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Windows 95 turns 15 (images)

As one of Microsoft's most popular operating systems hits its 15th birthday, CNET takes a look back.

Ina Fried
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Bill Gates ushers in Windows 95

It was 15 years ago that Microsoft had one of its most successful launches ever--introducing Windows 95. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates took the stage in Redmond, Wash., on Aug 24, 1995, to preside over the release of Windows 95.
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Start me up

The start menu, as seen in Windows 95. Microsoft has kept the notion in all subsequent versions of Windows, though the look and functions have changed over time.
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Windows 95 desktop

Though spartan by modern standards, the Windows 95 desktop paved the way for what remains the standard view of the PC. However, Apple fans would certainly want it noted that the Mac had looked that way for roughly a decade prior to Windows 95.

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