Windows 3.0 / 3.1 for Workgroups 3.11. Windows 3.x was the first to gain significant development and commercial traction. It combined the 8086, 286, and 386 modes of Windows 2 in to one package. It replaced the MSDOS Executive with a Program Manager and File Manager similar to those in OS/2 1.x. Microsoft Windows 1.01. Microsoft Windows 1.01, the first public version of Windows, was released on November 20, 1985. It is shown here running on an IBM PC XT (Model 5160) with an EGA Display. You can also run Windows 1.01 with a Debugger or a CGA Display.
Windows 3.x was the first to gain significant development and commercial traction. It combined the 8086, 286, and 386 modes of Windows 2 in to one package. It replaced the MSDOS Executive with a Program Manager and File Manager similar to those in OS/2 1.x. Much of its success was spurred by the availability and success of Microsoft Office. Although Microsoft would have had you believe otherwise, Windows 3.x was the direct foundation for Chicago/Windows 95.
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Microsoft Windows 3.1 Download Free
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds a 386-protected mode networking stack. It includes support for NetBUI and IPX protocols, numerous network cards, a client for accessing remote printers and files shares, and a print and file server. TCP/IP is available as a seperate add-on. The use of protected mode networking software frees up more of the conventional 640k for DOS programs, and simplifies configuration.
Windows 3.11a was a minor change released specifically to address a lawsuit over Stacker. Microsoft pulled compression functionality from a number of unrelated products including Windows for Workgroups, Excel, Powerpoint, Windows NT, Visual C++, and Fortran Powerstation.
Microsoft Windows 3.1 Download Operating System
The only difference between 3.11 for Workgoups and 3.11a for Workgroups is the REMOVAL of compression code in the Remote Access Server (RASMAC.38_ / RASMAC.386). More information can be found in Infoworld, March 7 1994.