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Windows 3.11
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups Version 3.11
Screen Shots
The Windows For Workgroups 3.11 logo.
This might be a little confusing, but there were actually 4 releases
of Windows 3.1x:
Windows 3.1 - First release, shown on previous page.
Windows 3.1 for Workgroups - Windows 3.1 packaged with real
mode networking software and some extra utilities.
Windows 3.11 - Same as Windows 3.1 but with a few updated files.
Made available as a patch to Windows 3.1 and on disks.
Windows 3.11 For Workgroups - (Shown here) Windows 3.1 plus
core updates plus protected mode networking and extra utilities.
In order for Windows 3.1 to use networking, a DOS NIC driver, protocol,
and client software had to be provided. As networking software became extremely
feature rich, the size of the client software resident in the real-mode
(640k) portion of RAM grew to to the point that many applications would
not run due insufficient free real-mode RAM.
Windows For Workgroups solves this problem by adding protected mode
network support. Rather than loading drivers in to the 640K segment, the
Microsoft Windows Network software loads in the form of ".386" files
(AKA VxD files).
The downside to this is that when you exit to DOS, all networking support
disappears.
This screen shot shows the network configuration control panel.
The first option is the type of network that is being used. This allows
you to select support for third party DOS based networking system (they
can not be used at the same time as the Windows Network), but in this case
the Windows Network is selected, enabling the other options.
The second option allows you to share files and printers with other
users on the network In other words, it can act as a print or file SERVER.
This is something that is rarely seen in DOS based networking systems,
and traditionally costs megabucks in server licenses. The sharing dialog
is open in this picture.
The last option is a list of network drivers and protocols. This may
include a network card and/or Remote Access Server dial-up. Windows for
Workgroups includes the NetBeui and IPX/SPX protocols. TCP/IP is available
separately. RAS in Windows 3.11 is limited to the NetBeui protocol.
Windows for Workgoups connecting to a remote share. The connection
dialog presents a list of all computers on the network with Windows compatible
file sharing. Each share must be mapped to a drive letter, limiting the
number of shares that may be in use at any one time. Windows for Workgroups
is also limited to short "8.3" style filename.
Local folders can be shared though the File Manager. Once a folder
is shared, a hand appears underneath the folder icon to indicate that it
is shared.
This is the Remote Access dial-up application. It will connect to a
remote computer running Windows NT RAS Server, or Windows 95/98 with the
Dial-up server. Because it only supports the NetBeui protocol, it will
not connect you to the Internet.
Windows For Workgroups also included several application to take advantage
of the built-in networking system.
One of these applications is Microsoft Mail. It connects to a "PostOffice",
which is a simple file share on a remote computer with user accounts and
mail folders, and users can send and receive messages to and from other
users in this Post Office.
Schedule Plus is a scheduling application that can be used as a stand-alone
scheduler, or with a Post Office to share scheduling information.
The Microsoft At Work Fax allows users to send faxes using a local
fax modem or to connect to a network fax server.
Microsoft Hearts is a card game that multiple players can play over
a network.
The best part of Windows 3.x :)
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