The first version of Windows that "put Windows on the map." Introduced in 1990, it was a complete overhaul of Windows 2.0 and Windows/386, which were never widely used. It replaced the earlier and very clunky MS-DOS Executive with a colorful and functional user interface made up of Program Manager and File Manager. Within a couple of years, Windows would become the major desktop operating system worldwide.
It Still Booted in DOS
Although the PC still booted up in DOS, Windows 3.0 included a DOS extender that broke DOS's infamous one megabyte barrier and allowed applications to use up to 16MB of memory, a huge amount for that time. Windows 3.0 ran 16-bit Windows applications and DOS applications, and much of its popularity in the beginning was because it could multitask DOS applications. It required a 286 CPU; laughable by today's standards. See Windows and Windows 3.1.
Windows 3.X
The Windows 3.x graphical user interface (GUI) was a vast improvement over previous versions of Windows.
It Still Booted in DOS
Although the PC still booted up in DOS, Windows 3.0 included a DOS extender that broke DOS's infamous one megabyte barrier and allowed applications to use up to 16MB of memory, a huge amount for that time. Windows 3.0 ran 16-bit Windows applications and DOS applications, and much of its popularity in the beginning was because it could multitask DOS applications. It required a 286 CPU; laughable by today's standards. See Windows and Windows 3.1.
Windows 3.X
The Windows 3.x graphical user interface (GUI) was a vast improvement over previous versions of Windows.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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