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The founding of Microsoft
In Albuquerque, New Mexico Bill Gates and Paul Allen created a company that makes computer software and named it Microsoft
(Pictured: Bill Gates and Paul Allen) -
Sales hit over one million
By the end of the year, Microsoft's sales had hit over one million -
Relocation of the company
The company relocated to Washington State where it grew into a major multinational technology corporation -
Allen leaves Microsoft
Allen was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and because of this he decided to part ways with the company -
The release of Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows was released with many new features. Some including drop down menus and scroll bars. -
Bill Gates becomes a billionaire
Bill gates became the youngest billionaire about one year after Microsoft went public. -
Microsoft becomes the world’s biggest personal-computer software company
In the late 1980s, based off of sales Microsoft had become the world's biggest personal-computer software company -
The debut of Windows 95
The purchasing of personal computers was at an all time high which was when Windows 95 was released. -
The release of Internet Explorer
In the mid 1990s, Microsoft released it's web browser named Internet Explorer -
Violation of antitrust laws
Microsoft was charged with the violation of antitrust laws because the company was dominating the industry and drove competitors out of business -
Bill Gates stepping down
Gates decided to step down from his position as CEO of the company in 2000, but continued to be involved in the company -
Agreement with the government
Microsoft and the government came to an agreement in which Microsoft was restricted to refrain from violating antitrust laws again -
Launch of Xbox gaming console
Microsoft joined the video game market when releasing the Xbox gaming console -
Bill Gates retired from daily operations completely
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Entrance into the smartphone and tablet industry
In the 2010s Microsoft had began releasing smartphones and tablets which entered the company into a new and booming market