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Windows 3.0
It is a 16-bit operating system that needs a preinstalled DOS like MS-DOS. In May 1990 Windows 3.0 came onto the market as graphical operating system extension for DOS in the languages German, English and French. The main advantage, unlike DOS, is the simultaneous execution of DOS and Windows programs in a graphical user interface. Virtual machines allow the simultaneous execution of several DOS applications in a separate 8086/8088 environment. Applications are running in cooperative multitasking and can now use up to 16 Mbytes of RAM.
The user control during the graphical installation is made via keyboard and mouse. The Program Manager provides management and launching applications through icons and windows. The Control Panel is used to manage the associated hardware and software management. Applications such as Windows Write, PC Paintbrush, Terminal, Calendar, etc. are included in the operating system. The Print Manager manages both the LAN as well as locally connected printer. The printed document corresponds to the document on the screen after the WYSIWYG method.
Windows 3.0 has a GDI (Graphics Display Interface), an API (Application Program Interface) for programmer and supports DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) and OLE (Object Linking and Embedding). The central clipboard for copying and cutting text, images and objects to any application is accessible via a separate application.
The operating system is optimized for 286 and 386 processors. With 286 processors, only the Standard and Real Modes are available. In Standard Mode you can can use up to 16 MB memory with XMS. The Real Mode allows the use of a maximum of 640 Kbytes of RAM (additional memory available with EMS) and run DOS applications in full screen without protected memory and multitasking. The Enhanced Mode is only available for 386 processor and requires more conventional memory. It provides additional multitasking for DOS applications with their own virtual instances with adjustable priority (time slice) and the use of virtual memory with a swap file.
Minimum Requirements:
- 80286 or higher processor with 10 MHz
- 1 MB RAM
- 6 MB free hard disk drive space
- 5 1/4 or 3 1/2 inch floppy drive
- CGA, EGA, VGA or compatible graphic card
- MS-DOS 3.1 or PC-DOS 3.1 preinstalled
- Optionally mouse, modem
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| Windows 3.0, Welcome to Setup | Windows 3.0, select Directory C:Windows | Windows 3.0, System Configuration | Windows 3.0, Install from floppy disk |
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| Windows 3.0, Set up Printers or Applications, read documentation | Windows 3.0, Installation finished | Windows 3.0, Boot screen | Windows 3.0, Desktop and Program Manager |
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| Windows 3.0, 386 enhanced mode, Version | Windows 3.0, Control Panel | Windows 3.0, Paintbrush and Write | Windows 3.0, Task List |
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| Windows 3.0, File Manager with menu | Windows 3.0, end your Windows session |
Date - Version
1990 May - Windows 3.0