Windows 3.1: Difference between revisions

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'''Windows 3.1''' is a series of [[16-bit#16-bit application|16-bit]] [[operating environment]]s produced by [[Microsoft]] for use on personal computers, released on April 6, 1992. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was first sold during April 1992 as a successor to [[Windows 3.0]]. Subsequent versions were released between 1992 and 1993, notably ''Windows 3.11'',<ref name=Win311.LAT>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]]
'''Windows 3.1''' is a series of [[16-bit#16-bit application|16-bit]] [[operating environment]]s produced by [[Microsoft]] for use on personal computers, released on April 6, 1992. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was first sold during April 1992 as a successor to [[Windows 3.0]]. Subsequent versions were released between 1992 and 1993, notably ''Windows 3.11'', until the series was superseded by the [[Windows 9x]] series starting in 1995 with ''[[Windows 95]]''. During its lifespan, Windows 3.1 introduced several enhancements to the still [[MS-DOS]]-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, [[TrueType]] [[typeface|fonts]], and [[Workgroup (computer networking)|workgroup networking]].
|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-12-tt-21205-story.html
|title=Beware of Exposing What's Hidden Behind the Windows
|date=July 12, 2001}}</ref><ref name=Win311.NYT>{{cite news |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]
|title=What's in a File Name? Confusion
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/20/science/personal-computers-what-s-in-a-file-name-confusion.html |date=June 20, 1995}}</ref> until the series was superseded by the [[Windows 9x]] series starting in 1995 with ''[[Windows 95]]''. During its lifespan, Windows 3.1 introduced several enhancements to the still [[MS-DOS]]-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, [[TrueType]] [[typeface|fonts]], and [[Workgroup (computer networking)|workgroup networking]].


On December 31, 2001, Microsoft declared Windows 3.1 obsolete and stopped providing support and updates for the system. However, [[OEM]] licensing for Windows for Workgroups 3.11 on [[embedded system]]s continued to be available until November 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/05/microsoft_retires_windows_3_1_1/|title=Microsoft retires Windows 3.11 on 18th birthday|work=theregister.co.uk|date=November 5, 2008|first=Kelly|last=Fiveash}}</ref>
On December 31, 2001, Microsoft declared Windows 3.1 obsolete and stopped providing support and updates for the system. However, [[OEM]] licensing for Windows for Workgroups 3.11 on [[embedded system]]s continued to be available until November 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/11/05/microsoft_retires_windows_3_1_1/|title=Microsoft retires Windows 3.11 on 18th birthday|work=theregister.co.uk|date=November 5, 2008|first=Kelly|last=Fiveash}}</ref>
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In order to use a printer or to run Windows on a network, additional 2.5 MB of free space will be needed on the hard drive.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=19|pages=}} The amount of RAM is dependent; if the user is on the network and if the network requires a lot of memory, more RAM will be needed.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=21|pages=}} Windows 3.1 includes more drivers for printers than its predecessor.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=25|pages=}} It is also possible to connect on to a network using Windows 3.1 via [[Hayes Microcomputer Products|Hayes]], Multi-Tech, or Trail Blazer modems.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=26|pages=}}<ref name=":9" />{{rp|page=14|pages=}}
In order to use a printer or to run Windows on a network, additional 2.5 MB of free space will be needed on the hard drive.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=19|pages=}} The amount of RAM is dependent; if the user is on the network and if the network requires a lot of memory, more RAM will be needed.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=21|pages=}} Windows 3.1 includes more drivers for printers than its predecessor.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=25|pages=}} It is also possible to connect on to a network using Windows 3.1 via [[Hayes Microcomputer Products|Hayes]], Multi-Tech, or Trail Blazer modems.<ref name=":8" />{{rp|page=26|pages=}}<ref name=":9" />{{rp|page=14|pages=}}


