Windows is the most successful desktop operating system ever, and the basis for Microsoft’s position in the IT industry. Generations have used it at home and at work, understanding the quirks of successive versions.
How much do you know about Windows? Take our quiz!
Question 1/18
What was Microsoft's original name for the project that later became Windows?
- Interface Manager
- Chicago
- Pippin
Question 3/18
The Windows 1.0 logo, with its flat blue panels looks interestingly like the most recent version: TRUE or FALSE?
- TRUE
- FALSE
Question 4/18
Early Windows versions, like MS DOS, were limited in memory. How much could early Windows address?
- 512kbyte
- 640kbyte
- 1Mbyte
Question 5/18
Which of the following was NOT included with Windows 1.0?
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Notepad
- Paint
- Solitaire
Question 6/18
Overlapping Windows were first allowed in which version?
- Windows 1.0
- Windows 2.0
- windows 3.0
Question 7/18
Windows got built-in networking in 1993, released under what name?
- Windows for Workgroups
- Windows NT
- Windows Us
Question 8/18
Which was the first version of Windows to feature the "Start" button?
- Windows 3.1
- Windows 95
- windows XP
Question 9/18
Minesweeper - possibly the greatest Windows game - was first included in which Windows version?
- Windows 3.1
- windows XP
- Windows 95
Question 10/18
The famous Blue Screen Of Death, produced when Windows crashes, was seen on stage when Bill Gates launched which Windows version?
- Windows 98
- windows Me
- windows XP
Question 11/18
Windows XP was launched in October 2001 and is still in widespread use. When did Microsoft stop supporting it?
- April 2009
- October 2011
- Extended support is still available
Question 12/18
Windows Vista (2007) was a failure. It never sold more copies than the previous version, Windows XP. What was the highest market share it achieved?
- 16 percent
- 26 percent
- 36 percent
Question 13/18
Which of the following is NOT a real mobile version of Windows?
- Windows CE
- Windows Phone
- Pocket PC
- Windows Portable
- Windows Mobile
Question 14/18
Windows 7, launched in 2009, finally overtook Windows XP in which year?
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- Not yet
Question 15/18
Windows 8 (2012) runs on tablets as well as PCs. What is Microsoft's own tablet for Windows 8 called?
- Microsoft Surface
- Microsoft Slate
- Microsoft Tablet
- Microsoft SmartGlass
Question 16/18
WINDOWS 95 BONUS 1: Who appeared in a comedy promo video for Windows 95?
- Kelsey Grammer from Frasier
- Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston
- Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy
Question 17/18
WINDOWS 95 BONUS 2: Which composer created the six-second "Microsoft sound" which plays when Windows 95 starts?
- John Williams
- Mike Oldfield
- Brian Eno
Question 18/18
WINDOWS 95 BONUS 3: Which group performed "Start Me Up" for a Windows 95 commercial?
- The Rolling Stones
- Simply Red
- Huey Lewis and the News
Result: [SCORE-MESSAGE] out of [NB-OF-QUESTION-MESSAGE]
Other profiles
Blue Screen of Death!
There is more to Windows than meets the eye, and more to learn. Maybe you have moved on from the iconic operating system, but it's still worth getting to know it!
There is more to Windows than meets the eye, and more to learn. Maybe you have moved on from the iconic operating system, but it's still worth getting to know it!
Start Button!
You've made a good beginning: with a bit more study you could be a great Windows scholar. Microsoft holds few secrets from your inquiring mind.
You've made a good beginning: with a bit more study you could be a great Windows scholar. Microsoft holds few secrets from your inquiring mind.
Are you Bill Gates?
You clearly know Windows inside out, and have an abiding love for the platform that took over hundreds of millions of desktops. Well done!
You clearly know Windows inside out, and have an abiding love for the platform that took over hundreds of millions of desktops. Well done!