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Starting Microsoft
In 1975, Gates and Allen formed a partnership called Microsoft. Like most start-ups, Microsoft began small, but has a huge vision a computer on every desktop in every home. During the next few years, Microsoft begins to change the ways that we work. -
How Microsoft Got Its Name
On July 29, 1975, Bill Gates used the name "Micro-soft" in a letter to Paul Allen to refer to their partnership. This name was later registered as the company name. -
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Microsoft Windows
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Steve Ballmer is Hired
In June 1980, Gates and Allen hire Gates’ former Harvard classmate Steve Ballmer to help run the company." In response, Microsoft focuses on a new operating system—the software that manages, or runs, the computer hardware and also serves to bridge the gap between the computer hardware and programs, such as a word processor. It’s the foundation on which computer programs can run. They name their new operating system "MS‑D -
Microsoft, inc.
The company was officially named Microsoft, inc. in 1981. Gates was the president and chairman and Allen was the executive vice president. Allen left after he was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease. -
Windows Getting Started
In 1983, Microsoft's amazing achievement was released, Microsoft Windows was an operating system with a novel graphical user interface and a multitasking environment for IBM computers. -
Intorducing Windows 1.0
Microsoft works on the first version of a new operating system. Interface Manager is the code name and is considered as the final name, but Windows prevails because it best describes the boxes or computing “windows” that are fundamental to the new system.On November 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0. Now, rather than typing MS‑DOS commands, you just move a mouse to point and click your way through screens, or “windows.” -
Microsoft 2.0
On December 9, 1987 Microsoft releases Windows 2.0 with desktop icons and expanded memory. With improved graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work. -
Becoming Famous
In 1988, Microsoft becomes the world’s largest PC software company based on sales. Computers are starting to become a part of daily life for most office workers. -
Microsoft Office
In 1989, Microsoft Office was released. Office is a software package that is a collection of programs that you might use in the office including: a word possessor, spreadsheet, a mail program, business presentation software, and more. -
Windows 3.0 and 3.1 Getting the Graphics
On May 22, 1990, Microsoft announces Windows 3.0, followed shortly by Windows 3.1 in 1992. Taken together, they sell 10 million copies in their first 2 years, making this the most widely used Windows operating system yet. In 1990 Windows starts to look like the versions to come. Windows now has significantly better performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons. -
Windows NT is Released
When Windows NT releases on July 27, 1993, Microsoft meets an important milestone: the completion of a project begun in the late 1980s to build an advanced new operating system from scratch."Windows NT represents nothing less than a change in the way that companies can address their business computing requirements," Bill Gates says at its release. -
Internet Explorer is Introduced
In August 1995, Microsoft released Windows 95, which includes technologies for connecting to the Internet.It was the first Windows that could connect to the Internet. -
Windows 95- PC Comes of Age
On August 24, 1995, Microsoft releases Windows 95, selling a record-setting 7 million copies in the first five weeks. It’s the most publicized launch Microsoft has ever taken on. The press release simply begins: “It’s here.” -
Windows 98 is Released
Released on June 25, 1998, Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. PCs are common at work and home, and Internet cafes where you can get online. Windows 98 is described as an operating system that “Works Better, Plays Better.” -
First Gaming System
In 2001, Microsoft introduced their first gaming unit, the Xbox system, the first home gaming console on the market.Xbox faced competition from Sony's PlayStation 2 and eventually Microsoft discontinued the Xbox. However, in 2005, Microsoft released their Xbox 360 gaming console which was a success and is still on the market today. -
Windows XP Comes Out
On October 25, 2001, Windows XP is released with a redesigned look and feel that's centered on usability and a unified Help and Support services center.It’s available in 25 languages. -
Windows Vista
It is released in 2006 and it has the strongest security system yet. You can watch television, view and send pictures, and edit videos. -
Windows 7 is Out
It included new ways to work with Windows. It was built for the wireless world that came about in the late 2000s. Connecting to wireless internet started to become common so it was the ideal networking system. -
Finally Windows 8
Windows 8 is the newest Windows. It functions for both tablets and a PC. It has a start screen with tiles that can connect to people, files, apps, and websites. It also works smoothly with touch and mouse and keyboard. -
Microsoft Today
Microsoft is dominating the PC market and office suite markets. Microsoft entered the PC vendor market for the first time, with the invention of the Microsoft Surface Tablet computer.
