Five memorable Microsoft legacies in computer culture

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has significantly influenced computing culture through various features and design decisions, which have left lasting impressions on users around the world [1]. Group 1: Iconic Features - The "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) has been a notable aspect of Windows since its inception, indicating fatal errors in the operating system [2][3]. - The "Bliss" background from Windows XP, depicting serene hills and a blue sky, has become a nostalgic symbol for many users who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s [4][6][7]. - The ethereal startup chime from Windows 95, composed by Brian Eno, aimed to create an inspiring and optimistic user experience [8]. Group 2: User Assistance Innovations - Microsoft introduced the "Office Assistant," with Clippy being the most memorable character, designed to assist users in Microsoft Office applications [9][10]. - Clippy's design was based on research suggesting users interacted with computers similarly to human colleagues, although this approach was later criticized [10][11]. Group 3: Hidden Features and Easter Eggs - Microsoft has included numerous hidden "Easter eggs" in its software, such as a secret flight simulator in Excel 97, allowing users to explore virtual landscapes [12][13].