== Windows 95 ==
== Reception ==
⚫
Windows 3.1 is considered to be more stable and multimedia-friendly in comparison with its predecessor, while its [[user interface]] was reinvigorated.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":5" /> It has been shown as an improvement, and it possesses more features in comparison with its rival IBM [[OS/2|OS/2 2.0]], which launched a month earlier than Windows 3.1.<ref name=":0" /> ''[[InfoWorld]]'' rated the operating environment a "very good" value.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gookin |first=Dan |date=June 8, 1992 |title=Windows 3.1 vs. OS/2 2.0 |volume=14 |pages=72 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YFEEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 21, 2022 |issn=0199-6649}}</ref> Although, Windows 3.1 is also considered to still have problems; [[Unrecoverable Application Error|Unrecoverable Application Errors]] were common, while file managing remained slow.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 14, 1992 |title=Coming Up: Windows 3.1 |volume=11 |pages=474 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AoKUhNoOys4C&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 22, 2022 |issn=0888-8507}}</ref> Windows for Workgroups had received lukewarm reception; it has been praised for its technical design, although, it has been also noted as a "business disappointment" due to its small amount of sold copies.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Fredric |date=July 19, 1993 |title=Reworking Windows for Workgroups |volume=10 |pages=4 |work=Network World |publisher=IDG Network World Inc |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nREEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 22, 2022 |issn=0887-7661}}</ref>
{{Main|Windows 95}}
The immediate successor to Windows 3.1, Windows 95,<ref name=Win311Win95.LAT>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-03-fi-41735-story.html|title=Windows 95 Not All It's Cracked Up to Be|date=September 3, 1995}}</ref> was released to manufacturing on August 15, 1995, and generally to retail on August 24, 1995. Windows 95 merged Microsoft's formerly separate [[MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows]] products; it was no longer necessary, as in Windows 3.1, to manually start Windows from the MS-DOS command line on each boot cycle.


⚫
Regarding the marketplace, Windows 3.1 had received an enthusiastic reception; its retail price sat at $149, and over three million copies of Windows 3.1 were sold in the first three months.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Steve |date=June 8, 1992 |title=Readers help give 'launcher bar' access to more icons groups |volume=14 |pages=46 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YFEEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 21, 2022 |issn=0199-6649}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Frederic E. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/26975598 |title=The Windows 3.1 bible |date=1993 |publisher=Peachpit Press |isbn=1-56609-015-6 |location=San Rafael, Calif. |pages=xvii |oclc=26975598}}</ref> The year of Windows 3.1's release was successful for Microsoft, which was named the "Most Innovative Company Operating in the U.S." by ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine, while Windows became the most widely used [[Graphical user interface|GUI]]-based operating environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft History 1993 |url=http://library.microsoft.com/msinfo/mshist/1993.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961017232408/http://library.microsoft.com/msinfo/mshist/1993.htm |archive-date=October 17, 1996 |access-date=September 4, 2009 |publisher=Microsoft}} Internet Archive</ref>
Windows 95 featured significant improvements over its predecessor, most notably in the [[graphical user interface]] (GUI) and in its simplified [[Plug and play|plug-and-play]] features. There were also major changes made to the core components of the operating system, such as moving from a mainly [[Cooperative multitasking|cooperatively multitasked]] [[16-bit]] architecture to a [[32-bit]] [[Preemption (computing)#PREEMPTIVE|preemptive multitasking]] architecture, at least when running only 32-bit protected mode applications.


Microsoft ended its support for Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups on December 31, 2001, although, the embedded version of Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was retired on November 1, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiveash |first=Kelly |date=November 5, 2008 |title=Microsoft retires Windows 3.11 on 18th birthday |url=https://www.theregister.com/2008/11/05/microsoft_retires_windows_3_1_1/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=The Register |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Cowart |first=Robert |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/56647752 |title=Special edition using Microsoft Windows XP home |date=2005 |publisher=Que |others=Brian Knittel |isbn=0-7897-3279-3 |edition=3 |location=Indianapolis, Ind. |pages=92 |oclc=56647752}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hruska |first=Joel |date=November 5, 2008 |title=Microsoft puts Windows 3.11 for Workgroups out to pasture |publisher=ArsTechnica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/11/microsoft-puts-windows-3-11-for-workgroups-out-to-pasture/ |access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref> The operating environment was superseded by [[Windows NT 3.1]], which was released in 1993, and [[Windows 95]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Halsey |first=Mike |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/919201454 |title=Windows software compatibility and hardware troubleshooting |date=2015 |others=Andrew Bettany |isbn=978-1-4842-1061-1 |location=[Berkeley, CA] |pages=3 |oclc=919201454}}</ref><ref name="Win311Win95.LAT">{{cite news |date=September 3, 1995 |title=Windows 95 Not All It's Cracked Up to Be |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-03-fi-41735-story.html |access-date=April 22, 2022}}</ref>
⚫
== DR-DOS compatibility ==

