Microsoft’s Best Products (So Far…)

30 April, 2012 Tech

The tiny software company that launched in 1975 went on to dominate the computer industry over the next several years. Headed by the company’s founder, Bill Gates, Microsoft has developed some of the most alluring products. Granted, the company has also made some horrible products, i.e., Windows ME and Microsoft’s first tablet PC, but these flops have not kept Microsoft out of the spotlight.

Despite the flops, hundreds of Microsoft certified professionals agree, the company has been responsible for some trend-setting pieces of hardware and software. From Microsoft’s video game console to its operating system, the company has been revered and applauded for its greatness throughout the years.

Windows XP

Windows XP followed the launch of an unsuccessful Window ME launch. The defunct ME software lacked brilliance, innovation and was cumbersome to use. XP erased the distaste some users felt about ME. Selling over 400 millions copies, the operating system remains one of Microsoft’s most popular pieces of software. Praised for its tight security measures, simplistic layout and intuitive features, the 10-year old software is still in use today.

Microsoft Exchange

Exchange made its debut in 1993. Since its inception, the server-based email system made organizing, drafting and sending out data easy. Individuals who used the software hardly ever complained, and with various updates, easy to use layouts and intuitive features, Exchange made a huge and lasting impact on the way companies sent out information. Today, Exchange offers spam protection, integration for 64-bit computers, command lines, script language and increase storage for keeping all your contacts.

Halo 2

Computer gamers always argued that console games would never be able to replicate the competitive nature of PC-based games. Halo 2 proved PC gamers wrong. When released on the original Xbox, Halo 2 became the must-own game for an system owner, and with access to multiplayer via Xbox Live, individuals could interact with gamers, create custom matches, rank up and compete.

Halo helped spawn the competitive nature of Halo 2, but the original game lacked multiplayer access. Thanks to Microsoft, competitive gaming managed to make its way to the consoles, stripping the PC of its title as king of competitive games.

Microsoft Office 97

Microsoft Office remains an integral part of any computer system. While not offered in the original build of most Windows-based computers, the program still thrives despite years of success. The 97 version of the software package managed to include some of the best features to date. The grammar and toolbox managed to make huge splashes for their creativity and innovations, while the use of formatting files became the default standard.

While today’s Office package includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Exchange, the software continues to win praise for what it has managed to accomplish for the computer industry.

One Note

Released in 2010, OneNote allowed users to share information. Users could draw pictures, add text, share and collaborate data. The program made for the ultimate collaboration tool for users who needed to work remotely but still keep in contact with coworkers. This online software remains free, but if it continues to experience success, it may not stay free for long.

Individuals who have Microsoft certifications agree, the company has experienced its ups and downs. What will always keep the company afloat is the software Microsoft continues to produce for computers. As the leader in software, the company may continue to maintain its dominance for years to come.

Sources

Eweek

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