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WIN3.TXT
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1990-05-22
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Microsoft Corporation: Windows 3.0 Is Here
NEW YORK -- MAY 22, 1990 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced the
immediate, worldwide availability of the Microsoft(R) Windows(TM)
graphical environment version 3.0. A dramatically enhanced version of
Microsoft's graphical-user interface for MS-DOS(R)- and PC-DOS(TM)-
based personal computers, the version 3.0 transforms an ordinary,
character-based PC into a powerful, graphical machine. Microsoft
Windows environment was developed with a one-megabyte personal
computer as a design point, the standard minimum entry system for PCs
today -- thereby enabling 30 million of the 50 million current MS-DOS
users to quickly and easily add a graphical-user interface to their
MS-DOS machines.
"Windows 3.0 puts the 'personal' back into millions of MS-DOS-based
computers," said Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and chief executive
officer. "We want to make personal computing accessible and
approachable, so that users can get more out of their PCs -- and have
more fun using them."
Version 3.0 offers dramatic performance increases for Windows
applications, advances in ease of use and aesthetic appeal, and
straightforward integration into corporate computing environments.
Windows 3.0 is part of Microsoft's family of operating systems. The
Windows graphical user interface has been made more attractive and
appealing in version 3.0 with the use of a proportionally spaced
system font, 3-D scroll bars and command buttons and colorful icons.
The interface is similar to that of Microsoft OS/2 Presentation
Manager, providing consistency in companies that support both
environments. Windows applications automatically take advantage of the
improvements to the user interface.
User Shell and Polished Appearance Make Windows Easy to Use
-----------------------------------------------------------
The user shell's special-purpose application, provided with Windows,
shields the users from the complexity of MS-DOS commands and provides
the tools and resources needed to manage applications and files
without leaving Windows. This makes it easy for users to navigate
through their computer environments. The Program Manager, a component
of the shell, is the user's first view of the Windows environment. It
presents Windows applications and systems functions as colorful icons
that users can rearrange in groups that are most intuitive to them,
allowing users to customize their desktops. Traditional MS-DOS
applications can also be run from icons in the new Windows shell.
The File Manager, a second component of the shell, allows users to
easily and quickly manipulate and locate their files, and drop and
drag files to and from any disk drive including a server. It uses a
directory-tree format to display file names and file details.
New options in the Control Panel, the third shell component, take
advantage of version 3.0's ability to exploit more advanced color
hardware and let users design their own "look." For instance, users
can scan pictures or drawings for their own screen background or
choose from a set of available backgrounds called wallpapers, and can
also choose their own screen colors. Windows version 3.0's new shell
integrates into its menus functions to easily and consistently connect
and disconnect to network servers.
Improved Memory Management System for Better Performance
--------------------------------------------------------
Because of a new memory management system implemented in version 3.0,
Windows applications run markedly faster, and users can keep multiple
large applications open and accessible. By taking advantage of the
protected mode capabilities of the 286 and 386(TM) microprocessors,
version 3.0 breaks the 640K DOS memory barrier. Now Windows
applications can exploit up to 16MB of memory. On systems with 386
processors, Windows can exploit the virtual protected-mode
capabilities and provide up to 48MB of memory to Windows applications.
This memory management is done automatically for Windows applications.
Desktop Accessories Offer Instant Function
------------------------------------------
The Windows environment version 3.0 ships with a variety of desktop
applications such as CardFile and Windows Write, an executive word
processor. Many of these applications have been enhanced in version
3.0. New desktop applications include Recorder, a simple macro that
records keystrokes and mouse movements and plays them back; Solitaire,
an electronic version of the popular card game; and a full-color
painting program.
With every retail copy of Microsoft Windows version 3.0, users will
receive for a limited time a promotional copy of DayBook(TM), which is
a sample ToolBook application from Asymetrix Corporation. DayBook
comes with integrated modules including daily, weekly and monthly
calendars, an address list and a to-do list.
Designed with Networks in Mind
------------------------------
Memory management improvements provide major benefits to users of the
Windows graphical environment version 3.0 in a local area network
environment. In addition, Microsoft has built in "network awareness"
throughout Windows. For example, the new Windows Setup program makes
it easy for LAN administrators and end users to install and configure
multiple network stations. Users on most popular networks can also
connect to network drives and printers and manage the print queue
using simple dialog boxes.
Easy to Learn and Use
---------------------
Starting with installation, Microsoft Windows version 3.0 contains
many user-tested features that make it easy to use. The Setup program
detects and installs Windows to take full advantage of the hardware
configuration. Online hypertext help can be accessed from setup, the
applications provided with Windows, and the user shell. It defines
terms and offers guidance on how to use every aspect of the product.
In addition, version 3.0 has added plain-English error messages and
comes with completely rewritten and redesigned user documentation.
Applications Compatibility -- Three Modes of Operation
-----------------------------------------------------
All Windows 2.x applications will run under Windows version 3.0 in a
special compatibility mode called "real" mode, activated by the
command /r when the user starts Windows. To take advantage of the
benefits of the Windows version 3.0 memory manager provided under the
"standard" and "386-enhanced" modes of operation, Windows 2.1
applications must be verified and identified by the vendor as "Windows
3.0 compatible." Virtually all software developers are now shipping
applications marked with "Windows 3.0 compatible" stickers provided by
Microsoft and are offering upgrades to their users for no charge or
for a nominal fee. Windows users may call Microsoft at (800) 323-3577
to check the status of any Windows application and for upgrade
instructions.
Availability, Pricing and Recommended Hardware
----------------------------------------------
Microsoft Windows 3.0 is available today for a suggested retail price
of $149. It ships in a single package for Intel(R) 286, 386SX(TM) and
386DX(TM) machines; upon installation, the system detects the
microprocessor and loads the appropriate files. Minimum configuration
is a 286-based personal computer with 640K of RAM, one floppy disk
drive and a hard disk. With an additional 256K of extended memory
(nominally a 1MB system) on either a 286- or 386-based machine,
version 3.0 will use the protected mode of these processors. On a 386
machine, version 3.0 requires 1024K of extended memory (nominally a
2MB system) to take advantage of the 386 enhanced mode, which fully
exploits the features of the 386 processor. Version 3.0 requires MS-
DOS version 3.0 or higher.
Windows version 3.0 supports all major scanners, displays, networks --
and more than 160 printers. The Driver Library Disk service is
provided to Microsoft customers to enable them to be continually
upgraded with new printer and display drivers as they become
available. Windows 3.0 is available immediately in French and German,
as well as English. Versions in other languages will be available
later this year.
$50 Upgrade
-----------
A $50 upgrade is available to all Windows users (users of Windows 1.x,
2.x, Windows/286(TM) or Windows/386(TM); including products received
with hardware). The upgrade is also available to Windows "run-time"
users (a limited version shipped with some applications). The upgrade
can be obtained by calling (800) 323-3577.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets and supports a
wide range of software for business and professional use, including
operating systems, languages and application programs, as well as
books, hardware and CD-ROM products for the microcomputer marketplace.
###
Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks,
and Windows, Windows/286 and Windows 386 are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
DayBook is a trademark of Asymetrix Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark, and 386, 386SX and 386DX are
trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PC-DOS is a trademark of International Business Machines.