Microsoft to unveil test version of latest Windows OS next week

Microsoft will unveil a test version of its latest Windows computer operating software next week in what is expected to be the global technology titan's biggest launch ever.

A test, or beta, version of Windows 8 will be introduced to the public in Barcelona during a Mobile World Congress gathering on February 29. It is expected to be accompanied by the opening of an "app store" stocked with mini-programs tailored for the next-generation operating system.

Windows 8 will target not only desktops and notebooks, but also smartphones and tablets where it will compete against Apple and Google to build fun, hip or functional applications, or apps.

In the ramp up to next week's beta launch, we relive the humble Windows operating system's illustrious past and see how far we've come ...

[Microsoft is the owner of Xbox and the owner and publisher of MSN. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Microsoft.]