Path: gmdzi!unido!mcsun!news.funet.fi!sunic!psinntp!psinntp!uunet!microsoft! georgem From: geor...@microsoft.UUCP (George MOORE) Newsgroups: comp.windows.ms Subject: Windows 3.1 backgrounder Message-ID: <#81cp_p@microsoft.UUCP> Date: 10 Oct 91 02:19:13 GMT Organization: Microsoft Corp. Lines: 475 What follows is the Windows 3.1 backgrounder which is being distributed freely to members of the press. It talks about the new features in Windows 3.1, new robustness, TrueType, the better networking support, Windows for Pen Computing, multimedia support, etc, etc. I have received permission to post this information here. Please do not mail me with questions about this document -- I cannot say anything more than what is written here. It should answer most of your questions about what is coming up in Windows 3.1. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Microsoft Windows Environment Version 3.1 August 1991 Overview With more than 4 million copies sold since the announcement of version 3.0 in May 1990, the end user community has affirmed its support for the Microsoft(R) Windows(TM) environment. Users have made Windows the best-selling retail software product of all time and the second most popular operating system ever (after MS-DOS). More than 200,000 Windows users have attended Microsoft-sponsored conferences, workshops, shows and 20 third-party events this year. And users have made Windows applications the fastest growing segment of the total software applications market, according to data from Software Publisher Association and other sources. It is fitting, then, that Microsoft should look to users to understand how to advance Windows in its next release, version 3.1. In the year since the announcement of version 3.0, Microsoft has conducted an unprecedented campaign to reach out and listen to the feedback and comments of the Windows installed base. This feedback collection process has taken several forms: o A commissioned survey of 11,000 U.S. households revealed Windows usage patterns, satisfaction levels, favorite and least favorite features as well as data about the hardware configuration of typical Windows users. This data was particularly interesting in that it was a "pure" user pool, not biased toward users who are more likely to register their software, subscribe to a particular magazine, etc. o Microsoft "Strike Teams" fanned out to gather data from corporate Windows 3.0 users. Nearly 90 percent of the suggestions resulting from these meetings have been implemented in Windows 3.1. o About two thousand Windows users called Microsoft Product Support Services each day for more information about using Windows. From these calls, PSS has developed an extensive knowledgebase; a representative from PSS served on the Windows 3.1 design committee. The 10 most commonly asked questions have been addressed in Windows 3.1. o An active CompuServe(R) support forum through the auspices of the Windows Presentation Manager Association (WPMA) resulted in extensive suggestions and feedback. User suggestions were the driving force behind the improvements and new features in version 3.1. As an important evolutionary step in what is planned to be a long series of Windows-based operating systems from Microsoft, Windows version 3.1 will offer refinements to version 3.0 that are designed to bring greater ease of use, functionality, and performance to Windows users while maintaining backward compatibility with Windows version 3.0 applications. These refinements fall into the following categories: o Improved usability and performance o Application and system robustness o TrueTypeTM scalable font technology o Improved application integration o Extensions for new computing platforms This paper will describe the key added features of Windows version 3.1 in greater detail. Improved Usability and Performance Among the results of the extensive feedback from users of Windows version 3.0 are significant enhancements to the usability of the Windows environment. Dozens of improvements will be immediately noticeable, while hundreds of others work behind the scenes to support the new features. While many of them are minor, taken together, these improvements contribute to a smoother, more responsive user interaction with Windows. Improved Installation The Windows version 3.1 Install program will be able to detect even more hardware and software configurations than its version 3.0 predecessor. The result is an improved ability for Windows to configure itself optimally for the machine on which it is being installed. The Installer program detects a wide variety of TSRs (terminate-and-stay-resident programs), and hardware devices that are known to cause problems, taking action to notify the user or correct the problem without user involvement. Windows version 3.1 will be easier for novice users to install with Express Install, and more customizable for advanced users, who can select groups of programs to install. For PC coordinators, Windows version 3.1 installation is improved with the batch install option, and better network setup features for installation in networked environments. File Manager Improvements The Windows version 3.1 File Manager has been completely redesigned for improved usability and performance. The File Manager now supports multiple "panes" for easy browsing. Users can now display the directory tree and a list of files side-by-side in a window. The File Manager also allows the display of more file attributes than before and can even display file and folder names in a choice of fonts. Another significant improvement is the new "quick format" capability, which allows users to format floppy disks in much less time than before. The File Manager will support an easier, more intuitive "drag and drop" model for manipulating files. For example, to print a file, the user drags the file's icon with the mouse and "drops" it onto the Print Manager, which prints the document. Users will also