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Windows turns 40 as the most influential software product in history
Winsage
November 21, 2025

Windows turns 40 as the most influential software product in history

Microsoft Windows celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 20, 2025. The journey began with the launch of Windows 1.0 in 1985, designed as a graphical layer atop MS-DOS, requiring a graphics card and 256KB of RAM. Subsequent releases included Windows 2.0 in 1987, Windows 3.0 and 3.1 in 1990 and 1992, respectively, which introduced significant features like a 3D-styled interface and popular games. Windows 95, launched in the mid-1990s, introduced the Start menu and taskbar, selling over seven million copies shortly after its release. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the introduction of Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP in 2001, which was noted for its stability. Windows Vista was released in 2007, followed by Windows 7 in 2009, and Windows 8, which faced user backlash. Windows 10 was launched in 2015, adopting a Windows-as-a-Service model, and Windows 11 continues to evolve with new design and hardware requirements.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
November 21, 2025

Microsoft at 40: Four Decades of Innovation and a Tech Legacy That Shaped the World

Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque. It launched its first operating system, which led to the development of the Windows platform, becoming synonymous with personal computing in the 1990s and early 2000s. Microsoft Office established itself as the global standard for productivity. Under Satya Nadella's leadership, the company has focused on cloud computing and AI, with Azure becoming a significant cloud platform. Microsoft has made strategic acquisitions, including LinkedIn, GitHub, Mojang, and Activision Blizzard, transitioning to a diversified technology ecosystem.
Poor designs and plagiarism accusations: Forty years ago, Windows got off to a rocky start
Winsage
November 20, 2025

Poor designs and plagiarism accusations: Forty years ago, Windows got off to a rocky start

In the early 1980s, the concept of a graphical interface was still a visionary dream, as computers were primarily navigated through text commands. Microsoft, with its MS-DOS software, was a leader in this text-based era. Bill Gates recognized the need for user-friendly computers, leading to the development of Windows, first introduced in 1983 and officially launched on November 20, 1985. Prior to this, elements of graphical interfaces had been conceptualized in the 1960s by Douglas Engelbart's team and realized in 1973 by Xerox with its Alto computer. The Alto's graphical interface inspired developers, including Gates and Steve Jobs. However, the initial reception of Windows was not successful, indicating challenges for Microsoft in redefining personal computing.
Forget Microsoft's unpopular agentic AI OS plans, Windows Aero makes a comeback in new 'Windows 26' concept — but with a futuristic twist and a consistent dark theme
Winsage
November 13, 2025

Forget Microsoft’s unpopular agentic AI OS plans, Windows Aero makes a comeback in new ‘Windows 26’ concept — but with a futuristic twist and a consistent dark theme

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a shift in the company's vision towards intelligence and AI, moving away from the original software factory concept by co-founder Bill Gates. Microsoft has invested heavily in AI, particularly through a partnership with OpenAI, integrating technologies like ChatGPT into its ecosystem. Gates had previously warned Nadella against a billion-dollar investment in 2019, fearing potential losses. Microsoft plans to end support for its current operating system on October 14, 2025, and is focusing on developing an AI-powered operating system, with indications that the next version of Windows will offer a multi-modal experience. Microsoft has reorganized its Windows team to facilitate this transition. Users have expressed frustration with current Windows iterations, prompting suggestions for improvements from power users and designers. Concepts for a future Windows 26 have been proposed, featuring customizable designs and enhanced AI capabilities, though specific system requirements are not detailed.
Jump Start Me Up
Winsage
August 26, 2025

Jump Start Me Up

Windows 95 celebrates its 30th anniversary, remembered for its launch event featuring Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The Hackster community has created innovative projects inspired by the OS, including: 1. Retro Handheld PC by Changliang Li: A handheld device made from 90s components that runs Windows 95 and offers a retro gaming experience. 2. Windows Wrist Watch 2.0 by Michael Darby: A watch powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 that displays Windows 95 on a HyperPixel 4.0 screen. 3. Windows 95-Themed Vape by Jason Gin: A vape modified to feature Windows 95 graphics, referencing the OS's infamous Blue Screen of Death and hardware issues.
Why Microsoft defined the modern PC with Windows 95
Winsage
August 24, 2025

Why Microsoft defined the modern PC with Windows 95

Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995, in the United States, and became a cultural phenomenon, supported by a significant advertising campaign featuring the Rolling Stones' song "Start Me Up." The operating system introduced the "Start" menu and was technically advanced for its time, despite some user interface challenges. Microsoft faced intense competition from IBM's OS/2 and the growing home PC market, which included the rise of gaming consoles. Windows 95 was made available for testing through a beta program, and its launch was backed by a 0 million advertising budget. The operating system included a "Plug & Play" feature, although it often led to crashes. Windows 95 relied on a DOS substructure and introduced DOS version 7.0, allowing better use of 32-bit processors. Microsoft also launched "The Microsoft Network" (MSN) alongside Windows 95, but Internet Explorer was only available in the additional "Plus!" package. By the end of 1995, Microsoft sold 40 million licenses for Windows 95, which continued to receive updates until 2001. The startup sound composed by Brian Eno was later added to the US Library of Congress in 2025.
Windows 95: The system that changed the way we use computers
Winsage
August 24, 2025

Windows 95: The system that changed the way we use computers

Branislav Bukmirović began using computers in 1985 with MS-DOS and experienced a significant turning point with the launch of Windows 95 on August 24, 1995. This operating system introduced a graphical user interface, including the "Start" button and desktop icons, which made computing more accessible. Windows 95 required upgraded hardware due to its 32-bit architecture, leading many users to invest in new components. The launch event featured the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and cost Microsoft 0 million in marketing. Within a year, Windows 95 became the most widely used operating system, solidifying Microsoft's market dominance and funding further innovations. It integrated Internet access, making it easier for everyday users, although the initial version of Internet Explorer faced criticism. Windows 95's legacy continues to influence modern computing.
Real People Using AI And More From Microsoft’s Copilot 50th Anniversary Event
Winsage
April 7, 2025

Real People Using AI And More From Microsoft’s Copilot 50th Anniversary Event

On April 4, Microsoft held a livestream event to celebrate its 50th anniversary, showcasing the evolution of AI capabilities over the past five years and introducing their AI companion, Copilot. The event featured a panel with Chris Suh and his dog, Joonie, and user Elvira, who shared how Copilot helped them manage personal tasks and gain confidence. The discussions highlighted a shift in information-seeking behavior due to AI models like ChatGPT and Copilot, which provide authoritative answers quickly. Suleyman demonstrated Copilot's adaptability through a conversation that showcased its engaging capabilities. The event emphasized the importance of democratizing access to AI technology, noting recent advancements like Google's Gemini that aim to make powerful models available to a wider audience.
What Bill Gates says he got 'wrong' and was 'pretty naive' about in Microsoft's early days
Winsage
April 7, 2025

What Bill Gates says he got ‘wrong’ and was ‘pretty naive’ about in Microsoft’s early days

Business Insider curates and shares innovative stories in business journalism, focusing on the narratives behind numbers and trends. Their articles provide insights into the creative and transformative aspects of business, encouraging critical thinking about industry developments. They cover various sectors, including technology and finance, and aim to highlight both the challenges and the ingenuity driving progress in the modern marketplace.
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