⚫
=== DR-DOS compatibility ===
{{Main|AARD code}}
{{Main|AARD code}}
The installer of the beta release used code that checked whether it was running on Microsoft-licensed DOS or another DOS operating system, such as [[DR-DOS]].<ref name="Lea_1999_Register">{{cite web |author-last=Lea |author-first=Graham |author-link=Graham Lea (journalist) |date=1999-11-05 |title=How MS played the incompatibility card against DR-DOS - Real bear-traps, and spurious errors |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/1999/11/05/how_ms_played_the_incompatibility/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125041121/https://www.theregister.co.uk/1999/11/05/how_ms_played_the_incompatibility/ |archive-date=2016-11-25 |access-date=2013-09-26 |work=[[The Register]]}}</ref> It was known as AARD code, and Microsoft disabled it before the final release of Windows 3.1, although, it did not remove it.<ref name="Schulman_1994_Undocumented-DOS">{{cite book |author-last1=Schulman |author-first1=Andrew |url=https://archive.org/details/undocumenteddosp00andr_0 |title=Undocumented DOS: A programmer's guide to reserved MS-DOS functions and data structures - expanded to include MS-DOS 6, Novell DOS and Windows 3.1 |author-last2=Brown |author-first2=Ralf D. |author-last3=Maxey |author-first3=David |author-last4=Michels |author-first4=Raymond J. |author-last5=Kyle |author-first5=Jim |date=1994 |publisher=[[Addison Wesley]] |isbn=0-201-63287-X |edition=2 |author-link2=Ralf D. Brown |url-access=registration |orig-year=November 1993<!-- first printing -->}} (xviii+856+vi pages, 3.5-inch floppy) Errata: [https://web.archive.org/web/20190417215556/http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/user/ralf/pub/books/UndocumentedDOS/errata.ud2][https://web.archive.org/web/20190417212906/https://www.pcjs.org/pubs/pc/programming/Undocumented_DOS/#errata-2nd-edition]</ref> [[Digital Research]], who owned DR-DOS, released a patch within weeks to allow the installer to continue.<ref name="CW_1992">{{cite magazine |date=1992-04-20 |title=DR DOS 6.0 does Windows 3.1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w1yCn870hscC&pg=PA6 |url-status=live |magazine=[[ComputerWorld]] |page=6 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190722175928/https://books.google.nl/books?id=w1yCn870hscC&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&redir_esc=y%23v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=2019-07-22 |access-date=2019-07-22 |series=News Shorts}}</ref> Memos that were released during the ''[[United States v. Microsoft Corp. (2001)|United States v. Microsoft Corp.]]'' antitrust case in 1999 revealed that Microsoft specifically focused it on DR-DOS.<ref name="Bridis_1988">{{cite news |date=1998-08-28 |title=Windows Warning Resurfaces in Suit |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1998/Windows-Warning-Resurfaces-in-Suit/id-f98bb622c4df848fee85f8ede1f32f72 |url-status=live |access-date=2016-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125043840/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1998/Windows-Warning-Resurfaces-in-Suit/id-f98bb622c4df848fee85f8ede1f32f72 |archive-date=2016-11-25 |author-first=Ted |author-last=Bridis}}</ref> When [[Caldera (company)|Caldera]] bought DR-DOS from [[Novell]], they brought a lawsuit against Microsoft over the AARD code, which was later settled with Microsoft paying $280 million.<ref>{{cite news |author-link=Graham Lea (journalist) |date=January 13, 2000 |title=Caldera vs Microsoft – the settlement |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/600488.stm |access-date=September 4, 2009 |author-first=Graham |author-last=Lea}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gomes |first=Lee |date=2000-01-11 |title=Microsoft Will Pay $275 Million To Settle Lawsuit From Caldera |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB947543007415899052 |access-date=2022-04-22 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>
The installer to the beta release used code that checked whether it was running on Microsoft-licensed DOS or another DOS operating system (such as [[DR-DOS]]). The code ran several functional tests that succeeded on MS-DOS and [[IBM PC DOS]], but resulted in a technical support message on competing operating systems. If the system was not MS-DOS, the installer would fail. [[Digital Research]], who owned DR-DOS, released a patch within weeks to allow the installer to continue. Microsoft disabled, but did not remove, this warning message for the final release of Windows 3.1. When [[Caldera (company)|Caldera]] bought DR-DOS from [[Novell]], they brought a lawsuit against Microsoft over the AARD code, which was later settled with Microsoft paying $280&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Microsoft emails focus on DR-DOS threat|author=Dan Goodin|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1001-225129.html|publisher=CNET News|date= April 28, 1999|access-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author-link=Graham Lea (journalist)|date=January 13, 2000|title=Caldera vs Microsoft – the settlement|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/600488.stm|access-date=September 4, 2009|author-first=Graham|author-last=Lea}}</ref>

