Jump to content

Windows 2.1: Difference between revisions

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m American English
m Cleaned up 2 ISBNs using toolforge:anticompositetools/hyphenator #hyphenator
(37 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{good article}}
{{good article}}
{{use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox OS
{{Infobox OS
| version of = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| version of = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| name = Windows 2.1x
| name = Windows 2.1
| logo = Windows logo and wordmark - (1985-1989).svg
| logo = Windows logo and wordmark - (1985-1989).svg
| logo_alt = Logo of Microsoft Windows 2.1x versions
| logo_alt = Logo of Microsoft Windows 2.1x versions
Line 18: Line 18:
| latest release date = {{start date and age|1989|03|13|mf=yes}}
| latest release date = {{start date and age|1989|03|13|mf=yes}}
| latest release version = 2.11
| latest release version = 2.11
| latest release url = {{cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/32905/windows-version-history|title=Windows Version History|website=Support|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|date=July 19, 2005}}
| license = [[Commercial software]]
| license = [[Commercial software]]
| preceded by = [[Windows 2.0x]] (1987)
| preceded by = [[Windows 2.0]] (1987)
| succeeded by = [[Windows 3.0]] (1990)
| succeeded by = [[Windows 3.0]] (1990)
| support_status = Unsupported as of December 31, 2001
| support_status = Unsupported as of December 31, 2001
}}
}}


'''Windows 2.1''' is a major release of [[Microsoft Windows]]. It was [[Released-to-manufacturing|released to manufacturing]] on May 27, 1988, as a successor to [[Windows 2.0x|Windows 2.0]].
'''Windows 2.1''' is a major release of [[Microsoft Windows]]. It was [[released to manufacturing]] on May 27, 1988, as a successor to [[Windows 2.0]].


It was released with two different variants with differing [[CPU]] compatibility, also known as '''Windows/286''' and '''Windows/386''', so the versions are considered to be similar to its predecessor. In comparison, the Windows/386 variant is considered to be better than the 286 one, since it provides support for [[Expanded memory|EMS emulation]] and is designed to use both conventional and extended memory. Changes to the [[user interface]] did not occur in this version, and rather, its performance was increased and enhanced memory management was added. The version is also noted to be the first one to require a [[hard disk drive]]. A minor update version, Windows 2.11, was released in March 1989.
It was released with two different variants with differing [[CPU]] compatibility, also known as '''Windows/286''' and '''Windows/386''', so the versions are considered to be similar to its predecessor. In comparison, the Windows/386 variant is considered to be better than Windows/286, since it provides support for [[Expanded memory|EMS emulation]] and is designed to use both conventional and extended memory. Changes to the [[user interface]] did not occur in this version, and rather, its performance was increased and enhanced memory management was added. The version is also noted to be the first one to require a [[hard disk drive]]. A minor update version, Windows 2.11, was released in March 1989.


Enhancements that were introduced were considered to have improved the [[operating environment]], while the Windows/386 variant was noted to have a good level of functionality. It was considered to be one of the most popular 80386-based systems. The sales of Microsoft Windows continued to go up after its release, and in May 1990, it was succeeded by [[Windows 3.0]], which is considered to be the first Windows version to perform well both critically and commercially. Microsoft ended its support on December 31, 2001.
Enhancements that were introduced were considered to have improved the [[operating environment]], while the Windows/386 variant was noted to have a good level of functionality. It was considered to be one of the most popular [[i386|80386]]-based systems. The sales of Microsoft Windows continued to go up after its release, and in May 1990, it was succeeded by [[Windows 3.0]], which is considered to be the first Windows version to perform well both critically and commercially. Microsoft ended its support on December 31, 2001.


