The Evolution of Microsoft calculator: A Brief History
The Evolution of Microsoft calculator: A Brief History
Microsoft calculator, or simply calculator, is a free calculator application offered by Microsoft in various Windows operating systems. This simple yet powerful tool has been a part of Microsoft since the very first version of Windows. With every release of Windows, calculator has undergone numerous updates and changes to make it more functional and user-friendly.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Microsoft calculator and how it has evolved over the years.
Windows 1.0 calculator
The first version of Microsoft Windows was released in 1985, along with the very first version of calculator that came with it. The calculator was a simple four-function calculator with basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Windows 2.0 calculator
The second version of Microsoft Windows was released in 1987, and it introduced a more advanced calculator. The Windows 2.0 calculator had added scientific and engineering functions, such as sine, cosine, tangent, logarithms, and exponential calculations.
Windows 3.0/3.1 calculator
Windows 3.0, released in 1990, and Windows 3.1 released in 1992, introduced a more user-friendly calculator that displayed the calculations in a scrolling display. The calculator also had an added History feature that allowed users to refer to previous calculations with ease.
Windows 95 calculator
The release of Windows 95 saw a significant change in the design of the calculator. Windows 95 calculator had a simple design, with large buttons, and different modes for scientific and standard calculations. The calculator was also resizable, and users can customize the button size and layout to suit their preferences.
Windows 98 calculator
Windows 98 was released in 1998 and it brought a very minor update to the calculator. The calculator remained the same as the one in Windows 95, with the only addition being the ability to convert units of measurement.
Windows XP calculator
Windows XP was released in 2001, and it brought a new look to the calculator. The calculator took on a sleeker design, with the ability to switch between standard, scientific, and Programmer modes. However, many users felt the new design sacrificed functionality for aesthetics.
Windows Vista calculator
The release of Windows Vista in 2006 saw the calculator undergo a significant change. The calculator had a new interface that was updated to look like a gadget, and it could be used in either Standard, Scientific, Programmer, or even a more sophisticated Statistics modes. This calculator was criticized for being hard to use and overwhelming.
Windows 7 and Windows 10 calculator
With the release of Windows 7 in 2009, Microsoft introduced a completely overhauled calculator. This new calculator had a sleeker and more intuitive user interface, and included additional modes for unit conversion, date calculation, and mortgage estimation. Later versions also added the ability to perform calculations using degrees, radians, or grads. Windows 10 calculator has been retained similar interface with additional features like Always On Top, Dark Theme, and a new Graphing Mode.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Microsoft calculator on other operating systems besides Windows?
A: No. Microsoft calculator is designed specifically for Windows operating systems.
Q: Why do I need a calculator when I can just use my phone?
A: While most phones come with a built-in calculator, it can be easier and more convenient to use a desktop calculator when working with multiple programs and applications.
Q: Is Microsoft calculator free?
A: Yes, Microsoft calculator is free and comes pre-installed with all versions of Windows operating systems.
Q: What is the difference between Standard, Scientific, and Programmer modes in Microsoft calculator?
A: Standard is a basic calculator mode that includes basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Scientific mode adds trigonometric and logarithmic functions, while Programmer mode includes additional binary and hexadecimal operations.
Q: How do I resize the Microsoft calculator window?
A: You can resize the Microsoft calculator window by clicking and dragging the corners or sides of the window.
Q: Does Microsoft calculator have a history feature?
A: Yes, Microsoft calculator has a History feature that allows you to view past calculations. To access it, click on the History icon in the top-left corner of the calculator.
Q: Can I customize the layout of the Microsoft calculator buttons?
A: Yes, you can customize the layout of the Microsoft calculator buttons by opening the View menu and selecting either ‘Standard’, ‘Scientific’, or ‘Programmer’ mode. You can then move around the buttons by dragging and dropping them to different locations.