== Reception ==
⚫
Windows 3.1 is considered to be more stable and multimedia-friendly in comparison with its predecessor, while its [[user interface]] was reinvigorated.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":5" /> It has been shown as an improvement, and it possesses more features in comparison with its rival IBM [[OS/2|OS/2 2.0]], which launched a month earlier than Windows 3.1.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gookin |first=Dan |date=June 8, 1992 |title=Windows 3.1 vs. OS/2 2.0 |volume=14 |pages=72 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YFEEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 21, 2022 |issn=0199-6649}}</ref> Its retail price sat at $149, and over three million copies of Windows 3.1 were sold in the first three months.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Steve |date=June 8, 1992 |title=Readers help give 'launcher bar' access to more icons groups |volume=14 |pages=46 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YFEEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover |access-date=April 21, 2022 |issn=0199-6649}}</ref>

⚫
The year of Windows 3.1's release was successful for Microsoft, which was named the "Most Innovative Company Operating in the U.S." by ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine, while Windows became the most widely used [[Graphical user interface|GUI]]-based operating environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft History 1993 |url=http://library.microsoft.com/msinfo/mshist/1993.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961017232408/http://library.microsoft.com/msinfo/mshist/1993.htm |archive-date=October 17, 1996 |access-date=September 4, 2009 |publisher=Microsoft}} Internet Archive</ref>


=== Legacy ===
=== Legacy ===
⚫
Windows 3.1 found a niche market as an [[embedded operating system]] after becoming obsolete in the PC world. By 2008, both [[Virgin Atlantic]] and [[Qantas]] employed it for some of the onboard entertainment systems on long-distance jets. It also sees continued use as an embedded OS in retail cash tills.<ref>{{cite news |author=Mark Ward |date=November 5, 2008 |title=The end of an era – Windows 3.x |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7707016.stm |access-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref> On July 14, 2013, [[Linux kernel]] version 3.11 was officially named "Linux For Workgroups" as a [[tongue-in-cheek]] reference to Windows for Workgroups 3.11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McAllister |first=Neil |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Linux 3.11 to be known as 'Linux for Workgroups' |url=https://www.theregister.com/2013/07/15/linux_for_workgroups/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=The Register |language=en}}</ref>
Windows 3.x was superseded by the release of [[Windows 95]] in August 1995. Microsoft officially dropped support for all 16-bit versions of Windows on November 1, 2008.

⚫
Windows 3.1 found a niche market as an [[embedded operating system]] after becoming obsolete in the PC world. As of November 2008, both [[Virgin Atlantic]] and [[Qantas]] employed it for some of the onboard entertainment systems on long-distance jets. It also sees continued use as an embedded OS in retail cash tills.<ref>{{cite news|author=Mark Ward|date=November 5, 2008|title=The end of an era – Windows 3.x|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7707016.stm|access-date=September 4, 2009}}</ref>

On July 9, 2008, it was announced that Windows for Workgroups 3.11 for the embedded devices channel would no longer be made available for [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|OEM]] distribution as of November 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/11/microsoft-puts-windows-3-11-for-workgroups-out-to-pasture/|title=Microsoft puts Windows 3.11 for Workgroups out to pasture|first=Joel|last=Hruska|publisher=ArsTechnica|date=November 5, 2008|access-date=October 15, 2020}}</ref>

On July 14, 2013, [[Linux kernel]] version 3.11 was officially named "Linux For Workgroups" as a [[tongue-in-cheek]] reference to "Windows for Workgroups 3.11".<ref>{{cite web|author=Linus Torvalds|date=July 14, 2013|title=Linux 3.11 Kernel Commit|url=https://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=ad81f0545ef01ea651886dddac4bef6cec930092|website=git.kernel}}</ref>


