FX.co ★ Microsoft: 40 years of history

Microsoft BASIC

Although Bill Gates and Paul Allen are not the creators of the BASIC programming language, it was they who invented the first version of this language for a personal computer called Altair 8800. This innovation enjoyed great success with public due to the low cost. In addition, BASIC for the PC did not require much memory leaving space for programmers to write their custom code.

Windows 3.1 and multi-task operating systems

The success of Windows 3.1 published in 1992 came immediately. Over three million copies of a multi-task operating system were sold two months after its appearance.

Solitaire

When the era of computer games had not come yet, the PC users were fans of the Solitaire (Klondike) and the Minesweeper games.

Office workers spent a lot of time playing patience and clearing virtual minefields.

Windows XP

It was one of the most anticipated home operating systems. Windows XP became really popular among PC users. Earlier all versions of home OS were unsuccessful, and that's why Microsoft XP earned love of millions of people for quite a long period.

MS Office

For the first time this office software was presented by Gates in 1990. Since then, billions of computer users work with text documents and create spreadsheets and presentations using MS Office.

Computer mouse with scroll wheel

Bill Gates is not the creator of this type of a computer mouse, but it was he who popularized it among PC users as the global standard. Microsoft first showed the audience its creation called IntelliMouse in 1996.

Products promotion tricks

Despite the fact that Microsoft has undoubtedly gained success with public, many do not like the company because of its monopoly position. Some believe that the products created by Gates and his team received the recognition illegally, in other words thanks to the promotion and various tricks, and not because they were unique or outperformed other similar products.

High cost of goods

Many people do not like Microsoft, once again, for its monopoly. The company which became the main on the market set sky-high prices on their products. For example, Microsoft sells their operating systems and office software for $ 80-200, while other brands offer similar products at a lower price (or even free).

Problems with Microsoft OS

Home operating systems from Microsoft for personal computers gained fame of unstable and problematic ones. Windows 95 and Windows Millenium Edition are among them.

Obtrusiveness

Some people believe that Microsoft products dictate users their own rules, making choice for them, imposing certain decisions and collecting customer data.

It's noteworthy that the user data collection function is registered in a formal agreement. It says that Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications, networks, and how it's used.

Nokia's end

In 2011, Nokia company was on the 14th place among the most expensive brands of the planet. The brand value reached $ 25 billion. Once ex-officer of Microsoft Stephen Elop came to Nokia as Chief Executive Officer, and after that the company's business has gone bad. Eventually (many believe that due to the large bribes) Microsoft acquired Nokia for a ridiculous amount, and then Elop returned to Gates' company, where he was responsible for the release of smartphones and tablets.