Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995 and was a significant milestone for Microsoft in both its past as well as its future. By unifying MS-DOS and Windows products, which were previously two separate entities, Windows 95 introduced a vast array of improvements over its previous iterations, Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1.
Windows 95 had also marked the transition from a 16-bit to 32-bit architecture. The operating system would go on to become the most popular OS for years to come since it had introduced features such as the coveted Start button.
Redesigning the interface in which users interacted with their computers led to the scrapping of many user experience components from previous versions of Windows. The desktop was redesigned to allow for shortcuts to files, folders and applications. Applications running were presented on the taskbar located at the bottom of the screen. Further, the taskbar also displayed volume controls, the time and applications running in the background via miniature icons.
Of course, these are all familiar parts of the Windows experience these days - but at the time of Windows 95's introduction, they represented a considerable change compared with previous releases.
The Start menu was the most significant such departure from earlier versions; clicking on the "Start" button allowed users to access installed applications, open documents and gain quick access to an assortment of shortcuts.
Windows 95 also introduced Internet Explorer 4, which included an optional Windows Desktop Update and allowed users to view internet content directly on their desktop.
Windows 95 had also marked the transition from a 16-bit to 32-bit architecture. The operating system would go on to become the most popular OS for years to come since it had introduced features such as the coveted Start button.
Redesigning the interface in which users interacted with their computers led to the scrapping of many user experience components from previous versions of Windows. The desktop was redesigned to allow for shortcuts to files, folders and applications. Applications running were presented on the taskbar located at the bottom of the screen. Further, the taskbar also displayed volume controls, the time and applications running in the background via miniature icons.
Of course, these are all familiar parts of the Windows experience these days - but at the time of Windows 95's introduction, they represented a considerable change compared with previous releases.
The Start menu was the most significant such departure from earlier versions; clicking on the "Start" button allowed users to access installed applications, open documents and gain quick access to an assortment of shortcuts.
Windows 95 also introduced Internet Explorer 4, which included an optional Windows Desktop Update and allowed users to view internet content directly on their desktop.