On November 7, 2015, the failure of a Windows 3.1 system in [[Orly Airport]] of Paris which was responsible for communicating visual range information in [[fog]]gy weather to pilots made operations temporarily cease. Whether the failure was hardware- or software-based is not specified, though the highlighting of the operating system suggests a software failure.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Ars Technica]] |title=Failed Windows 3.1 system blamed for shutting down Paris airport |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/11/failed-windows-3-1-system-blamed-for-taking-out-paris-airport/ |access-date=7 February 2022 |language=en-us |date=13 November 2015}}</ref>
In November 2015, the failure of a Windows 3.1 system in [[Orly Airport]] of Paris, which was responsible for communicating visual range information in [[fog]]gy weather to pilots, made operations temporarily cease. Whether the failure was hardware- or software-based is not specified, though the highlighting of the operating system suggests a software failure.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Ars Technica]] |title=Failed Windows 3.1 system blamed for shutting down Paris airport |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/11/failed-windows-3-1-system-blamed-for-taking-out-paris-airport/ |access-date=7 February 2022 |language=en-us |date=13 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Longeray |first=Pierre |date=November 13, 2015 |title=Windows 3.1 Is Still Alive, And It Just Killed a French Airport |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xakd9/windows-31-is-still-alive-and-it-just-killed-a-french-airport |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=Vice News |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, the [[Internet Archive]] organization released Windows 3.1 as an emulated environment in a [[web browser]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tung |first=Liam |date=February 12, 2016 |title=Don't want Windows 10? No problem, upgrade to Windows 3.1 instead |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-want-windows-10-no-problem-upgrade-to-windows-3-1-instead/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=ZDNet |language=en}}</ref> It is also possible to install Windows 3.1 as an emulator on an [[iPad]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=August 24, 2021 |title=How to Install Windows 3.1 on an iPad |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/739100/how-to-install-windows-31-on-an-ipad/ |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=How-To Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Microsoft Windows]]
* [[32-bit file access]]{{Null}}
* [[IFSHLP.SYS]]
* [[Windows NT 3.1]]


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 22:54, 22 April 2022

This article is about the consumer operating system released in 1992. For the version of Windows NT released in 1993, see Windows NT 3.1.

Windows 3.1x
Version of the Microsoft Windows operating system
Logo of Microsoft Windows 3.1x versions
Screenshot of Windows for Workgroups 3.11
DeveloperMicrosoft
OS familyMicrosoft Windows
Source modelClosed source
Released to
manufacturing		April 6, 1992; 32 years ago (1992-04-06)
Latest release3.11 / November 8, 1993; 30 years ago (1993-11-08)
LicenseCommercial software
Preceded byWindows 3.0 (1990)
Succeeded by
Support status
RetailUnsupported as of December 31, 2001
WFW 3.11 embeddedUnsupported as of November 1, 2008

Windows 3.1 is a series of 16-bit operating environments produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, released on April 6, 1992. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was first sold during April 1992 as a successor to Windows 3.0. Subsequent versions were released between 1992 and 1993, notably Windows 3.11, until the series was superseded by the Windows 9x series starting in 1995 with Windows 95. During its lifespan, Windows 3.1 introduced several enhancements to the still MS-DOS-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, TrueType fonts, and workgroup networking.

On December 31, 2001, Microsoft declared Windows 3.1 obsolete and stopped providing support and updates for the system. However, OEM licensing for Windows for Workgroups 3.11 on embedded systems continued to be available until November 1, 2008.[1]

Development history

Its predecessor, Windows 3.0, was released in 1990, and is considered to be the first version of Windows to receive critical acclaim.[2] Windows 3.0 received around 10 million sales before the release of Windows 3.1 on April 6, 1992.[3][4] Microsoft began a television advertising campaign for the first time on March 1, 1992. The advertisements, developed by Ogilvy & Mather, were designed to introduce a broader audience to Windows.[5]

