Blast from the Past: Microsoft Windows 1.0 Press Kit

Rummaging through his home office recently, Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's chief software architect, came across a trove of old documents that tech aficionados will get a kick out of: the press materials announcing the launch of Windows 1.0. Ozzie subsequently uploaded the files for the public's perusal. Here's a snippet:

BELLEVUE, WA -- NOVEMBER 20, 1985 -- Microsoft Corporation announced today the retail shipment of the Microsoft Windows operating environment to dealers and distributors. Microsoft Windows extends the features of the DOS operating system, yet is compatible with most existing applications that run under DOS. Windows lets users integrate the tasks they perform with their computer by providing the ability to work with several programs at the same time and easily switch between them without having to quit and restart individual applications. In addition, it provides a rich foundation for a new generation of applications.

"Windows provides unprecedented power to users today and a foundation for hardware and software advancements of the next few years," said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. "It is unique software designed for the serious PC user, who places high value on the productivity that a personal computer can bring."

ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, who first noticed the post, points out that this marks a return from a four-year hiatus from blogging. (The headline for his post is "I'm back."