Windows 3.0

Windows 3.0 is the version of the operating environment created by Microsoft and released on May 22, 1990. This became the first successful version of Microsoft Windows, and a rival to the Apple Macintosh and the Commodore Amiga. It was succeeded by Windows 3.1x in 1992.

Windows 3.0 originated in 1988 when David Weise and Murray Sargent decided to independently develop a protected-mode version of Windows as an experiment. Together they made a prototype and presented it to company executives, who were impressed enough to approve it as an official project.

Windows 3.0

Features

Windows 3.0 succeeded Windows 2.1x and included a significantly improved user interface, as well as several technical enhancements to make better use of the memory management capabilities of Intel's 286 and 386 processors. Now text-mode programs can run in a window — a feature available in a more limited way in Windows/386 2.1x — making the system usable as a multitasking base for legacy programs. However, this had very limited use in the home market, where most games and entertainment programs still used MS-DOS.

The MS-DOS launcher was replaced with the icon-based Program Manager; and the File Manager, based on lists, thus dividing files and programs. The Control Panel, previously available as a standard program, has been redesigned based on the panel that appears in the classic Mac OS. Centralized system settings, including control over the interface color scheme.

As with previous versions, a number of simple applications (now called plugins) were included, such as notepad, Write word processor, new Macro Recorder (later to be discontinued), the Paintbrush bitmap program (much improved since the last version), and the calculator. In addition, the game Reversi was included again along with the new Solitaire.

Windows icons and graphics now support 16 colors in EGA and VGA mode, whereas Windows 2.x had only a limited palette for menu and window color, and all program graphics were monochrome. Also, SVGA 256 color modes were supported for the first time.

Windows 3.0 includes a protected/enhanced mode that makes it easier for Windows applications to use more memory than in previous versions of Windows. It can run in any of the modes (Real, Standard/Protected, or 386 Enhanced), and is compatible with any Intel processor from the 8086/8088 through the 80286 and 80386. Windows 3.0 attempts to automatically detect which mode to run in, although it may be forced to run in a specific mode using the commands: /r (in real mode), /s ("in standard mode" protected 286) and 3 / (enhanced and protected mode 386), respectively. Since Windows 3.0 (and later) run on 16-bit 286 protected-mode architectures and not 32-bit 386 protected-mode architectures, applications must still run in 64 KiB memory segments like DOS, even though 32 bits can be contained in the code (Ami Pro was the first Windows application to require a 386). Because of this, Windows 3.0 can only access a maximum of 16 MB of total RAM, even with a 386 or better processor.

The features listed above and growing market support from application software developers made Windows 3.0 successful, making the IBM PC or compatible computer a serious rival to the Apple Macintosh.

Standard OEM and retail distributions of Windows 3.0 were on high-density 1.2 MB and 1.44 MB floppy disks; a 720 KB version was also offered. Also, it was possible to ask Microsoft for an edition on 360 KB floppy disks. Fully installed, Windows 3.0 uses 5 MB of hard drive space.

System Requirements

The official requirements for Windows 3.0 are as follows:

• Intel 8088 processor or better.
• 384 KB of conventional free memory (in real mode; protected and improved modes require 1MB and 2MB respectively).
• Hard disk with 10 MB of recommended free space.
• Charts with CGA / EGA / VGA / Hercules / 8514/A support and a suitable and compatible monitor
• MS-DOS version 3.1 or higher.

In addition, a Microsoft-compatible mouse is recommended.

Windows 3.0 cannot run in full color on an 8086 system because the EGA and VGA color drivers require 286 mode. Microsoft also dropped support for the Tandy 1000 line of computers in this version, so there is no Tandy graphics driver for Windows 3.0. However, the Windows 2.x Tandy driver can be copied and used on the target system.

Memory modes

Windows 3.0 can run in three different memory modes:

• Real mode, intended for older equipment with an Intel 8088 or 8086 CPU, which corresponds to its actual mode.
• Standard mode, intended for equipment with a 80286 processor and corresponding to its protected mode.
• 386 improved mode, designed for new computers with an Intel 80386 or higher processor, which corresponds to its protected mode and 8086 virtual mode.

Updates

Windows 3.0a

In December 1990, Microsoft released Windows 3.0a. This version included the ability to move amounts of data larger than 64 KB (The original release could only handle one segment of RAM at a time). It also improved stability by reducing Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAEs) associated with network, printing, and low memory conditions. This version appears as "Windows 3.00a" in the About Windows window.

Windows 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions

Based on Windows 3.0a, Windows 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions was released in October 1991 to support sound cards like those made by Creative Labs at the time, as well as support for CD-ROM drives, which were just becoming popular.. This edition was only released to OEMs, mostly manufacturers of CD-ROM drives and sound cards, and many computers came pre-installed with it.

This edition adds multimedia support for audio input and output, plus three new programs: the Media Streamer, the CD Player, a new clock, an improved help format, and a screen saver. All of these features would later be included in Windows 3.1. Microsoft developed the Windows Sound System Sound Card Specification to complement these extensions. Microsoft developed the "Windows Audio System" (Windows Sound System) to complement these extensions. These features are not accessible under Windows 3.0 Real mode.