computing history Archives

Winsage

September 11, 2026

ReProgman – The Windows 3.1 interface on PC and Mac

Developer Mayuki Sawatari has created ReProgman, a modern homage to the Windows 3.1 Program Manager, which operates on both Windows 11 and macOS. The application mimics the early '90s interface, scanning the Start menu on Windows or the Applications folder on Mac to organize programs into groups without altering actual shortcuts. Users can drag and drop icons, utilize classic window arrangements, and experience a recreated exit dialog box. The project was initially developed in just an hour, with a detailed specification document available in its git repository. ReProgman is released under the MIT license and is available as a standalone binary, though Mac users need to adjust permissions to run it. Currently, it supports only Windows 11 on x64 and Arm architectures and macOS on Apple Silicon, excluding Windows 10 and Intel Macs.

Winsage

August 26, 2026

Windows XP turns 25. It’s still beating Windows 8 in market share

Windows XP was launched to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, and became available for purchase on October 25, 2001. It was built on the Windows NT architecture, offering enhanced stability and security compared to its predecessors. Microsoft described it as “the most important version of Windows ever,” and its legacy continues to influence modern operating systems.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Windows XP was released to manufacturing a quarter of a century ago

Windows XP was released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, marking a shift from the Windows 9x codebase. It succeeded Windows 2000 for professionals and Windows ME for home users, becoming known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. At launch, it was available in two editions: Home and Professional. Extended support ended on April 8, 2014, but it continued to be used in various sectors, including Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, which saw support end in April 2019. Microsoft issued a patch for XP in May 2019 to address vulnerabilities. By the end of 2016, 90 percent of the UK's NHS was still using XP, and the Reserve Bank of India set a 2019 deadline for phasing it out from ATMs. Some in the global banking sector continued to operate on Windows Server 2003. Windows XP became widely available in retail in October 2001.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 95’s redesign is still the most profound 31 years later — I take a look at what survived more than three decades of hardware evolution

On August 24, 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, featuring a memorable appearance by Jay Leno and CEO Bill Gates. The launch included a promotional video set to "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Windows 95 introduced the Start button, marking a significant change in user experience compared to Windows 3.1, which used a full-screen Program Manager for application organization. The introduction of the Start button reshaped user interaction with computers and contributed to the legacy of Windows 95, which continues to influence users today, even with the release of Windows 11 in 2021.