A journey to the origin of Windows 💻
When you turn on your computer and see the logo of WindowsYou probably don't stop to think about the exact place where it was conceived.
However, knowing your origin is like opening a window into the very heart of the digital revolution.
And that window takes us to a very specific place: Redmond, Washington, United States.
Microsoft: the spark of innovation ⚡
In 1975, two young visionaries, Bill Gates y Paul Allenfounded Microsoft.
Its first major milestone was to develop an interpreter of BASIC for the Altair 8800, a rudimentary computer that sparked the imagination of computer pioneers.
But Microsoft's ambition was not limited to a single language.
The big goal was clear: democratizing the use of computers.
From Albuquerque to Redmond 🏢
Microsoft's first home was Albuquerque, New Mexico.
There, they took their first steps, but in 1979 they decided to move to SeattleGates' hometown.
Shortly thereafter, the company was established in Redmonda suburb surrounded by nature that would end up becoming the world software epicenter.
At 1986Microsoft officially inaugurated its Redmond campuswhich is still the nerve center of the company today.
The birth of Windows 🖥️
On November 20, 2009 1985 came on the market Windows 1.0.
Although it was initially met with skepticism, it offered something revolutionary: a graphic environment which allowed the use of windows, menus and the mouse.
It was just the beginning of a story that would continue to be written in the Redmond labs.
Redmond: more than a headquarters, an ecosystem 🌐
The Microsoft Campus in Redmond is not simply a collection of offices.
It is a real laboratory of ideas where thousands of engineers, designers and programmers work.
All Windows versions have been designed here, from the first ones to the current one. Windows 11.
Windows timeline: from Redmond to the world 📅
To understand the magnitude of what was created in Redmond, let's take a look at the main versions of Windows:
Windows 1.0 (1985) 🟦 Windows 1.0 (1985) 🟦 Windows 1.0 (1985)
The first version, with overlapping windows, basic icons and applications such as Paint and Notepad.
Windows 2.0 (1987) 🖱️
Better support for graphics and the ability to overlay windows. It was key to the development of programs such as Excel and Word.
Windows 3.0 (1990) 🎨
It was a big leap forward with a more user-friendly interface and support for multitasking. It popularized office computers.
Windows 3.1 (1992) 🎶 Windows 3.1 (1992) 🎶 Windows 3.2 (1992)
It included TrueType fonts and the famous Minesweeperbecoming a best-seller.
Windows 95 (1995) 🚀
Revolutionary: introduced the start menuThe taskbar and support for Internet Explorer.
Windows 98 (1998) 🌐
Better integration with the Internet and support for USB devices.
Windows ME (2000) ⚠️
Designed for home users, although it was criticized for its instability.
Windows 2000 (2000) 🛠️
Enterprise-oriented, robust and more secure.
Windows XP (2001) ⭐
One of the most loved systems: stable, fast and with a colorful interface.
Windows Vista (2007) 🌄
Aesthetically appealing but criticized for its performance.
Windows 7 (2009) 🏆
One of Microsoft's greatest successes: it balanced design, speed and functionality.
Windows 8 (2012) 📱
It introduced the Metro interface, designed for touch screens. It was controversial for eliminating the classic start menu.
Windows 10 (2015) 🔄
A long-lasting version, which combined the best of its predecessors.
Windows 11 (2021) ✨
The latest system, with a modern design, support for Android apps and security improvements.
The importance of Redmond in each release 🏙️
Behind every Windows release there were years of research, testing and improvement in Redmond.
Every corner of the campus holds stories of teams that worked day and night to keep Windows evolving.
It is no exaggeration to say that the digital world as we know it was born in that place.
Curiosities of the creation of Windows 🤓.
- The original name was to be Interface Managerbut "Windows" was more commercial.
- Windows 95 was promoted with the song "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones.
- The biggest free upgrade in history was the jump from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10.
- More of 1.4 billion devices currently use Windows.
Redmond today: a hub of innovation 🌟
The Microsoft campus continues to grow and adapt.
It includes modern buildings, artificial intelligence labs, green spaces and even technology stores.
It is the place where gestate the future Windows and many other Microsoft products, such as Office, Xbox and Azure.
Why does it matter to know where Windows was born? 📖
Because it reminds us that great ideas need a fertile environment to prosper.
Redmond symbolizes how a small suburb was able to transform itself into the heart of the world's information technology.
And every time you use Windows, you'll know you're connected to that story.
Conclusion: Redmond, the eternal cradle of Windows 🏆.
There is no longer any doubt: Windows was created in Redmond, Washington, USA..
A place that ceased to be a dot on the map to become the origin of the modern digital era.
From there, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and an army of engineers changed the course of humanity.
And that legacy lives on every time you turn on your computer and see the iconic window of the Windows.