Windows 95 was a groundbreaking operating system that introduced many features that are still widely used today. In this blog post, we will summarize some of the best features of Windows 95 and why it was so popular among users and developers.
Introduction of the GUI
One of the most noticeable features of Windows 95 was the graphical user interface (GUI), which was based on the concept of a desktop with icons, folders, and a taskbar. The GUI made it easier for users to navigate and manage their files and applications, as well as customize their desktop appearance. Windows 95 also supported plug and play devices, which meant that users could connect hardware such as printers, scanners, and cameras without having to install drivers or reboot the system.
Welcome to the World Wide Web
Another major feature of Windows 95 was the integration of the Internet Explorer web browser, which allowed users to access the World Wide Web and other online services. Windows 95 also included built-in networking capabilities, such as dial-up access, TCP/IP protocol, and peer-to-peer file sharing. These features enabled users to connect with other computers and exchange information over the Internet or local networks.
For the developers, too
Windows 95 also offered a rich development environment for programmers, who could create applications using various languages and tools. Windows 95 supported 32-bit applications, which could run faster and more efficiently than the previous 16-bit applications. Windows 95 also introduced the Win32 API, which provided a common set of functions and data structures for developing Windows applications. The Win32 API was compatible with both Windows NT and Windows CE, which made it easier for developers to port their applications to different platforms.
Competition
Windows 95 faced some competition from other operating systems at the time. The main competitors were:
Mac OS
This was the operating system for Apple computers, which had a loyal fan base and a reputation for being user-friendly and creative. Mac OS had some advantages over Windows 95, such as better graphics, sound, and video capabilities, and a more consistent and elegant design. However, it also had some disadvantages, such as being more expensive, less compatible, and less customizable.
OS/2
This was an operating system developed by IBM and Microsoft as a successor to DOS. It was designed to be more powerful and secure than Windows 95, and it supported multitasking, multi-threading, and object-oriented programming. However, it also had some drawbacks, such as being more complex, less user-friendly, and less compatible. It also suffered from poor marketing and support from IBM and Microsoft.
Linux
This was an open-source operating system based on Unix that was developed by a community of programmers around the world. It was known for being fast, stable, and flexible, and it could run on various platforms and devices. However, it also had some challenges, such as being less user-friendly, less compatible, and less supported by mainstream software vendors.
Summary
Windows 95 was a huge success in the market, selling over 40 million copies in the first year. It was praised for its ease of use, performance, and compatibility. It also sparked a wave of innovation and competition in the software industry, as well as influenced the design and development of future operating systems. Windows 95 was a milestone in the history of computing and changed the way people interacted with their computers.
