ARCHIVED: What is Microsoft Windows 95?

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Note: UITS recommends that you use a current version of Windows on computers connected to the Indiana University network; see Recommended Windows operating systems at IU.

Windows 95 is the next-generation successor to Windows 3.x (Windows 3.1 and 3.11). It has a redesigned graphical interface with concepts similar to OS/2 or Mac OS. Some users find the interface easier to use than the Windows 3.x interface. The Windows 95 interface is also more customizable.

Performance features

Start button

The Start button is a user-customizable pop-up menu of commonly accessed applications and accessories, which is similar to the Apple menu on Mac OS computers.

Taskbar

The Taskbar is a linear display of active programs. Each time you start a program, a button is placed on the Taskbar. To switch to any program that you have already opened, click that program's button.

Support for existing MS-DOS and Windows-based applications

Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a growing industry standard which allows newer operating systems to automatically detect and configure Plug and Play compatible devices such as modems, CD-ROM drives, and other peripherals.

Long filenames

Long filename support allows for longer and therefore more descriptive titles for Windows 95 applications. Windows 95 can support up to 250-character names, including spaces and non-alphanumeric characters. Windows 95 shortens long filenames for use in older applications, while maintaining the longer name in Windows 95.

Right-click for pop-up command menus

Pop-up command menus, accessed by right-clicking an object, will list common commands for use with that object.

32-bit pre-emptive multitasking and multithreading

Windows 95 runs 32-bit programs, which allow the pre-emptive multitasking and multithreading that let you perform several actions at the same time. 32-bit programs also run in their own memory space, which decreases the possibility of a General Protection Fault (GPF).

Microsoft Exchange Inbox

The Microsoft Exchange Inbox allows you to send and receive email and faxes via one universal inbox.

The Microsoft Network (MSN)

MSN provides access to the Internet.

Note: Students, faculty, and staff at IU do not require subscriptions to MSN for Internet access. Accounts at IU already provide this functionality.

Network support

Windows 95 has built-in client support for NetWare, the Windows NT server network operating system, and Windows for Workgroups. Windows 95 also supports all major network transport driver standards.

Note: Windows 95 OSR1 does not offer out-of-the-box access to Novell Directory Services (NDS), but Windows 95 OSR2 does. You can get NDS clients from Microsoft and Novell on their respective World Wide Web sites.

Dial-up Networking

You can use Dial-up Networking to connect to your Internet service provider with built-in PPP.

More convenient laptop computing

Windows 95 can automatically update files between two computers. It has Plug and Play support for PC cards (PCMCIA), docking stations, and Battery Meter.

AutoPlay

Insert an AutoPlay CD and it runs automatically. Audio CDs also play automatically.

Faster, smoother video

Enhanced support for fast action games

Online help

Wizards assist with common setup and configuration tasks, and a more powerful Help system allows searches through all installed help files. Eliminates the need for a paper manual.

Accessibility features for people with disabilities

You can customize fonts, sizes, colors, and mouse pointers for people with low vision. Windows 95 also offers StickyKeys, MouseKeys, FilterKeys, and SerialKeys for people with limited dexterity, as well as ShowSounds and SoundSentry for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. You can easily adjust accessibility features through the Control Panel and Taskbar.

Hardware requirements to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 95

  • Your personal computer must currently have a 386DX or higher processor, running the MS-DOS operating system version 3.31 or later and Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or later, or OS/2 version 2.0 or later.
  • Your computer must have at least 4 megabytes (MB) of memory (8MB recommended).
  • Windows 95 typically requires 35-40MB of available hard disk space. (Actual requirements will vary based on features you choose to install.)
  • Your computer will need a 3.5" high-density disk drive or CD-ROM drive.
  • Your graphics card must be VGA or higher-resolution.

Options (not required)

  • Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device
  • Modem/fax modem
  • Audio card/speakers for sound

To access Microsoft Exchange Inbox and The Microsoft Network

  • 8MB of memory
  • 20MB of additional hard disk space
  • The Microsoft Network requires a modem.

Note: System requirements for Windows 95-based programs may exceed system requirements described above for Windows 95. To get the full benefits of pre-emptive multitasking, you must use only 32-bit, Windows-based programs, such as those products bearing the "Designed for Windows 95" logo.

This is document agar in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 10:40:23.