Windows 3.1 was codenamed Janus.[6][7] Like its predecessors, the operating environment ran as a shell on top of MS-DOS, although, it does not include the MS-DOS Executive shell.[4][8][9]: 3  Even after the introduction of Windows 1.0, Microsoft had worked on gaining support from companies in order to expand its operating environment on different types on PCs.[4] Tandy Corporation was open to shipping Tandy Sensation PCs with the Windows 3.1 operating environment, known as Modular Windows after its release.[4][10] IBM and its PCs were also provided with Windows 3.1.[11]

Release versions and features

Windows 3.1

File:Windows 3.1.png
Windows 3.1, showing some of the personalization options available

Further enhancements were introduced in Windows 3.1. The TrueType font system was introduced in order to provide scalable fonts to Windows applications, without having to resort on using third-party technology such as Adobe Type Manager (ATM).[4][12] Windows 3.1 introduced Arial, Courier New, and Times New Roman fonts, in regular, bold, italic, and bold-italic versions, which could be scaled to any size and rotated, depending on the application.[13][14]

In order to improve user interaction, Microsoft initiated warning and event sounds, and introduced computer command shortcuts for copy, cut, and paste. Windows 3.1 is also noted for its improvement of multimedia; screensavers, Windows Media Player, and Sound Recorder were introduced into the operating environment.[3][4] These features were already present on the Windows 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions version, although, they were only available to users with newly-bought PCs. The Media Player could play MIDI music files and AVI video files, while the Sound Recorder could play, record, and edit sound files that were affiliated with the WAV format.[4][15]: 21  Minesweeper was officially introduced in Windows 3.1 as a replacement for Reversi, alongside Solitaire.[4][16][17] MS-DOS programs were previously not able to be controlled with a mouse, although, this ended up being introduced in Windows 3.1.[16] Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) was added in order to allow drag-and-drop embedding of images and formatted text between Windows programs.[18][19] SVGA color support was also introduced in this version.[3][11]

File Manager had also received tweaks; split view-mode was introduced, users were now able to browse files without having to open separate windows, while files were able to be dragged and dropped to other locations on the system.[3][20] An option for quick formatting was introduced in order to format floppy disks and copy its files without having to quit Windows.[15]: 19  It is an MDI application that is utilized for moving, deleting, and managing files on the system.[8] Microsoft has also built Microsoft Bob, an utility that would act as a search assistant, on Windows 3.1, only for it to get released on Windows 95 in 1995.[21][22] The introduction of Windows Registry, a centralized database that can store configuration information and settings for various operating systems components and applications, also occurred in this version.[4][14] The Control Panel also received changes; its items were now hard-coded, and additional items could be added by placing additional .cpl files.[4][8] The Calendar uses the .cal extension.[23] Printer management tasks were moved over to Control Panel and Print Manager. Several printers were improved in Windows 3.1, making the Print Manager more efficient for use.[15]: 20  Windows 3.1 also includes troubleshooting and diagnostic tools such as the Dr. Watson utility which saves information about application errors, and Microsoft Diagnostics.[24][25]

Windows 3.1 also includes add-ons; Video for Windows was introduced in November 1992 as a reaction to Apple's QuickTime technology.[26] Costing $200, the software included editing and encoding programs.[27][28] It was later built into Windows 95.[29] Microsoft has also published Windows for Pen Computing, a pen computing interface which was created in response to PenPoint OS by GO Corporation.[30][31] The operating environment was also given limited compatibility with then-new 32-bit Windows API, by introducing Win32s, an enabling technology.[32] Microsoft has also provided WinG, an application program interface, to entice developers to move from DOS to Windows.[33] It has also provided a device-independent interface to graphics and printer hardware, and allowed programs to have both read and write capabilities to the WinGDC.[34]

Unlike all previous versions, Windows 3.1 cannot run in real mode and it insists on the use of 80286 processors or above. Because of this, the maximum memory available was increased. When running Windows 3.1 in the 386 enhanced mode, the limit is 256 MB, in comparison with the previous 16 MB.[14][35] While Windows 3.0 was limited to 16 MB maximum memory, Windows 3.1 can access a theoretical 4 GB in the 386 enhanced mode. The actual practical ceiling is 256 MB.[36] Like its predecessors, it runs on 16-bit version of Windows.[19] It is also the first Windows to be distributed on a CD-ROM.[14][16] The setup interface was simplified; express mode was introduced in order to automatically set up Windows.[15]: 22  Microsoft had also published an online tutorial for users regarding the use of Windows 3.1 user interface.[3][15]: 20 