be able to take an icon and drop it on a running application or the application title bar; then the application will automatically open that file. Program Manager Improvements Improvements to the Program Manager include "wrappable" icon titles that sit neatly under each icon in multiple lines, instead of a single long line that may overlap with other icon titles. Users also will appreciate the new "startup group," which allows them to launch any group of applications automatically when the Windows environment is started. Printing Improvements The Windows version 3.1 Print Manager now has the ability to resume stalled print jobs automatically, without user intervention. For example, if a printer runs out of paper, the print job will be resumed after the paper tray is restocked. Another printing improvement introduced with Windows version 3.1 is the universal printer driver (UNIDRV). This software offers a single, printer- independent driver for which specific printer drivers can be built rapidly. The universal printer driver makes it easier for printer manufacturers to write or update printer drivers because it encapsulates all the major features of a printer driver in a single piece of software. Vendors simply provide a table of printer-specific parameters for each printer. Instead of using dozens of large "monolithic" printer drivers, the Windows environment will need only a single driver and a small support table for each printer. Nearly 250 printers will be supported in Windows 3.1, with the majority supported through UNIDRV. Better Support for Networks A number of improvements will make Windows version 3.1 easier to use on a computer that is attached to a network. Network administrators will find that setup is easier under Windows version 3.1, especially for complex system configurations. Network problems are also easier to trace and fix because network errors are displayed with more information regarding the type and source of the problem. Another significant change is that users can specify "persistent" network connections, meaning that information about a remote disk drive or printer is maintained by the Windows environment after a network session is terminated. Any "disconnected" drives will appear in the File Manager's drive bar as "unavailable." To re-establish connection, users will simply click on the drive's icon. Improved Performance Performance improvements have been achieved throughout Windows 3.1. These include faster, more responsive user shell components (notably File Manager and Program Manager); increased display driver performance (for example, the VGA and 8514 drivers); better printing performance (overall speed is improved, but Windows will also give control back to the application quicker once the print command is invoked); and faster paging in 386 enhanced mode. Version 3.1 will include FastDisk, a 32-bit driver that allows Windows to bypass DOS in the BIOS for its virtual memory paging file. Application and System Robustness Since its shipment in May of 1990, Windows version 3.0 has proven to be a remarkably stable product. In fact, Microsoft has only implemented a single update release (version 3.0a) to accommodate minor bug fixes. Like any mature operating system, however, Windows works in cooperation with a vast number of hardware platforms, applications software and peripherals. With the countless permutations of software and hardware, occasional conflicts are inevitable, and approximately one to two percent of Windows-related calls to Microsoft Product Support Services are regarding these "Unrecoverable Application Errors" (UAEs). Through its communication with Windows version 3.0 users and developers, Microsoft has developed a fine-tuned understanding of how applications generate and handle errors. Most UAE questions have been resolved through helping users deinstall misbehaved TSRs, resolve questions on Windows 3.0 versions of drivers or software, or remove unnecessary lines in the Windows CONFIG.SYS files. In Windows version 3.1, Microsoft's accumulated knowledge serves as the basis for the following design focal points: 1) Better diagnostics to pinpoint the cause of application errors; 2) Tools and information to help developers write error-free applications; 3) Graceful handling of application errors if they do occur (so the faulting application doesn't crash the system). Following are several examples of how these design goals are implemented in Windows version 3.1. Error Diagnostics and Reporting If an application program generates an error under Windows version 3.1, the user will receive an error dialog box with more specific information about the type of fault that occurred and which application generated the error (the Windows 3.0 dialog box says: "Unrecoverable Application Error"). This allows problems to be traced and corrected much more quickly than before. Additionally, Windows version 3.1 will ship with a diagnostic tool called "Dr. Watson" that will record and store information about an application error, should one occur. This data will provide feedback on the error that can be used by a support technician to determine the solution for the error. Developer Tools for Error Tolerance and Prevention Microsoft's developer support program for Windows version 3.1 includes tools and information to help developers write more error-free Windows applications. For instance, a new mechanism has been implemented within Windows version 3.1 that enables validation of the many parameters that applications use to communicate with the Windows environment. If an application uses the wrong type of parameter, or if the parameter's value is outside the acceptable range, Windows will report an error. Developers are thus notified of potential parameter problems before their product ships. Several utilities are also being made available to Windows developers that help to detect and trace the source of problems. For example, a new "stress test" utility