E-Business
40 Fascinating Facts About Microsoft At 40

Microsoft as a software giant started by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, is showing new energy lately, even as it has ventured into mobile devices.
With the release of Windows 10 and a new browser later this year sending Internet Explorer to the ‘grave’, Microsoft has not garnered so much excitement in a long time.
In honor of the Redmond, Washington, company’s 40th birthday, abc News took a look at 40 of the people, products and moments that helped define Microsoft’s first four decades.
1. Bill Gates – Harvard’s first most famous dropout (Mark Zuckerberg would come decades later) is the richest person in the world, with a net worth of $79.2 billion, according to Forbes.
2. Paul Allen – The other half of Microsoft, Allen told Fortune Magazine in 1995 that he was responsible for suggesting the company’s name when he and Gates first went into business together.
3. Microsoft’s first product: Software for the Altair 8800. By 1978, year-end sales had topped $1 million.
4. Getting a deal to provide a DOS Operating System for IBM’s computers in 1980 was a huge moment in Microsoft history, positioning the company as a software leader.
5. On Nov. 20, 1985, two years after the initial announcement, Microsoft ships Windows 1.0.
6. Gates and Allen took their company public in 1986 with IPO shares priced at $21.
7. Microsoft Office for Mac is released in 1989.
8. Windows 3.0 ships in 1990, ushering in the era of graphics on computers.
9. Windows 95 launches in 1995, selling an astounding 7 million copies in the first five weeks, according to Microsoft.
10. Windows 95 is also the first time the start menu, task bar, minimize, maximize and close buttons are introduced on each window.
“The Internet Tidal Wave,” a 1995 memo written by Gates, calls the Internet “the most important development since the advent of the PC.” That Bill Gates turned out to be right.
11. As the Internet exploded, Microsoft came out with its first browser, Internet Explorer, in 1997, thus beginning a love-hate relationship until its death in 2015.
12. Gates stepped aside as CEO in 2000, giving Microsoft its first new leader in the company’s 25-year history.
13. Microsoft’s riches allowed Gates to start the Bill andMelinda Gates Foundation, the largest private foundation in the world. Gates’ charity has focused on everything from education to world health initiatives.
14. Meanwhile at Microsoft, Gates’ longtime right-hand man, Steve Ballmer, became known as a hard-charging and excitable CEO. He stepped down in 2014.
15. In August 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP. The interface was pretty and allowed people to burn music (here’s my playlist, bro) and is remembered as one of the more important Windows updates.
16. Speaking of Windows, it was pretty genius of Microsoft to begin bundling Word, PowerPoint and Excel together beginning in 1990, setting the standard for offices everywhere.
17. Microsoft’s bet on PowerPoint was a winner. The company acquired the program for $14 million from Forethought Inc. in 1987.
18. There were embarrassing moments too, though. Like when Excel had a multiplication bug in 2007.
19. The U.S. Department of Justice accused Microsoft of being a monopoly and in 1999 a judge agreed. That ruling was later vacated and Microsoft settled the antitrust case.
20. You don’t go 40 years as a multi-billion dollar company without having your share of headaches. In 2008, the European Union slapped a record fine of $1.3 billion on Microsoft for anti-competitive behavior
21. Microsoft Internet Explorer has suffered its share of an image problem. An alert from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team warned users in 2004 that holes in the browser could lead to their passwords and other personal information falling into the hands of hackers.
Microsoft rolled out a fix, however, security issues continued to snowball.
22. Microsoft this year announced it would be releasing a new and improved browser, Project Spartan, effectively killing off the oft-maligned Internet Explorer.
23. If you’re an Apple fan, you can thank Microsoft for helping keep them afloat in 1997 when Microsoft invested $150 million in the company.
24. Later on, of course, Apple would thrive and grew into the world’s most valuable company while taking shots at Microsoft along the way. Who can forget those iconic “I’m a Mac and I’m a PC” commercials? They didn’t do wonders for Microsoft’s image.
25. Sure Microsoft went through an era of not being cool, but let’s get nostalgic for a moment and remember the joy that was Microsoft’s Clipart collection — long before it was easy to integrate photos.
26. Let’s not forget Clippy, the paperclip assistant in Windows who was always there to help.
27. Microsoft bought video and messaging service Skype in 2011.
28. Since then they’ve done some pretty cool projects with the service, including Skype Translator, which was showed off last year.
The program lets people who speak two different languages seamlessly communicate.
29. Windows 8 was released in 2012 with a radical design overhaul featuring tiles and provoking a love-it-or-hate-it response.
30. With everyone owning a smart device, Microsoft got into the game too with its Windows Phone operating system.
31. Microsoft took the mobile push even further in 2014 when it acquired smartphone maker Nokia.
32. Cortana, Microsoft’s intelligent virtual assistant, made her debut last year and has quickly positioned herself as a sassier counterpart to Apple’s Siri.
33. Microsoft’s goal is to have a presence on all of your devices. The Office suite of apps came to iOS and Android devices free of charge last year.
They quickly shot to the top of the charts in Google Play and Apple’s app store and have been downloaded more than 80 million times, according to Microsoft.
34. Even though Bing only has a sliver of the traffic that Google receives, Microsoft really wants to be thought of as a place people turn to for search.
35. In the new millennium, Microsoft set its sights on joining an already crowded gaming market by releasing the first Xbox in 2001.
Versions of the gaming console can be found in plenty of living rooms to this day.
36. Microsoft Studios established 343 Industries, which creates games, including the popular Halo franchise.
37. Speaking of games, Microsoft showed off HoloLens, its new virtual reality glasses, earlier this year. Imagine holographic Skype calls, playing a holographic video game in a world you’re a part of, or using the glasses to virtually design a new product.
38. Windows 10, the operating system update that is so radical it prompted Microsoft to skip straight from Windows 8, will be coming to users later this year. It’s the first Windows product in a while to generate huge excitement.
39. Satya Nadella, who completed his first year as CEO in February, has packed plenty of accomplishments into his freshman year — from Windows 10 to Project Spartan to HoloLens. Dare we say he’s also made Microsoft cool again?
40. Perhaps its biggest accomplishment of all: Microsoft has changed the way we work. Goodbye typewriters and fax machines!
E-Business
Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.
Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity
Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.
When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.
The growing demand for proactive security
One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.
Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.
With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.
Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies
The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.
“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.
Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.
When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.
This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.
As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.
E-Business
Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga
The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.
To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.
Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.
Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”
He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”
Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.
As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.
Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.
E-Business
Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.
When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.
At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.
“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.
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