Darwin Chapuswike

Microsoft at 50: The 7 Biggest Game Changers Through Five Decades

April 17, 2025

As an L2 Support Engineer at NetOne Zambia, I have built my career on technologies that have shaped the modern world, many of which trace their roots back to Microsoft. This year, as Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, I am reflecting on the company’s monumental impact over the past five decades. From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its current role as a leader in AI and cloud computing, Microsoft has consistently driven innovation. In this post, I will highlight the seven biggest game changers that have defined Microsoft’s legacy and influenced my own journey in tech.

The 7 Biggest Game Changers from Microsoft

Here’s a look at the milestones that have not only shaped Microsoft but also transformed the technology landscape:

1. MS-DOS (1981): The launch of MS-DOS laid the foundation for Microsoft’s dominance in personal computing. It powered the first IBM PCs and became the standard operating system for early computers, giving millions their first taste of computing.
2. Windows 1.0 (1985): Windows introduced a graphical user interface to the masses, making computers more accessible. It was a game changer that set the stage for Microsoft’s future operating systems.
3. Microsoft Office (1990): Office revolutionized productivity with tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Today, it remains a cornerstone of business and education, and I use it daily at NetOne for documentation and presentations.
4. Windows 95 (1995): With its Start menu and taskbar, Windows 95 redefined user experience and solidified Microsoft’s grip on the OS market.
5. Xbox (2001): Microsoft’s entry into gaming with the Xbox console expanded its reach into entertainment. It also pioneered online gaming with Xbox Live, a platform that is now integral to gaming culture.
6. Azure (2010): Azure marked Microsoft’s pivot to cloud computing, competing with AWS and Google Cloud. At NetOne, we rely on Azure for scalable infrastructure, and it has been transformative for our operations.
7. AI and Copilot (2020s): Microsoft’s investment in AI, particularly through its partnership with OpenAI and the launch of Copilot, has redefined productivity. Copilot helps developers write code faster, and I have seen its potential to streamline IT support tasks.

Reflection: Late Night Studies and Microsoft’s Influence

The photo below captures a moment from 2021, when I was a student at a college in Lusaka, burning the midnight oil in the library at 3 AM. With headphones on and my laptop open, I was deep in my studies, likely working on a project that involved Microsoft technologies, perhaps configuring a Windows server or debugging code in Visual Studio. The caption “3 AM in my feelings” reflects the mix of exhaustion and determination I felt during those late night sessions. Microsoft’s tools, from Windows to Office, were my companions in those moments, helping me build the skills that now define my career at NetOne.

Looking Ahead

Microsoft’s 50 year journey is a testament to its ability to innovate and adapt. As we move into the next decade, I am excited to see how Microsoft continues to shape the tech landscape, particularly in AI, quantum computing, and sustainability. For me, Microsoft’s tools will remain essential as I grow in my role at NetOne, supporting our IT infrastructure and exploring new technologies. Here is to 50 years of Microsoft and the many more game changers to come!