creates a highly active and dynamic environment in which application bugs may be "shaken out" during all stages of development. Error Recovery Windows version 3.1 includes a number of improvements designed to handle UAEs more effectively. Under version 3.1, if an application "hangs," users can press the CTRL+ALT+DEL reboot key sequence, and Windows will ask whether the application should be continued or closed. If the user chooses to close the application, Windows will reset the environment to a stable state which will allow the user to continue working within the Windows environment. There is no longer a need to exit and restart the Windows environment. TrueType Scalable Font Technology Windows version 3.1 includes the new TrueType(TM) scalable font technology. TrueType provides "outline" fonts, giving users instant access to fonts in any point size, and allowing high quality output on any monitor or printer supported by Windows itself. TrueType was designed and developed to meet the requirements of type professionals and graphic designers. TrueType offers the following benefits. Complete Integration with the Operating System TrueType is an integrated component of Windows version 3.1. For users, this means that there is nothing to buy or install. All the benefits of scalable font technology are built into the operating environment itself, and existing Windows applications can use them immediately. Four TrueType scalable font families will ship with all copies of Windows version 3.1: Arial (alternative to Helvetica), Times New Roman, Courier and Symbol. Every major font vendor (with the exception of Adobe) has committed to develop substantial TrueType font libraries for both the Macintosh(R) and Windows platforms. Cross-Platform Compatibility TrueType is also offered on the Apple(R) Macintosh and TrueType fonts can be ported between Windows and the Macintosh without conversion. So documents using TrueType fonts may be exchanged between a Windows PC and the Macintosh without required changes in character set, font metrics or line endings. TrueType is also available in Macintosh-compatible laser printers, in TrueImage printers, and has been licensed to numerous printer vendors for use in future products. Dynamic Font Downloading TrueType fonts are automatically converted to bitmap images and downloaded to laser printers so that what the user sees on the screen is the same as the printed page. TrueType uses dynamic downloading, sending only the characters requested rather than the entire character set, resulting in faster, more efficient printing. Open Technology In order to make it easy for vendors to support TrueType fonts, each font's "metrics" are made available as public specifications and are available without royalties. A font's metrics provide a complete mathematical description of the font's characteristics, which allows vendors of output devices to render the font exactly as it appears on the screen. Public availability of TrueType font specifications will make it easier and less expensive for vendors to support TrueType fonts on their products. Improved Application Integration Windows environment version 3.1 provides the most sophisticated platform yet for application integration, making it easier for users to exchange data between documents and for programmers to build these capabilities into Windows applications. Application integration is supported by the following features in version 3.1: Object Linking and Embedding An important technology for the 1990s, Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) creates an environment in which applications can share information seamlessly. With OLE, all data can be thought of as being a type of "object." A spreadsheet chart, an illustration, a table, and even a paragraph of text are all examples of objects. OLE provides the capability for applications to share these objects easily. Windows environment version 3.1 supports OLE by providing standard libraries, interfaces and protocols that applications will use to exchange data objects. As Windows developers begin implementing OLE capabilities within their programs, users will see a new generation of applications that work together cooperatively. OLE capabilities have already been implemented within new versions of the Windows Write, Paint, and Cardfile accessories, all of which are provided with the Windows version 3.1 product. A user can, for example, create an illustration using the Paint program and "embed" the graphic in a Write document. If the illustration must be updated, the user can click on its icon within the Write document, which automatically launches Paint to allow editing of the drawing. Since the original graphics file is "linked" to the image embedded in the document, any change made to one will automatically update the other. This eliminates the need to modify multiple copies of the image or modify the original image and re-import it into the document. Better Support for Dynamic Data Exchange In the Windows environment, the standard way of sharing data between applications is through a mechanism known as dynamic data exchange (DDE). Object Linking and Embedding (as well as other forms of data exchange) use DDE as their primary means of data exchange. Windows environment version 3.1 provides developers with a new Dynamic Data Exchange Manager Library (DDEML) that offers a higher-level programming model and makes it easier for developers to implement DDE capabilities in a Windows application. Better Support for DOS Applications A number of changes improve support for existing DOS* applications within the Windows environment. In particular, DOS application performance is enhanced when using Windows version 3.1 in conjunction with MS-DOS version 5, since MS-DOS 5 makes significantly more memory available to DOS applications. In addition, Windows version 3.1 now supports DOS applications in VGA graphics mode in a window or running in the