Windows 3.1
Released in 1992, Windows 3.1 introduced a graphical user interface that made personal computing more accessible, moving away from text-based commands.
MP3 Players
The first personal portable MP3 player was introduced in 1998, allowing users to listen to music on the go without the need for tapes or CDs.
Mosaic Browser
Launched in 1993, Mosaic was one of the first web browsers that popularized the World Wide Web, leading to the development of subsequent browsers like Netscape Navigator.
Netscape Navigator
Released in 1994, this web browser quickly became the market leader, facilitating easy access to the Internet and contributing to the browser wars of the late 90s.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Introduced in 1995, Internet Explorer became a dominant web browser after being integrated into Windows, significantly impacting Netscape’s market share.
Hotmail
Launched in 1996, Hotmail was one of the first webmail services, allowing users to access email from any internet-connected device, leading to widespread email adoption.
IBM PC
Launched in 1981, the IBM PC became a foundational personal computer, but by 1990, it was still not widely adopted in homes, with only 17% of families owning one.
Dial-Up Modems
These devices enabled users to connect to the Internet via telephone lines, with speeds increasing from 14.4 kbps to 56 kbps throughout the decade.
Nokia 3210
Released in 1999, this mobile phone became a cultural icon among teenagers, known for its compact size, texting capabilities, and affordable pay-as-you-go plans.
Psion Organiser 3
A personal digital assistant (PDA) that managed contacts and schedules, the Psion Organiser 3 was popular in the 1990s for its portability and functionality.
ARM Holdings Chips
Founded in 1990, ARM Holdings developed microprocessor technology that became integral to mobile phones, with its chips used in over a billion devices worldwide.
Interactive Investor
Established in 1995, this online trading platform allowed users to trade shares and manage investments via the Internet, revolutionizing personal finance.
Moonfish
Founded in 1994, this digital marketing company capitalized on the Internet boom, providing services that helped businesses establish an online presence.
Acorn RISC PC
A personal computer that utilized RISC architecture, it was known for its performance and was influential in the development of ARM technology.
Veritas Software
By the year 2000, Veritas became one of the most valuable software companies, known for its data management solutions and software products.