preWindows

The term "pre-Windows" refers to the era of personal computing prior to the widespread adoption of Microsoft Windows as the dominant operating system. This period spans from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, encompassing the early days of personal computers (PCs) and the rise of alternative operating systems.

The origins of pre-Windows computing trace back to the introduction of the Altair 8800 in 1975, one of the first personal computers. Early systems often ran on operating systems like CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers), developed for Intel 8080-based machines. CP/M became a standard for many early microcomputers, including those from companies like Tandy (Radio Shack) and Osborne Computer. It was a command-line-based system that allowed users to run applications like word processors, spreadsheets, and databases.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Apple Computer introduced the Apple II series, which ran on its proprietary operating system, Apple DOS. The Apple II became popular for its user-friendly design, color graphics, and a wide range of software, particularly in education and business. Meanwhile, IBM entered the personal computer market in 1981 with the IBM PC, which initially ran on PC DOS, a version of Microsoft’s MS-DOS. MS-DOS quickly became the standard operating system for IBM-compatible PCs, dominating the market due to its compatibility and the vast library of software available for it.

During this time, other operating systems like GEOS (for the Apple II), Atari TOS (for Atari ST), and AmigaOS (for Commodore Amiga) also gained popularity, each offering unique features and appeal to specific user bases. The transition to Windows began in 1985 with the release of Microsoft Windows 1.0, a graphical user interface (GUI) designed to run on top of MS-DOS. While initially slow to gain traction, Windows evolved into a full-fledged operating system with the release of Windows 3.0 in 1990, eventually overshadowing many of its pre-Windows predecessors.