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The history of operating systems showcases the evolution of computing — from simple machine control to today’s intelligent, AI-driven platforms. Pioneers like Ken Thompson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Linus Torvalds shaped how we interact with technology. Explore how OS development transformed digital innovation across decades.
Operating System History with Inventors
|
Year |
Operating System |
Company / Developer |
Inventor / Creator |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1956 |
GM-NAA I/O |
General Motors |
Robert L. Patrick |
First operating system for IBM mainframes, automating basic tasks. |
|
1969 |
UNIX |
AT&T Bell Labs |
Ken Thompson & Dennis Ritchie |
Introduced multitasking, portability, and inspired modern OS design. |
|
1973 |
CP/M |
Digital Research |
Gary Kildall |
Early microcomputer OS; influenced MS-DOS architecture. |
|
1981 |
MS-DOS |
Microsoft |
Tim Paterson (for Seattle Computer Products) |
Command-line OS later licensed by Microsoft for IBM PCs. |
|
1984 |
Mac OS |
Apple Inc. |
Steve Jobs & Apple Team |
Brought graphical user interface and mouse control to personal computers. |
|
1991 |
Linux |
Open Source |
Linus Torvalds |
Free and open-source UNIX-like OS; foundation for Android and servers. |
|
1995 |
Windows 95 |
Microsoft |
Bill Gates & Microsoft Team |
Introduced Start Menu, taskbar, and user-friendly GUI for PCs. |
|
2001 |
Windows XP |
Microsoft |
Microsoft Team |
Known for stability, usability, and widespread global adoption. |
|
2007 |
iOS |
Apple Inc. |
Steve Jobs & Apple Engineers |
Revolutionized mobile OS design with multitouch interface on iPhone. |
|
2008 |
Android |
|
Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, Chris White |
Open-source mobile OS that became the world’s most used platform. |
|
2015 |
Windows 10 |
Microsoft |
Terry Myerson & Microsoft Team |
Unified OS across PC, mobile, and IoT devices. |
|
2021 |
Windows 11 |
Microsoft |
Panos Panay & Microsoft Team |
Modern design, enhanced security, and integration with AI and cloud. |
