Windows 11's Interface Draws Criticism, 30 Years After Windows 95's Start Menu
Users have voiced dissatisfaction with Windows 11's interface, echoing long-standing concerns about Microsoft's operating systems. Meanwhile, tech enthusiasts recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of Windows 95, a milestone release that introduced the Start menu and faced its own challenges.
Raymond Chen, a veteran Microsoft engineer, revealed in his 'The Old New Thing' series that the Windows 95 development team chose not to use a miniature version of the OS for installation. This decision was due to both user experience and engineering complexities. Instead, users had to endure a convoluted setup process involving three programs running under three different operating systems.
Windows 95's initial user interface was dominated by dull text, a result of time limitations and primitive graphical capabilities. This stark contrast to the sleek, graphical interfaces we expect today. Despite these limitations, Windows 95 introduced the now-ubiquitous Start menu, a feature that continues to influence modern OS design.
Looking back, some users preferred using Windows 3.1 for installation. It was already debugged and could fit onto a single floppy disk, demonstrating the simplicity and accessibility that users still crave today.
Windows 95's legacy continues to influence modern OS debates and user expectations for clarity and accessibility. As we celebrate its 30th anniversary, it serves as a reminder of how far we've come in terms of user experience and graphical capabilities. Yet, the challenges it faced, such as convoluted interfaces and complex setup processes, remain relevant today, as seen in the dissatisfaction with Windows 11.
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