The Original Microsoft Windows 1.0 Press Release On November 20, 1985, a small technology company out of Bellevue, Washington launched a 16-bit graphical operating system for the PC. Originally called Windows Premiere Edition.1, it soon became the foundation for the world’s most prevalent operating system and for one of the most dominant technology companies in history. 25 years later, Microsoft is a household name and co-founder Bill Gates remains the world’s wealthiest person. Back in 1985 though, there was no guarantee of success or knowledge that Windows would dominate the world. It was the beginning of a revolution in computing. Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's chief software architect, is blogging again. And for his first post he uploaded a gem: the press materials for Microsoft's launch of Windows 1.0. Inside the Windows press kit. Here's an excerpt from a news release by The Waggener Group, which continues to be Microsoft's main PR agency as Waggener E...