Windows 3.1 for Central and Eastern Europe

Retail box of the Japanese version of Windows 3.1

A special version named "Windows 3.1 for Central and Eastern Europe" introduced eleven languages to Windows 3.1.[37] It has also provided support for the Cyrillic script.[38] The Czech, Hungarian, and Polish terms required this version, while the Russian ones required the Russian version of Windows 3.1.[39] Similarly, Microsoft also released Windows 3.1J with support for Japanese, which shipped 1.46 million copies in its first year on the market (1993) in Japan.[40]

Modular Windows

Modular Windows was built for real-time consumer electronics, and was designed to be controlled via television.[41][42] It is a special version of Windows 3.1, which was designed to run on Tandy Video Information System; it allows users to run multimedia software without having to buy a personal computer.[43][44] It also contains a software development kit (SDK) for programmers to write applications that run on devices that have Modular Windows. The SDK was sold for $99.[45] Modular Windows was discontinued in 1994.[46]

Windows 3.11

Released on November 8, 1993, Windows 3.11 was introduced with repaired network problems which were present on Windows 3.1.[47] A minor update, new features were not present in this version. It also did not ran on IBM's OS/2 for Windows.[48][49] Windows 3.11 provided users to connect to each other as peers in order to share the resources of their computers.[50] Microsoft replaced all retail and OEM versions of Windows 3.1 with Windows 3.11 and provided a free upgrade to anyone who owned Windows 3.1.[47]

Windows 3.2

An updated Simplified Chinese version of Windows 3.1 was released in November 1993, as Windows 3.2.[51][52] The update was limited to this language version, as it only fixed issues related to the complex input system for the Simplified Chinese language.[51] A font editor is present in Windows 3.2; it is used to add new Chinese characters to the already-existing fonts.[53]

Windows for Workgroups

Windows for Workgroups logo
Windows for Workgroups logo

Windows for Workgroups served as an update to Windows 3.1, and it was the first version of Windows that was suitable for integrated networking.[54]: 55 [55] Initially developed as an add-on for Windows 3.0, it was later released in 1992. It introduced drivers and protocols for peer-to-peer networking.[56] Windows for Workgroups was mostly orientated towards businesses.[4]

Windows for Workgroups 3.1

The first version of Windows for Workgroups, 3.1, was released on October 27, 1992.[57] Codenamed Winball and Sparta, it allows users to share files, printers, and chat online; files could be accessed from other machines that run either Windows or DOS.[3][58] The Microsoft Hearts card game was also added, while Object Linking and Embedding, which was implemented in Windows 3.1, was also included in the Windows for Workgroups version.[59][60] The Workgroups version also introduced the Microsoft Mail program, which allowed users to receive and send email, and Microsoft Schedule+, a time management app.[58][59]

Windows for Workgroups can also be accessed from an OS/2 client that uses the Server Message Block (SMB), a protocol used for sharing files and printers over local networks.[61][62] It has also allowed Windows to use the NetBEUI protocol.[3] The price sat at $69 for Windows 3.1 users.[63]

Windows for Workgroups 3.11

Network capabilities of Windows for Workgroups 3.11

The other version, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, was released in November 1993.[64][65] It was codenamed Snowball, and it introduced the support for 32-bit file access, drive sharing, and group calendaring.[66][67] It also has built-in fax capabilities.[68]

It received network improvements; a Winsock package was released for Windows for Workgroups, although, it was later replaced by a 32-bit stack add-on package, codenamed Wolverine that provided TCP/IP support in Windows for Workgroups 3.11.[69][70][71] Its connectivity with NetWare networks was increased, while it has also introduced support for Open Data-Link Interface cards and Internetwork Packet Exchange drivers. Remote Access Service was introduced as a product for users in order to remotely access Windows NT and its advanced server nets.[68]

It runs in 80386 enhanced mode, and it supports the use of network redirectors.[54]: 56 [72] It was sold in two versions; the complete package costed $219 while the "Workgroup Add-on for Windows" costed $69.[67]

System requirements

The official system requirements for Windows 3.1 and following versions include the following.

