Launch of Microsoft Windows 95
August 24th, 1995
August 24th, 1995

How Long Ago?
29 years, 6 months, 19 days ago
Location
Redmond, Washington, USA
Category
Science & Technology
People
- Steve Ballmer
- Bill Gates
- Brad Silverberg
Links & References
Tags
Launch of Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 95 was officially released, marking a significant advancement in personal computing. Developed by Microsoft Corporation, Windows 95 introduced a new graphical user interface and an organized system to navigate computers. Set against a backdrop of technological evolution, this launch took place in the United States and showcased features like the Start menu, taskbar, and improved hardware support. The event was widely anticipated and was supported by a massive marketing campaign, featuring the tagline 'Start Me Up' by The Rolling Stones, drawing attention to this substantial leap in operating systems.
Introduced Start menu and taskbar features.
Sold over a million copies in the first four days.
Backed by a $300 million marketing campaign.
Changed computing with user-friendly interface.
What Happened?
Microsoft Windows 95 revolutionized the personal computer experience upon its release, transforming the way users interacted with their machines. The operating system made significant strides with its user-friendly interface that featured a Start button and taskbar, allowing easier access to applications and files. This new design diverged from the command-line interface used in earlier versions, making computing accessible to a broader audience, including those with little technical knowledge. The development team, led by corporate vice president Brad Silverberg, focused on seamless integration of software and hardware, ensuring compatibility with various computer systems prevalent at the time.
The launch was backed by an unprecedented marketing campaign, significantly raising public interest. Microsoft spent approximately $300 million promoting Windows 95, culminating in a launch event that attracted thousands of users and media attention. The event included live demonstrations, interviews, and the use of the iconic Rolling Stones song, 'Start Me Up,' which became synonymous with the launch. The anticipation culminated in massive sales, with over a million copies sold within the first four days, making it one of the fastest-selling software products at that point.
Critical features of Windows 95 included plug and play hardware support, allowing users to install peripheral devices without extensive technical setup, and enhanced multitasking capabilities. These advancements helped drive the rapid adoption of personal computers in homes and businesses, firmly establishing Microsoft as a leader in the software industry.
Why Does it Matter?
The launch of Microsoft Windows 95 is significant because it played a crucial role in popularizing personal computing, making technology more accessible to the general public. Its innovative features and user-friendly design set the standard for operating systems, shaping the evolution of software for years to come. It marked the beginning of the widespread use of GUIs, influencing countless subsequent operating systems and software applications.
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