background. Also, Windows version 3.1 will include more pre-written Program Information Files (PIF files "tell" Windows how to run specific DOS applications) for even greater DOS application support. Finally, disk-paging will allow users to run more DOS applications than they can under Windows version 3.0. Extensions for New Computing Platforms Windows version 3.1 will allow users to exploit significant new computing platforms such as pen-based computers and multimedia PCs. Windows for Pen Computing Building on the Windows graphical user interface and coupled with advances in symbol recognition, pens will be the foundation for highly intuitive and "personal" user interfaces. To exploit the potential of pen computing, Microsoft has developed a series of extensions to Windows that include: enhancements to the user interface to allow for pen input; a pen message interpreter allowing existing Windows (and DOS) applications to use the pen; and a modular open handwriting recognition engine. More than 30 hardware vendors will ship Microsoft Windows version 3.1 with extensions for pen- based computing with their systems, starting in early 1992. Multimedia Windows version 3.1 will work seamlessly with the Microsoft extensions for multimedia computing. These extensions allow users to include new objects such as audio, animation and full-motion video and embed them in existing applications. These features will also enable a whole new class of multimedia documents, such as encyclopedias enhanced with video and audio clips, or catalogs that display animated illustrations. Personal computers integrating Windows and the multimedia extensions to Windows will begin shipping this fall. Windows' extensible architecture makes it possible for multimedia computing to span low-cost systems for home and education and sophisticated multimedia authoring platforms for the high end of the market. An important enabling technology for multimedia computing is the OLE protocol described above. With OLE plus the Windows multimedia extensions, a user can embed a multimedia "object" such as a video or audio clip into an existing Windows application, just as he or she would a chart or text file. Laptop Support Many vendors of today's popular 286 and 386(TM)-based laptop computers ship Windows version 3.0. Users of laptops will appreciate a feature in Windows version 3.1 called "mouse blur," which makes it easier to find the cursor on a laptop display. In addition, Windows version 3.1 supports the Advanced Power Management specification, which allows Windows to interact with native power management of a laptop PC for longer battery life. With version 3.1, vendors of laptops and other small form-factor computers will have the option of licensing a special version of Windows in ROM. This version of Windows 3.1 will be burned in to a ROM chip and will execute directly from ROM rather than from a hard disk. A ROM version of Windows opens the doors to other types of computing as well, including the emerging category of palm-top computers. Beta Testing and Developer Support Windows environment version 3.1 is currently in beta testing. The beta program will be one of the largest Microsoft has ever conducted, eventually involving as many as 10,000 participants. Additionally, Microsoft is conducting technical seminars for Windows developers to discuss the details of the new APIs in Windows version 3.1. A new Software Development Kit (SDK) and Driver Development Kit (DDK) will allow developers to more effectively implement the API features. Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility Program currently includes 350 testers and Microsoft is actively recruiting additional participants to ensure the tightest possible compatibility of Windows with the vast array of hardware and peripherals on the market today. Developer enthusiasm for Windows version 3.1 is high. Nearly 2,000 Windows developers attended a recent Seattle conference on Windows version 3.1. In addition, a June 1991 survey of the top 70 PC independent software vendors (ISVs) found that 100 percent are planning to test for and take advantage of Windows version 3.1. Conclusion Windows version 3.1 is an important next step in Microsoft's core Windows strategy, an evolutionary strategy that spans 286 laptops to high-end workstations or servers. Today, Windows runs on MS-DOS, the operating system that spawned the PC industry and is currently in use by tens of millions of people. Today's Windows runs the thousands of existing MS-DOS and Windows-based applications. Extended versions of Windows -- for example, for multimedia or pen -- allow users to run all of these applications as well, plus unique new applications developed with pen or multimedia in mind. Microsoft will ship a high-end version of Windows called Windows NT (for "new technology") in 1992. Windows NT will run the same DOS-based and Windows-based applications as Windows 3.1., while also supporting advanced security, multithreading, multiprocessor systems, and RISC chips that promise even higher performance. Microsoft's vision of computing in the 1990s and beyond is that computers will empower individuals and organizations. With its scalable implementations, the investment of Microsoft and the commitment of third parties, Windows will be the foundation for realizing this vision. ######### Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks and TrueType is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Arial and Times New Roman are registered trademarks of Monotype Corporation PLC. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc. Helvetica is a registered trademark of Linotype AG and/or its subsidiaries. 386 is a trademark of Intel Corporation. (C) 1991 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This backgrounder is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties express or implied, in this summary. * As used herein, "DOS" refers to MS-DOS and PC-DOS operating systems.