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1990-05-22
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Questions and Answers About Microsoft Windows Version 3.0
Q. Who can take advantage of the Windows version 3.0 upgrade offer?
A. The upgrade offer applies to users of any version of the Microsoft
Windows environment [1.x, 2.x, Windows/286(TM) and Windows/386(TM)].
It also applies to users who received a promotional copy of Windows as
part of their purchase of a PC system, Microsoft Mouse or other
hardware product, and to users who have a Windows run-time module (a
partial version of the Windows environment supplied with some Windows
applications).
Q. How much does the upgrade cost?
A. The price of the upgrade is $50, plus $5.50 for shipping and
handling.
Q. What are the main benefits of upgrading?
A. One of the biggest advantages of version 3.0 is that it goes beyond
the MS-DOS 640K memory limit to let you access the extended memory
available on today's PCs. With this extended memory, you can run
several applications at once and do all your work from within the
Windows environment. Another key advantage of version 3.0 is its
dramatically improved, icon-based graphical-user interface, which
makes it more intuitive, more attractive, and more enjoyable to work
with than a character-based interface. We've also made version 3.0
easy to use in networked environments.
Q. If I'm happy with my run-time module, why would I want to upgrade?
A. For the same reasons you would upgrade if you have any earlier
version of Windows: to take advantage of all the great new features
that you only can get with version 3.0. There is no version 3.0 run-
time, so if you want to take full advantage of the Windows
environment, you'll need the full product. Also, now that Windows is a
truly viable platform for running multiple applications, you'll want
to do all your work from within the Windows environment. The run-time
module only has the subset of Windows capabilities needed to run the
application it came with, so it can't be used to run any other
application.
Q. How does the upgrade process work?
A. To upgrade, simply call 1-800-323-3577. The Microsoft
representative will verify that you are a Windows user and take your
order for the upgrade. Microsoft will accept all major credit cards --
or, if you prefer, you can have the representative send you an order
form and pay by check.
If you're a corporate user with a significant installed base of
Windows applications, the Microsoft representative will inform you of
our special corporate upgrade program, which allows you to upgrade all
your users at once. You can obtain your corporate upgrades directly
from Microsoft or from a Microsoft corporate reseller.
Q. How long does the upgrade offer last?
A. The special offer and the 800 number will be available until Sept.
15, 1990.
Q. Will I be able to run applications developed for previous versions
of the Windows environment under Windows version 3.0?
A. Yes, by running Windows in real mode, which simulates previous
versions of Windows. To do so, type win /r at the MS-DOS prompt. When
you run in real mode, you'll get the attractive appearance of the new
version, but you won't be able to take advantage of the direct access
to extended memory. That requires protected-mode operation.
Q. Can I update applications written for previous versions of Windows
so they'll be able to take advantage of the new capabilities?
A. All popular Windows applications are or soon will be available in
updated versions designed to take advantage of the new Windows
capabilities. Most developers are making these new versions available
to users of previous versions at little or no cost. If you want to
make the most of your Windows upgrade, you'll want to be sure to
update your applications as well. In fact, Microsoft has set up a 800
number and users will receive up-to-date information on all Windows
applications.
Q. How do I update my applications?
A. If you're a registered user, you'll get a Windows upgrade mailing
that will tell you which Windows applications have been or are being
updated, shipping dates for the updates and phone numbers to call for
more information. You may also receive mailings from your application
vendors; if not, you can contact them yourself. In addition, you can
call the Microsoft 800 line and get the latest information about
Windows application updates.
Q. I bought some Windows applications fairly recently. How can I tell
if they need an update?
A. The Windows environment version 3.0 can recognize whether an
application is compatible with it or not. If it is not, a dialog box
will notify you of this fact when you load the application. If you
don't see such a dialog box, you'll know that your application is
fully compatible. There will be a very small number of software
companies which have not upgraded their application. If you see the
dialog box, you should call the company.
Q. Will Windows version 3.0 run my MS-DOS applications?
A. Yes, it will. On 286-based systems, you can run your MS-DOS
applications full-screen; on 386-based systems with 2 MB of memory,
you can run them full-screen or in a window. As with previous versions
of Windows, you'll even be able to multitask your MS-DOS applications
on 386-based systems.
Q. What about extended-DOS applications, like Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.0?
A. Lotus 1-2-3 release 3.0 is the prevalent DOS-extended application
on the market today. It will run unmodified under the real and
standard modes of Windows 3.0 (standard mode is the mode designed to
run on a 286 system with 1 MB of memory and up and on a 386 system
with less than 2 MB. It is a form of protected mode, so it does supply
Windows 3.0 memory enhancements to applications). In addition, Iris
Associates recently announced a software package that will allow Lotus
1-2-3 release 3.0 to run under Windows 3.0's 386-enhanced mode.
Microsoft and a number of other vendors have collaborated on a new
standard called DOS Protected Mode Interface (DPMI) that will allow
multiple DOS-extended applications to coexist in environments such as
Windows. Vendors will begin shipping DPMI-compliant versions of their
applications this year. In fact, Lotus has announced that version 3.1
of Lotus 1-2-3 will be compatible under all modes of Windows when it
is shipped later this year.