Microsoft's debut of Windows 95 marked a 30-year anniversary today, signifying the first instance of software becoming a cultural phenomenon in the realm of pop culture.

Celebrating Three Decades of Windows 95: A Look Back at the Groundbreaking Operating System

Thirty years ago, on August 24, 1995, Microsoft released Windows 95, a significant milestone in the history of personal computing. The operating system, marketed as a merger of Microsoft's DOS and Windows products, revolutionised the way people interacted with their computers.

On the first day of its release, Microsoft reported an impressive $720 million in sales revenue, with the entrepreneur responsible for the sale being none other than Bill Gates, the co-founder and then CEO of Microsoft. In just four days, one million copies of Windows 95 were shipped worldwide. By 1996, this number had grown to 40 million units.

Windows 95 was initially sold in a box containing 13-15 1.44MB floppy disks. However, a CD distribution was also available, which required a boot floppy for DOS-level CD-ROM drivers. The official system requirements included an Intel 386DX processor, 4MB of RAM, a VGA display, and 55MB of HDD space. Recommended settings were more demanding, calling for a 486 or better CPU, 8MB of RAM, an SVGA display, and more storage.

One of the most notable features of Windows 95 was its significantly revamped user interface. The introduction of the Start Button made navigation easier than ever before. The operating system also brought in features such as 32-bit preemptive multitasking, plug and play hardware, and support for long filenames.

Windows 95's contemporary, Macintosh System 7.5.X, required about half the fixed storage of Windows 95. Ten out of the eleven publishers of the top 20 PC game titles were onboard with Windows 95-based gaming, further enhancing its appeal.

The release of Windows 95 also accelerated the use of the web, as both Netscape and Microsoft released their new browsers on 32-bit Windows. It is debatable whether Windows 95 marked the beginning of software bloat, but it certainly set the stage for the evolution of operating systems in the years to come.

Today, Windows 95 can be tested online in a VM or on PCjs Machines, offering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the profound impact this operating system had on the world of technology. As we celebrate its 30th anniversary, Windows 95 remains a testament to Microsoft's innovative spirit and the transformative power of technology.