Windows 95, released by Microsoft in 1995, was a significant milestone in the history of personal computing. However, as technology advanced and newer operating systems were developed, several issues with Windows 95 became evident.
1. Compatibility: One of the main problems with Windows 95 was its lack of compatibility with modern hardware and software. As new peripherals and applications were introduced, users often faced difficulties finding suitable drivers or software updates to work with the aging operating system.
2. System Stability: Windows 95 had a reputation for being unstable, frequently experiencing crashes and system freezes. These instability issues caused inconvenience and frustration for users, resulting in lost work and data.
3. Performance: The operating system's performance was a concern, particularly on older hardware. Windows 95 required a significant amount of system resources, and running resource-intensive applications often led to slow performance and long response times.
4. Limited Multitasking: Multitasking on Windows 95 was challenging, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. The system struggled to handle multitasking efficiently, causing delays and hindering productivity.
5. Lack of Security Features: Security was a major issue with Windows 95. The operating system lacked built-in security features to protect against modern threats like malware and viruses, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
6. File System Limitations: Windows 95 used the FAT16 file system, which had limitations on file and partition sizes. This restriction limited the amount of data that could be stored on a single partition and affected overall system performance.
7. Networking Issues: Networking capabilities in Windows 95 were not as robust as in later versions. Setting up and managing network connections was often challenging, and compatibility issues with network protocols were common.
8. Plug and Play Problems: While Windows 95 introduced Plug and Play support, it was not as seamless as in later operating systems. Users often faced difficulties in installing and configuring new hardware devices.
9. Lack of USB Support: Windows 95 did not have native support for Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, which became increasingly popular during its lifespan. This limitation meant users had to rely on specialized drivers or third-party software to use USB peripherals.
10. Limited User Interface: Compared to later versions of Windows, the user interface in Windows 95 was relatively basic and lacked some modern conveniences. Users often needed to navigate through multiple windows and menus to access certain functions.
In conclusion, while Windows 95 played a crucial role in shaping the future of computing, it faced several significant problems and limitations. Over time, Microsoft addressed many of these issues with subsequent versions of Windows, offering improved stability, performance, and security, along with better compatibility with new hardware and software.