Windows 95 dropped on August 24, 1995, and straight-up changed the game. It wasn’t just another update—it was the jump from clunky MS-DOS days to a full-blown graphical interface with the Start menu, taskbar, and plug-and-play support. You could finally install stuff without needing a PhD in command lines. Microsoft pushed out updates like OSR1 and OSR2 through 1996-1997, which added things like FAT32 support and USB compatibility. If you booted this thing up and heard that startup sound, you’re probably already smiling. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the OS that made millions of people feel like they could finally use a computer without breaking it.