Minimum system requirements
Windows 3.1[9]: 18–24 [15]: 13  Modular Windows[73] Windows for Workgroups[74]: xviii 
CPU 80286 processor for standard mode, 80386 or higher for enhanced mode 80386 processor or higher 386SX processor or higher
RAM 1 MB of memory (640 KB of conventional memory) 4 MB of memory 3 MB of memory (640 KB of conventional memory)
Storage A hard disk with at least 6.5 MB of free space (8 MB for enhanced mode users), and at least one floppy disk drive A hard disk with at least 20 MB of free space A hard disk with at least 8 MB of free space (14 MB needed for a complete installation), and at least one floppy disk drive
Video VGA adapter VGA-NTSC adapter VGA adapter
Network Optional hardware includes a Hayes, MultiTech, TrailBlazer, or any other compatible modem if user wants to connect on to a network An adapter card with Network Device Interface Specification (NDIS) driver, optional hardware includes a Hayes, MultiTech, TrailBlazer, or any other compatible modem
OS MS-DOS 3.1 or higher MS-DOS 3.22 or higher and Windows 3.1 MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, computers that act as servers require MS-DOS 5.5 or higher
Mouse A Microsoft-compatible pointing device is recommended, but not required

In order to use a printer or to run Windows on a network, additional 2.5 MB of free space will be needed on the hard drive.[9]: 19  The amount of RAM is dependent; if the user is on the network and if the network requires a lot of memory, more RAM will be needed.[9]: 21  Windows 3.1 includes more drivers for printers than its predecessor.[9]: 25  It is also possible to connect on to a network using Windows 3.1 via Hayes, Multi-Tech, or Trail Blazer modems.[9]: 26 [15]: 14 

Reception

Windows 3.1 is considered to be more stable and multimedia-friendly in comparison with its predecessor, while its user interface was reinvigorated.[3][35] It has been shown as an improvement, and it possesses more features in comparison with its rival IBM OS/2 2.0, which launched a month earlier than Windows 3.1.[4] InfoWorld rated the operating environment a "very good" value.[75] Although, Windows 3.1 is also considered to still have problems; Unrecoverable Application Errors were common, while file managing remained slow.[76] Windows for Workgroups had received lukewarm reception; it has been praised for its technical design, although, it has been also noted as a "business disappointment" due to its small amount of sold copies.[77]

Regarding the marketplace, Windows 3.1 had received an enthusiastic reception; its retail price sat at $149, and over three million copies of Windows 3.1 were sold in the first three months.[11][78][79] The year of Windows 3.1's release was successful for Microsoft, which was named the "Most Innovative Company Operating in the U.S." by Fortune magazine, while Windows became the most widely used GUI-based operating environment.[80]

Microsoft ended its support for Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups on December 31, 2001, although, the embedded version of Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was retired on November 1, 2008.[81][82][83] The operating environment was superseded by Windows NT 3.1, which was released in 1993, and Windows 95 in 1995.[84][85]

DR-DOS compatibility

Main article: AARD code

The installer of the beta release used code that checked whether it was running on Microsoft-licensed DOS or another DOS operating system, such as DR-DOS.[86] It was known as AARD code, and Microsoft disabled it before the final release of Windows 3.1, although, it did not remove it.[87] Digital Research, who owned DR-DOS, released a patch within weeks to allow the installer to continue.[88] Memos that were released during the United States v. Microsoft Corp. antitrust case in 1999 revealed that Microsoft specifically focused it on DR-DOS.[89] When Caldera bought DR-DOS from Novell, they brought a lawsuit against Microsoft over the AARD code, which was later settled with Microsoft paying $280 million.[90][91]

Legacy

Windows 3.1 found a niche market as an embedded operating system after becoming obsolete in the PC world. By 2008, both Virgin Atlantic and Qantas employed it for some of the onboard entertainment systems on long-distance jets. It also sees continued use as an embedded OS in retail cash tills.[92] On July 14, 2013, Linux kernel version 3.11 was officially named "Linux For Workgroups" as a tongue-in-cheek reference to Windows for Workgroups 3.11.[93]

In November 2015, the failure of a Windows 3.1 system in Orly Airport of Paris, which was responsible for communicating visual range information in foggy weather to pilots, made operations temporarily cease. Whether the failure was hardware- or software-based is not specified, though the highlighting of the operating system suggests a software failure.[94][95] In 2016, the Internet Archive organization released Windows 3.1 as an emulated environment in a web browser.[96] It is also possible to install Windows 3.1 as an emulator on an iPad.[97]

See also

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