Summary of New Features in Windows 3.0 (58315)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.0a
This article was previously published under Q58315

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows version 3.0 provides many enhancements and added features over Windows versions 2.x. This article summarizes the major changes to the Windows environment.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows 3.0 changes include the following:
  • Windows now runs in protected mode on appropriate configurations. This gives applications direct access to extended memory and allows more simultaneous applications to be run.
  • By swapping memory pages to and from disk, 386 enhanced mode Windows can provide more virtual memory than is physically available.
  • Windows manages the system's color palette so that applications can take full advantage of the color capabilities of a device.
  • Windows provides device-independent color bitmap support.
  • Windows provides device-independent icons and cursors by automatically selecting the appropriate device-specific image from a set of images the application provides.
  • Network support has been improved.
  • Several changes have been made to the application user interface, including the addition of new dialog box controls, new menu types, and a more attractive proportional system font.
  • Windows has additional fonts, including fonts for high-resolution displays, such as the 8514/A, and a math symbol font set.
  • Windows does not use a math coprocessor, but some Windows-based applications use a coprocessor.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/7/2005
Keywords:KB58315
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