Microsoft Windows has been around since about 1985.  For those old computer buffs, it was Windows 3.11, and wasn't much more than a dos "shell." A graphical interface that overlayed with dos, and wouldn't run without it.

     It was then in late 1995 or early 1996 when Windows 95 came out that didn't require dos to run.  It continually progressed in both the home and business environment. 

    For the home environment, Microsoft operating systems started out as dos. It then moved on to Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98se, Windows Millenium, Windows XP (both home and professional).

    For business, once it got past the dos era, there was Windows NT, Windows 2000, and now, Windows Server 2003. 

    Windows takes a lot of work to get it installed and working properly the first time. First, you have to install windows (the operating system), then you have to get all the drivers installed for the devices such as video, sound, printer, etc.  Once that's complete, you have to install all the software you normally use, such as Word. If you have a dvd player you have to install that software.  If you have a cd burner, you have to install that software, and so on.  Don't forget when you're done to install your AntiVirus software as well as the patches from Microsoft to secure Windows.