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Windows 95's Start menu was invented by a chimpanzee-lab psychologist: 'Even a rocket scientist couldn't figure out Windows'
Winsage
September 2, 2026

Windows 95’s Start menu was invented by a chimpanzee-lab psychologist: ‘Even a rocket scientist couldn’t figure out Windows’

A user on X highlighted their new 5K Dell UltraSharp monitor, leading to a discussion about the Windows 11 taskbar's alignment. Dave Plummer, a former Microsoft engineer, expressed his preference for a left-aligned taskbar, which he viewed as a stand against center alignment. The Start button's creation is attributed to Danny Oran, a behavioral psychologist who joined Microsoft in 1992. Oran's background included teaching chimpanzees to communicate, which informed his approach to user interface design. He observed users struggling with Windows 3.1 and proposed a single button for access to all features, initially called "System" but later renamed "Start." The placement of the Start button in the bottom-left corner was influenced by Fitts's law, which suggests users can quickly click targets in screen corners. Joe Belfiore confirmed this placement aligned with reading habits. The initial implementation of the Start button in Windows 95 had an issue with padding that was corrected in Windows 98. Oran also designed the taskbar, which was ultimately placed at the bottom of the screen to differentiate it from Apple's macOS. Oran holds the original patent for both the Start menu and the taskbar introduced in Windows 95.
Back to the Start: How Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the world
Winsage
August 24, 2026

Back to the Start: How Microsoft launched Windows 95 to the world

In 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, an operating system designed to transition users from 16-bit to 32-bit computing, with a marketing budget estimated between 0 million and 0 million. Windows 95 featured a 32-bit architecture capable of managing up to 4GB of memory, the Start button, taskbar, Microsoft Exchange, and Plug and Play technology. The global launch event occurred on August 24 at Microsoft's headquarters, featuring Bill Gates and a promotional campaign that included The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and a videotape guide with Friends stars. In Malaysia, the official launch was on August 29, with some dealers organizing midnight sales, although turnout was disappointing. Microsoft hosted a Windows 95 Expo in Kuala Lumpur, leading to strong sales of additional products. By 1996, Microsoft announced the shipment of 40 million units of Windows 95 worldwide.
Legendary Mac Game Celebrates 40th Anniversary With PC Port
AppWizard
August 24, 2026

Legendary Mac Game Celebrates 40th Anniversary With PC Port

Dark Castle, a classic game from 1986, is being re-released as an official port to PC to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Originally developed for Macintosh, the game was notable for its innovative use of animations and gameplay mechanics, despite the platform's limitations in graphics. The game was created by Silicon Beach Software in collaboration with artist Mark Stephen Pierce and programmer Jonathan Gay, utilizing a technique called "page flipping" to enhance performance. Dark Castle is known for its challenging gameplay and has a sequel, Beyond Dark Castle. Both games are now available on Steam, providing a modern way to experience these titles.
Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac
Winsage
July 25, 2026

Today in Apple history: Windows scores big victory over Mac

On July 25, 1989, Apple faced a legal defeat against Microsoft in a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning the "look and feel" of the Macintosh and Windows operating system. Apple filed 189 counts of infringement related to Windows 2.0.3, but the judge dismissed 179 of these claims, allowing Windows to grow rapidly. The origins of the conflict began when Microsoft proposed a licensing agreement to Apple in 1985, which was rejected. Following this, Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 in November 1985, leading to tensions as Windows 2.0 more closely resembled the Macintosh interface. Apple filed a lawsuit on March 17, 1988, claiming copyright violations. The judge ruled that the existing licensing agreement covered many elements of Windows, contributing to a long-standing rivalry between the two companies and establishing a legal foundation for Windows' dominance in the 1990s.
Windows 1.01 was launched 40 years ago, but it didn't start well — Microsoft's graphical OS adventures were uncompetitive at launch
Winsage
November 22, 2025

