April 1992
Windows 3.1 Release
Windows 3.1 Startup Sound
The Windows 3.1 update allowed for 32-bit disk access, more drag-and-drop icons, increased RAM, as well as the classic game Minesweeper. Windows 3.1 also allowed for enhanced multi- media support with CD-ROM and sound card capabilities. Windows 3.1 also helped improved multitasking, and had new accessories like the paintbrush program.
July 1992
Dial-Up Introduced in the United States
Dial-Up Modem Sound
Although Dial-Up was first invented in 1989, it didn’t become popularized until 1992, when Sprint first introduced it to the United States. Dial-Up was one of the first ways people connected to the internet from home, using telephone lines and a modem to create a slow connection that couldn’t be used at the same time as phone calls. Though limited in speed, Dial-Up played a key role in bringing the internet to millions of people.
1993
AOL Email was Released
AOL Email Sounds
AOL (America Online) became one of the largest email providers by 1997, and was used by millions of people worldwide. AOL was very influential to popularize, and standardize the use of the internet, because it had a user-friendly interface, as well as was beneficial for everyday use, being a messaging service, as well as an email service.
August 1995
Windows 95 Release
Windows 95 Startup Sound
Windows 95 was an update that furthered user-friendly interfaces, as well as introduced the Start menu, and the taskbar. Windows 95 also started the first built-in networking capabilities, with Internet Explorer. It also introduced the recycling bin, as well as desktop shortcuts, making the interface easier, and quicker, to navigate.
November 1996
ICQ Instant Messanger Released
ICQ
ICQ, which actually stands for “I seek you”, was one of the first widely used instant messaging services. It was launched by an Israeli company, Mirabilis, and was one of the first to introduce status icons, and multi-user chats.
July 1999
MSN Messenger was Released
MSN Messenger Notification Sound
MSN Messenger, or more commonly known as just MSN, was one of the most widely used instant messaging clients in the world, with 330 million active users at one point in time. In 2005 MSN was rebranded as Windows Live, but that was mostly just a name change, not so much a cosmetic change, since the name MSN was still said by some individuals. In some of the later updates, MSN also had voice and video call capabilities, and winks and audio messages as well, but was later discontinued in 2014 due to the favor of Skype.