Retro Tech Tuesday: Windows 95 Launch

I know, I know, we're mainly an Apple news site, but I wanted to take a moment to look back on what will probably go down in history as the most star-studded software launch in history. I speak of course, of Windows 95. When Windows 95 launched, it was impossible to stay away from the hype.

Microsoft's PR machine pulled out all the stops, especially at the official launch event. Microsoft licensed the Rolling Stones "Start Me Up," and the Empire State Building was bathed in colored lights to match the Windows logo.

In this short clip from the Computer Chronicles, you get a look at a younger Bill Gates, along with that cutup Jay Leno, as they show how easy it is to use Windows 95. In showing how quickly he can change tasks from task bar, Leno quips "I can change my mind as fast as Bill Clinton!" While Windows 95 has evolved through the years, the same cannot necessarily be said of Mr. Leno's comedy.

If you weren't around when Windows 95 launched, at least look at this wiki page, to get a sense of what it was like.