zip file support Archives

Winsage

August 6, 2025

40 years of Windows: How XP changed everything

In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP, which combined consumer and business versions of Windows and was built on the Windows NT core. It provided a more stable platform compared to Windows 98 and Windows Me, despite initial malware issues. Windows XP featured a vibrant blue interface, the iconic green Start button, and the recognizable "Bliss" wallpaper. It introduced customization options, including user-created themes, and tools like Stardock's WindowBlinds. Key features included System Restore, USB plug-and-play support, built-in CD burning, native ZIP file support, and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft implemented an activation system to combat software piracy. Security measures improved significantly with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, which introduced a default firewall and a Security Center. Windows XP became popular during the rise of the internet and supported applications like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Skype. It left a lasting cultural impact, with many users expressing nostalgia for the operating system.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

Microsoft veteran software engineer explains the development of the Start menu as a Windows 95 feature before it turned into a Windows 11 ‘billboard’

A former Microsoft employee wrote the Start menu for Windows 95. Windows 11's Start menu has faced backlash due to its flawed design and the introduction of ads, leading to users seeking alternative options.

BetaBeacon

April 19, 2024

How writing zip support for Windows almost cost its creator his job at Microsoft

- Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft operating system engineer, was the brain behind the original zip file support in Windows. - Plummer's innovation simplified file management, saved disk space, and expedited file transfers. - The integration of zip file support into Windows was a significant contribution that set a standard for file compression and decompression.