Apparently, I attended a Windows 7 party 10 years ago
Me at my friend Matt’s Windows 7 party. | Photo by Matthew Bellemare
On this day in 2009 — 10 years ago — Microsoft released its new Windows 7 operating system to the public. Less than three years after its unfavorable predecessor, Windows Vista, was released, it added support for touchscreen computers and brought new features like snapping windows, a new Superbar, and an updated file management system to PCs.
I don’t particularly remember a huge difference in user experience. In fact, I don’t think I actually upgraded my family’s Windows XP desktop. I also started using a Mac in 2008 when I went to college.
But one thing I do remember is the Windows 7 party my friend Matt held at his house.
Around the time Windows 7 was released, Microsoft developed an ingenious marketing campaign: it would encourage...