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Microsoft was founded by Bill Gate and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bill and Paul first met when the were going to school in Washington. Bill was in 8th grade and Paul was in 10th grade. It was computers that initially brought them together.
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Microsoft headquarters were relocated to Washington State. Both Bill Gate and Paul Allen had strong ties to Washington and wanted to bring the headquarters there.
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IBM creates its first personal computer using Microsoft's operating system. This was a big moment for Microsoft because it gave them a chance to prove to the computer and technology industry that they could provide good support.
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Microsoft launches Windows 1.0, a graphical personal computer operating environment
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Microsoft stock goes public. As it the case for any company, this is a major turning point for Microsoft in terms of profitability and recognition. This was a big time for the company as it marked its rise to one of the most well-known and influential companies ever.
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Microsoft releases Windows 2.0, a 16-bit operating environment
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Microsoft introduces Microsoft Internet Explorer, a web browser used to explore the Internet
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Steve Ballmer is named President and CEO of Microsoft. Steve Ballmer joined Microsoft in June of 1980 and became Microsoft's 30th employee and and first business manager hired by Bill Gates.
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Microsoft releases Windows 2000, their newest and best operating system at the time
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Microsoft releases Microsoft Office XP, and office suite that was made for the Windows operating system
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Microsoft launches the original Xbox, a gaming and entertainment system that was one of the first of its kind
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Microsoft launches Microsoft Office, it includes updated and more advanced versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
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Microsoft releases the Xbox 360, the second console in the Xbox series which includes more gaming and entertainment options than the original Xbox
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Microsoft launches the Bing search engine. Similar to Google, it is used to search for things on the Internet. Bing was previously known as MSN Search, and Windows Live Search. Bing was rebranded to become a more advanced and well-know search engine.
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Microsoft launches the Windows Phone 7. This is a significant moment for Microsoft because it introduces them to a new market. The had already been in software and gaming consoles, but this marks their introduction into the cell phone business.
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Microsoft purchases LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. LinkedIn is a site that allows being looking for jobs and employers connect. It also allows people who are already working to be found and contacted.
