Microsoft Corp has launched its much talked about Windows graphical environment version 3.0. which is a graphical-user interface for MS-DOS and PC-DOS-based personal computers, with the ability to turn an ordinary, character-based personal computer into a rival fit to take on both OS/2 and the Apple Mac. Windows 3.0 was developed for a 1Mb personal computer and will integrate with applications developed to run in the Windows environment. It offers new enhancements such as the use of a proportionally spaced system font, three-dimensional scroll bars and command buttons and colourful icons. The interface is consistent with OS/2 Presentation Manager.
Gates makes the personal computer more personal with Windows 3 user shell
The user shell, a special-purpose application provided with Windows, shields the users from the complexity of MS-DOS commands and provides the tools and resources needed to manage applications and files without leaving Windows. This makes it easy for users to navigate through their computer environments. The Program Manager, a component of the shell, is the user’s first view of the Windows environment. It presents Windows applications and system functions as colourful icons that users can rearrange in groups to suit them, thereby enabling users to customise their desktops. Traditional MS-DOS applications can also be run from icons in the new Windows shell. The File Manager, a second component of the shell, enables users to manipulate and locate their files, as well as drop and drag files to and from any disk drive that includes a server. It uses a directory-tree format to display file names and file details. New options in the Control Panel, the third shell component, take advantage of version 3.0’s ability to exploit colour hardware. It enables users to design their own appearance by choosing both their own screen background and screen colours.
Windows 3 is shipping now, costs UKP100, requires 640Kb of RAM
As for availability, pricing and recommended hardware, Microsoft Windows 3.0 is available today for a suggested retail price of UKP100. It ships in a single package for Intel 80286, 80386SX and 80386 machines; upon installation, the system detects the microprocessor and loads the appropriate files. Minimum configuration is a 80286-based personal computer with 640Kb of RAM, one floppy disk drive and a hard disk. With an additional 256Kb of extended memory (nominally a 1Mb system) on either a 80286 or 80386-based machine, version 3.0 will use the protected mode of these processors. On a 80386 machine, version 3.0 requires 1,024Kb of extended memory (nominally a 2Mb system) to take advantage of the 80386 enhanced mode, which fully exploits the features of the 80386 processor. Version 3.0 requires MS-DOS version 3.0 or higher. Windows version 3.0 supports all major scanners, displays, networks and more than 160 printers. The Driver Library Disk service is provided to Microsoft customers to enable them to be continually upgraded with new printer and display drivers as they become available. Windows 3.0 is available immediately in French and German, as well as English. Versions in other languages will be available later this year. A UKP45 upgrade is available to all legal Windows 1 and 2 users.
Version 3’s new memory management system breaks the 640Kb barrier
Because of a new memory management system implemented in version 3.0, Windows, Microsoft says that applications run markedly faster, and users can keep multiple large applications open and accessible. By taking advantage of the protected mode capabilities of the Intel 80286 and 80386 microprocessors, version 3.0 breaks the 640K MS-DOS memory barrier. Now Windows applications can exploit up to 16Mb of memory. On systems with 80386 processors, Windows can exploit the virtual protected-mode capabilities and provides up to 48Mb of memory to Windows applications. This memory management is done automatically for Windows applications. All Windows 2.1 applications will run under Windows version 3.0 in a special compatibility mode called real mode, acti
vated by the command /r when the user starts Windows. To take advantage of the benefits of the version 3.0 memory manager provided under the standard and 80386-enhanced modes of operation, Windows 2.1 applications must be verified and identified by the vendor as Windows 3.0 compatible. Microsoft says that virtually all software developers are now shipping applications marked with Windows 3.0 compatible stickers provided by the company and are offering upgrades to their users for no charge or for a nominal fee. Windows users may call Microsoft to check the status of any Windows application and for upgrade instructions. However, for those who want to play with applications immediately, Windows 3.0 ships with a variety of desktop applications such as CardFile and Windows Write, an executive word processor. New desktop applications include Recorder, a simple macro that records keystrokes and mouse movements and plays them back; Solitaire, an electronic version of the popular card game; and a full-colour painting program. With every retail copy of Microsoft Windows version 3.0, users will receive for a limited time a promotional copy of DayBook, which is a sample ToolBook application from Asymetrix Corp. DayBook comes with integrated modules such as daily, weekly and monthly calendars, an address and a to-do list.
The Windows environment gets tailored for local area network users
Memory management improvements in Windows 3.0 benefit local area network users, Microsoft says. For example, the new Windows Setup program makes it easy for local area network administrators and end users to install and configure Windows on multiple network stations. Users on most popular networks can also connect to network drives and printers and manage the print queue using simple dialogue boxes.
