ARCHIVED: What is Microsoft Windows 3.x?

Note: The software discussed here is no longer in common use at Indiana University, and UITS may no longer be able to verify the document's accuracy. The UITS Support Center may no longer have the manuals and other materials required to support this software adequately.

Note: Newer versions of Windows (Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, and 2000) offer additional features, such as preemptive multitasking of Windows applications and a more friendly user interface than Windows 3.x offers.

Microsoft Windows 3.x (Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11) runs on IBM compatible computers with 80x86 processors. Windows provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that uses the DOS file system to read and write files. Windows uses a mouse-driven point, click, and drag method to enable functions such as copying and deleting files, running programs, and interacting with Microsoft Windows applications programs.

Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11 can run on IBM PC compatible computers that use the Intel 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium, and Pentium Pro microprocessors and their variants. To run efficiently, a 386SX with 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM, a 60MB or larger hard drive, and VGA video are recommended. A fast video card (e.g., Tseng ET4000-based) will improve performance.

Windows uses a system known as cooperative multitasking to run multiple applications at once. This means that each application is responsible for giving up control of the CPU to the next program. When running in Enhanced mode, Windows is capable of running DOS applications using preemptive multitasking. This means that Windows actively assigns slices of time to the running DOS applications. In Standard mode, DOS applications are task-switched, which means they stop running when not in the foreground. Moreover, in Standard mode, DOS applications can be run only full-screen and not in a Window.

Note: You must have a 386 or higher to use Enhanced mode. On a 286, Windows will run only in Standard mode.

When running Windows, you can share information between Windows and DOS applications through cut and paste, and also via dynamic links.

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