Windows 3.0 - Penn Printout, Oct 1991

The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine

October 1991 - Volume 8:2

Windows 3.0: Should you use it?

By Joseph Harris, Jr.

With Windows 3.0 you can get more out of your computer and have more fun doing it! Note, however, that Windows works along with your hardware to enable capabilities like windowing, graphics, and memory management. Many of its most useful features are hardware-dependent.

CPU requirements

Windows runs in three different operating modes-real, standard, and 386 enhanced-each designed to take advantage of the capabilities inherent in different CPUs.

Real mode. On any DOS computer with 1 Mbyte or less of RAM, Windows will run only in real mode. Real mode is intended for running programs written for older versions of Windows; otherwise, it basically provides a great looking, but incredibly slow, DOS shell from which you can select a program or issue a command to DOS. There are, however, many good DOS shells on the market, and Windows is not recommended for this purpose.

Standard mode. Windows capabilities begin to show themselves in standard mode, which requires at least a 286 computer and 2 Mbytes or more of RAM. Standard mode allows you to switch windows and to run DOS programs in a full screen but not in a window. Although standard mode on a 286 can be useful, many programs tend to run slowly. Also, the 286 cannot take full advantage of Windows' capabilities.

386 enhanced mode. This mode-the normal operating mode for 386 and 386sx computers with 2 Mbytes or more of RAM-uses the capabilities of the 386 chip family to provide advanced features such as virtual memory and multitasking. Only computers using the 386sx, 386, 486sx, and 486 chips can run in all three modes and fully use all of Windows' features. Using 386 enhanced mode effectively requires an advanced knowledge of both DOS and Windows. It can be difficult to configure and is very sensitive to non-Windows programs; however, with programs written for Windows it works beautifully. Using more RAM will allow you to run more programs at a time or to use larger files. We recommend at least 4 Mbytes for comfortable use.

In summary, we strongly recommend a 386sx or above CPU for running Windows; Windows is definitely not recommended for models with a CPU lower than a 286.

Additional requirements

Windows requires 6 to 8 Mbytes of free (i.e., unused) hard disk space, suggesting the need for a fairly large hard disk drive. The hard disk space is needed to store the many files that are part of Windows and to temporarily swap data between RAM and the hard disk to create the illusion of having more RAM available. Moreover, Windows applications tend to be very large, typically, 3 to 5 Mbytes. We recommend an 80 Mbyte or larger hard drive.

Most standard VGA monitors (color and monochrome), keyboards, and printers will work with Windows. A mouse, although technically not required, is indispensable for truly effective use of the Windows graphical user interface.

Recommendation

To most effectively use all of Windows' capabilities, the minimum recommended configuration is a 386sx or 386 computer with 4 Mbytes of RAM and an 80 Mbyte hard disk. It should also have a mouse, a floppy disk drive, and a VGA color monitor.

JOSEPH R. HARRIS, JR. is a Consultant for the Computing Resource Center.

Sidebar: Windows 3.0 requirements

The table summarizes the main hardware requirements for running Windows in its three modes and lists a few of the features available in each mode. A DOS machine with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard disk with at least 8 Mbytes of free disk space, and at least one floppy disk drive is assumed.

Mode      Processor  Total      Features           Performance
                      RAM

Real      80286      1 MB      - Compatible with  - Runs extremely 
          80386sx                older versions     slowly.
          80386                  of Windows       - Basically functions   
          80486sx                              .    as a DOS shell.      
          80486                                   - Not recommended     
                                                    except for running     
                                                    older Windows       
                                                    programs.       

Standard  80286      2 MB      - Access to        - Runs OK on a 286.
          80386sx   or more      extended memory, - Fastest mode on    
          80386                  task switching,.   386sx, 386,486sx,
          80486sx                speed              and 486.  
          80486                - Incorporates .   - Provides access to
                                 real mode          basic Windows 
                                                    features.     

386       80386sx    2 MB      - Virtual memory,  - Slower than 
Enhanced  80386     or more      multitasking       Standard mode.
          80486sx              - Incorporates 
          80486                  standard and     - Gives full access to
                                 real modes         features.          
                                                           
                                                  - Can sometimes be
                                                    quirky and
                                                    sensitive to 
                                                    non-Windows 
                                                    programs.       

Minimum recommended system:  80386sx or 80386 processor, 4 Mbytes of 
RAM, 80 Mbyte hard drive, VGA monitor, and mouse, with Windows running 
in 386 enhanced or standard mode.