Microsoft has an undisputed dominance over the computer industry. It has already been written about Microsoft: its history, its products, even its former CEO Bill Gates. Here are some of the facts about Microsoft that no one knows:1. “Micro-soft's” first ever mention: The first ever declaration of “Microsoft” was in a letter from Bill Gates to co-founder Paul Allen in 1975. Gates wrote the company name as Micro-soft, which made sense considering it's a portmanteau of “microcomputer” and “software”. “Microsoft” was officially registered as a company in November 1976 in New Mexico.
2. Brian Eno composed “The Microsoft Sound”: Musician Brian Eno was the musical brains behind Window 95's start up tune, dubbed “The Microsoft Sound”. The influential musician, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie and U2, told the San Francisco Chronicle that making such a short piece of music was “funny” and “amazing”.
3. Microsoft uses codenames: Ever since the company's first operating system, Microsoft has worked on its projects with codenames. Past codenames include “Longhorn”, “Lone Star", and “Vienna”. While you might be tempted to add “Mojave” to that list, it's actually part of a Microsoft ad campaign.
4. Microsoft celebrates anniversaries with M&Ms: All companies have their little in-house traditions, and Microsoft is no exception. Microsoft celebrate their yearly employment anniversaries with confectionery, and more specifically, M&Ms. Each anniversary, a Microsoft employee is expected to provide one pound of M&Ms for every year they've worked.
5. Microsoft's stock has split nine times: Microsoft has split its stock nines times since it went public back in March 1986. Put very, very simply, a company will generally split its stock when its share price becomes too high. Microsoft has had six 2-for-1 splits and three 3-for-1 splits, one original Microsoft share would now be equal to 288 shares today.
