Microsoft Drivers
While most people associate Microsoft with Redmond, Washington, its roots are in New Mexico where it was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Shortly thereafter, the company moved to Washington state. The first big success in Microsoft's history was the partnership with IBM. IBM PCs shipped with Microsoft DOS operating systems.
Over the years, operating systems came and went including different versions of MS-DOS and OS/2. While popularity for the personal computer was gaining momentum, the introduction of Microsoft Windows had a major impact. The Windows operating system provided a graphical user interface extension based on the MS-DOS operating system. Each new generation of Windows provided new innovations and soon outpaced the profitability of the OS/2 operating system. By the early 90s, Windows became the favored operating system over OS/2. Major consumer Windows versions over the years include Windows 3.0, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. In addition to these versions, Microsoft also made operating systems and applications for businesses such as Windows NT and Microsoft Office. Windows 95 was notable for the inclusion of the "Start" button and a brand new interface. Over one million copies of Windows 95 sold in the first four days of its release. Windows 98 added support for more devices along with a variety of Internet-related features. In 2001, a brand new interface was introduced with Windows XP. Windows XP came in two versions: Home and Professional. By 2007, the interface was once again replaced with the introduction of Windows Vista. Not only is Microsoft a dominant force powering the vast majority of personal computers, it also has a strong software base. Products such as Microsoft Office which includes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and many other productivity applications have been embraced across all industries. Server software for businesses includes Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server, Exchange Server, Small Business Server, BizTalk Server, and other products. Because these products are widely used, qualified IT professionals are needed. Microsoft certifies IT professionals through the Microsoft Certification Program. Microsoft doesn't limit itself to software and operating systems, it also manufactures hardware and gaming consoles. Hardware includes computer mice, keyboards, presenter products, fingerprint readers, Internet communication products such as webcams and headsets, media players, and Media Center products. Microsoft employs nearly 80,000 people in over 100 countries. In 2007, revenue was over $51 billion. Their product lines include operating systems, server systems, software, hardware, developer tools, Windows Live, Xbox gaming consoles, Windows Mobile, and Zune. Macintosh computers are regaining market share and other operating systems such as Linux are becoming popular. In addition, open source software such as Open Office is gaining widespread acceptance. Attempts to takeover Yahoo have failed. However, thus far, Microsoft remains the dominate force of the computer industry. » Download Microsoft Drivers |
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