Windows 95

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Windows 95

Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows 95 operating system was a large commercial success and quickly became the world's dominant computer operating system. Microsoft dominated the market to such an extent that regulators in the U.S. and Europe later filed antitrust suits against the software company.

Introduced: Aug. 24, 1995
Immediate stock impact: In Windows 95's first year, Microsoft shares rose 28%.
Long-term performance: Microsoft shares peaked at the end of 1999 after rising 891% from Windows 95's debut. The stock now trades at 51% below its record high.