It's been two decades since Microsoft released its much-loved operating system, Windows 95, which brought with it many firsts.
It was on Aug. 24, 1995 that the OS was released, a precursor to how the future operating systems from the company would be shaped. We take a look at the software's journey as it celebrates its 20th birthday.
Windows 95 marked a new milestone for Microsoft as the OS amalgamated both Windows products and MS-DOS effectively. The OS was an improvement over previous-gen versions of Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1
Windows 95 also earmarked Microsoft's foray into graphical UIs. Versions prior to this one required that users make inputs via the keyboard with sporadic mouse clicks.
It was with this version that users were introduced to the "point and click" of the mouse, which took precedence over keyboard usage, shifting the latter to the backburner.
Windows 95 also brought with it some much-loved games: Minesweeper, Hearts, Freecell and Solitaire. These games, some experts have suggested, were designed so as to teach users how to operate the mouse for clicking, dragging and dropping actions.
Another first for Microsoft with Windows 95 was the shift from 16-bit architecture to a 32-bit one. This OS also introduced one of the most iconic and popular features of Windows, which has seen a return in Windows 10—after missing in action briefly—is the Start button.
The Start button allowed users to not only access the applications installed but also gain access to several shortcuts. Windows 95 initially shipped sans Internet Explorer and later the same was available as an add-on product option. Windows 95 saw the arrival of Internet Explorer 4, which brought with it an optional update for Windows desktops.
Windows 95 also had a redesigned UI and enabled users to spot apps on the taskbar at the screen's bottom. The taskbar also displayed the time and volume controls, among others.
A groundbreaking feature with the arrival of Windows 95 was the ability to double-click a document to open it, along with launching an app that created docs.
As Windows 95 turns 20, Microsoft has come a long way with its Windows 10 OS. While the OS continues to see improvements with every iteration, some iconic features of Windows 95 stay evergreen.
Photo: Marcin Wichary | Flickr