Windows 1.01 was launched 40 years ago, but it didn’t start well — Microsoft’s graphical OS adventures were uncompetitive at launch

Microsoft released Windows 1.01 40 years ago, marking its first entry into graphical user interfaces with a WIMP-driven shell. Launched in 1985, it operated on DOS and required an Intel 8088 processor, 256KB of RAM, twin-floppy drives, and CGA graphics. A mouse was recommended but not necessary for navigation. At its release, Apple's Macintosh and home computers like the Atari ST and Commodore Amiga had already established graphical operating systems. Windows 1.01 included applications like Notepad, Paint, Clock, Calculator, and a game called Reversi. The interface featured tiled windows rather than overlapping ones. U.S. customers could purchase Windows 1.01 at launch for approximately 0, and version 1.02 was released in Europe in May 1986.
Legendary game designer, programmer, Space Invaders champion, and LGBTQ trailblazer Rebecca Heineman has died
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

Legendary game designer, programmer, Space Invaders champion, and LGBTQ trailblazer Rebecca Heineman has died

Rebecca Heineman, a pioneering figure in the gaming industry, passed away at the age of 62 following a recent cancer diagnosis. She was the first officially recognized U.S. champion of a video game, winning a national Space Invaders tournament in 1980. Over her career, she contributed to 67 games and was known for her programming skills, including porting titles like Wolfenstein 3D and Baldur's Gate. Heineman publicly embraced her identity as a transgender woman and was an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity in technology. She faced an aggressive cancer diagnosis in early 2024, prompting her to seek support through GoFundMe for treatment costs. After her passing, tributes from the gaming community highlighted her contributions to foundational games and her kindness towards others.
The '80s and '90s PC games unbelievably still being updated today
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

The ’80s and ’90s PC games unbelievably still being updated today

The life cycle of video games can vary greatly, with some experiencing rapid success followed by decline, while others remain relevant for decades due to dedicated players and ongoing developer support. As of 2024, several enduring games continue to thrive, having received updates since 2018. - Klondike: Developed on a Lisa computer, it has been maintained by Michael Casteel for 40 years, with updates including color in 1988, animations in 1989, and high-resolution cards in 2004. - NetHack: Launched in 1987, it has received updates as recently as February 2023 and has an active community with leaderboards available on nethack.alt.org. - Gemstone IV: Launched in 1988, it is one of the oldest MMORPGs, continuously updated by a dedicated team, and has a subscription model to maintain its player base. - Kingdom of Drakkar: Since 1989, it has evolved from a text-based game to a graphical RPG, maintained by creator Brad Lineberger. - Genesis: A MUD and fantasy RPG since 1989, it has expanded significantly and continues to receive updates. - UnReal World: Released in 1992, it is a roguelike RPG inspired by Finland's late Iron Age, with continuous updates since 2018. - Meridian 59: Released in 1996, it remains active with volunteer developers and annual updates, despite ownership changes. - Furcadia: Launched in 1996, it emphasizes user-generated content and was revitalized in 2016 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. - Ultima Online: Since 1997, it has maintained an active community and continues to receive updates and expansions. - Utopia: A text-based fantasy strategy game launched in 1998, it has seen ongoing development and community engagement. - Age of Empires 2: Released in 1999, it was revitalized by a Definitive Edition in 2019 and continues to receive expansions and updates.
Apple Mac grows 13.7% in Q3 to grab 9% global market share
Winsage
October 14, 2025

Apple Mac grows 13.7% in Q3 to grab 9% global market share

Apple's Macintosh achieved a shipment growth of 13.7% year-over-year in Q3 2025, while the overall personal computer market grew by 9.4%, with global shipments reaching 75.8 million units. IDC noted that the North American market is facing challenges due to US import tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties, yet there is strong demand for PCs compatible with Windows 11. Apple’s Mac captures approximately 70% of the global personal computer market's operating profits, with operating margins around 25%, compared to about 4% for other PC vendors.
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.
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