Bill Gates throws back to Windows 95 as Windows celebrates 28 years

Bill Gates, Windows: Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates took to social media to celebrate the 28th birthday of Windows, the iconic operating system that revolutionised personal computing. In a heartfelt post on microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Gates reminisced about the launch of Windows 95, sharing a glimpse of the past and highlighting the lasting impact of the operating system.

Nostalgic reflections on Windows 95 launch party

In a GIF attached to the post, Bill Gates and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer were captured grooving into the celebratory atmosphere of the Windows 95 launch party. The event, held nearly three decades ago, marked a pivotal moment in computing history. Popular artists and actors, along with Gates and Ballmer, gathered to introduce the world to Windows 95 in a grand fashion.

Some memories stick with you forever. Others follow you around the internet for 28 years. Happy birthday, @Windows. pic.twitter.com/CUqLN2fqlW

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) August 24, 2023

Windows 95

Windows 95, which made its debut on August 24, 1995, was a release that brought about significant advancements in the computing landscape. The introduction of the iconic "Start" button and "Taskbar" redefined user interface design, setting the standard for subsequent Windows versions. These elements have stood the test of time, continuing to influence the design of the latest Windows iterations.

Beyond its visual impact, Windows 95 represented a technological leap. The shift to a 32-bit architecture opened doors to enhanced performance and improved capabilities compared to its predecessor, Windows 3.1. Basic functions like naming multiple files received substantial improvements, streamlining user experiences.

In FY24 Q1, Microsoft's sales soared to $56.2 billion | Image credit: Pixabay

Microsoft's Q1 triumph

In FY24 Q1, Microsoft reported record-breaking sales and profits, defying recession concerns and demonstrating the early returns on its generative Artificial Intelligence investments. Sales soared to $56.2 billion (Rs 4.65 lakh crore) in the quarter ending June, marking an 8 per cent surge compared to the previous year. Profits followed suit, skyrocketing by 20 per cent to hit $20.1 billion (Rs 1.66 lakh crore), surpassing analyst projections and Microsoft's own forecasts. Notably, this profit outperformance comes despite elevated capital expenses of $10.7 billion (Rs 88,462.78 crore) which encompassed essential expenditures for data centre expansion and cutting-edge AI chip acquisition. These extraordinary results have eclipsed Microsoft's prior profit record of $18.8 billion (Rs 1.55 lakh crore) in Q4 2021. Similarly, the company's previous sales high of $52.9 billion (Rs 4.37 lakh crore) in Q1 of the same year has been outdone.

Windows' evolution: A journey through time

Bill Gates' birthday wishes for Windows serve as a reminder of the operating system's evolutionary journey. Starting with Windows 1.0's graphical interface in 1985, each subsequent version brought its own set of innovations and improvements. From Windows 98's enhanced hardware support to Windows 10's focus on unifying platform experiences across devices, Windows has continuously adapted to changing technologies and user needs.

The evolution of Windows operating systems spans several decades, showcasing the journey of technological advancement. It all began with Windows 1.0 in 1985, offering a graphical interface over MS-DOS. Windows 2.0 (1987) brought enhanced GUI and memory management, while Windows 3.0 (1990) introduced improved graphics and multitasking. Windows 95 (1995) marked a major milestone with its iconic "Start" button and enhanced UI. Windows XP (2001) combined stability and aesthetics, while Windows 7 (2009) boosted performance and compatibility. Windows 8 (2012) embraced touch interfaces, and Windows 10 (2015) aimed at platform unity. Windows 11 (2021) introduced a redesigned UI and gaming features. This evolution reflects Microsoft's effort to shape the digital landscape.

Windows 95 launch remains a memorable standout | Image credit: Unsplash

A lasting legacy

Gates' social media post provides a window into the past while also acknowledging the ongoing influence of Windows on today's digital landscape. As Windows users worldwide celebrate this milestone, it's evident that some memories, like the launch of Windows 95, truly stick with you.