enabling multitasking and support for EMS (Expanded Memory Specification) emulation.
  • First Hard Disk Requirement: Windows 2.1 was the first version to require a hard disk drive.

Windows 2.2 and Windows 2.3: Incremental Improvements

• Windows 2.2:
  • A minor update was released in March 1989.
  • Enhanced operating environment.
  • Windows/386 variant continued to offer good functionality.
• Windows 2.3:
  • Not an official version, but some PC vendors shipped it with Intel 8086 hardware.
  • The confusion arose due to IBM’s PS/2 Model 25, which included Windows/286.

Legal battle with Apple

• Windows 2.0’s introduction of overlapping windows led to a legal battle with Apple Inc..
• Apple accused Microsoft of violating copyrights related to windowing interfaces.
• Ultimately, the judge ruled in favor of Microsoft, allowing Windows 2.0 to thrive.

System Requirements

Before embarking on the Windows 2.0 journey, users needed to ensure their hardware met the following specifications:

• Processor: 80286 and 80386,
• Memory: At least 512 KB RAM.
• Operating System: MS-DOS version 3.0 or later.
• Storage: One floppy disk drive AND one hard disk (note that a hard disk is now required).
• Graphics Adapter Card: Compatible with IBM EGA, IBM VGA, IBM 8514, IBM CGA, Hercules Graphics Card, or similar.
• Optional: Use of the Microsoft Mouse.

Legacy and Beyond

• Windows 2.0 laid the groundwork for future versions of Windows.
• It was followed by Windows 2.1 in May 1988.
• Microsoft ended support for Windows 2.0 on December 31, 2001.

In retrospect, Windows 2.0 was both a leap forward and a work in progress. It bridged the gap between text-based interfaces and the graphical world we know today. So, the next time you resize a window or click on an icon, remember that it all began with Windows 2.0—a pivotal chapter in computing history.