==Release versions==
==Release versions==


=== Windows 2.1 ===
=== Windows 2.1 ===
Like its predecessor, [[Windows 2.0x|Windows 2.0]], the [[operating environment]] was released with two different variants with differing [[CPU]] compatibility. However, the cosmetic naming convention was changed to "Windows/286" and "Windows/386".<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |issue=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released on May 27, 1988, and it was the first version of Windows to require a [[hard disk drive]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Purcaru |first=Bogdan Ion |title=Games vs. Hardware. The History of PC video games: The 80's |year=2014 |pages=415}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sexton |first=Michael Justin Allen |date=November 12, 2016 |title=History of Microsoft Windows |work=Tom's Hardware |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/739-history-of-microsoft-windows.html |access-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922142904/https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/739-history-of-microsoft-windows.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Like its predecessor, [[Windows 2.0]], the [[operating environment]] was released with two different variants with differing [[CPU]] compatibility. However, the cosmetic naming convention was changed to "Windows/286" and "Windows/386".<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |issue=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released on May 27, 1988, and it was the first version of Windows to require a [[hard disk drive]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Purcaru |first=Bogdan Ion |title=Games vs. Hardware. The History of PC video games: The 80's |year=2014 |pages=415}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sexton |first=Michael Justin Allen |date=November 12, 2016 |title=History of Microsoft Windows |work=Tom's Hardware |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/739-history-of-microsoft-windows.html |access-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922142904/https://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/739-history-of-microsoft-windows.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Despite its name, Windows/286 was fully operational on an [[8088]] or [[8086]] processor, although, it would not use the [[high memory area]] since it did not exist on an 8086 processor.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |issue=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live |access-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |issn=0888-8507}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Patton |first1=Carole |last2=Mace |first2=Scott |date=July 4, 1988 |title=Windows Gets More Memory With Upgrade |volume=10 |pages=1 |work=Info World |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922142905/https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a rehash of its predecessor, Windows 2.03. The variant uses additional 64KB of the extended 286 KB memory in [[real mode]]. To access the additional memory, [[HIMEM.SYS]] is needed.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live }}</ref> A few PC vendors shipped Windows/286 with Intel 8086 hardware; one such example was [[IBM]]'s [[IBM PS/2 Model 25|PS/2 Model 25]], which included Windows/286, resulting in some customer confusion.<ref>{{Cite book |title=IBM Personal System 2 and IBM Personal Computer Product Reference |publisher=IBM |year=1988 |series=4 |location=New York |pages=78}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Michael |date=August 17, 1987 |title=First Look |volume=9 |pages=44 |work=Info World |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2jsEAAAAMBAJ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408145524/https://books.google.com/books?id=2jsEAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Despite its name, Windows/286 did not require a [[Intel 80286|80286]] processor and was fully operational on an [[Intel 8088|8088]] or [[Intel 8086|8086]] processor, although it would not use the [[high memory area]] since it did not exist on an 8086 processor.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |issue=16 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live |access-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |issn=0888-8507}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Patton |first1=Carole |last2=Mace |first2=Scott |date=July 4, 1988 |title=Windows Gets More Memory With Upgrade |volume=10 |pages=1 |work=Info World |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922142905/https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a rehash of its predecessor, Windows 2.03. The variant uses additional 64KB of the extended 286 KB memory in [[real mode]]. To access the additional memory, [[HIMEM.SYS]] is needed.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=September 27, 1988 |title=High-Impact Graphics |volume=7 |pages=38 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112502/https://books.google.com/books?id=UenCawr7OowC |url-status=live }}</ref> A few PC vendors shipped Windows/286 with Intel 8086 hardware; one such example was [[IBM]]'s [[IBM PS/2 Model 25|PS/2 Model 25]], which included Windows/286, resulting in some customer confusion.<ref>{{Cite book |title=IBM Personal System 2 and IBM Personal Computer Product Reference |publisher=IBM |year=1988 |series=4 |location=New York |pages=78}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Michael |date=August 17, 1987 |title=First Look |volume=9 |pages=44 |work=Info World |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2jsEAAAAMBAJ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408145524/https://books.google.com/books?id=2jsEAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The other variant, Windows/386, is more advanced since it had introduced a [[protected mode]] kernel, and it allows several [[MS-DOS]] programs to run in a parallel in "virtual 8086" CPU mode, rather than suspending background applications.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1989 |title=Graphical: The Better Interface |volume=8 |pages=115 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hEaMhncO06EC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=hEaMhncO06EC |url-status=live }}</ref> It has also provided support for [[Expanded memory|EMS emulation]], to make the [[RAM]] beyond the 640 KB limit.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1990 |title=PC labs tests 24 VGA monitors |volume=9 |pages=240 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GNYH0lLwKgAC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=GNYH0lLwKgAC |url-status=live }}</ref> It has spruced-up rendering of the 80386 version, and its setup program is considered to be better than the Windows/286 one.<ref name=":1" /> Windows/386 is designed to use both conventional and extended memory, although it ignores expanded memory.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1989 |title=The Software Side of the 386 Equation: PC Labs Test Five 386-based Multitasking Solutions |volume=8 |pages=121–131 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9wwQdu9dei0C |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116232519/https://books.google.com/books?id=9wwQdu9dei0C |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|page=121}} The facilities for converting extended memory into expanded memory are built into Windows/386, although, any EMS that is separately controlled would not be available on Windows/386.<ref name=":3" />{{rp|page=329}} To customize Windows/386, users would have to manually change the [[CONFIG.SYS]] file.<ref name=":3" />{{rp|page=336}} Microsoft ended its support for Windows 2.1 on December 31, 2001.<ref name="obsolete-prod">{{cite web |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Obsolete Products |url=http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeobsoleteproducts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814234847/http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeobsoleteproducts |archive-date=August 14, 2005 |work=Support |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Cowart |first=Robert |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/56647752 |title=Special edition using Microsoft Windows XP home |date=2005 |publisher=Que |others=Brian Knittel |isbn=0-7897-3279-3 |edition=3 |location=Indianapolis, Ind. |pages=92 |oclc=56647752 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604163856/https://www.worldcat.org/title/special-edition-using-microsoft-windows-xp-home/oclc/56647752 |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The other variant, Windows/386, is more advanced since it had introduced a [[protected mode]] kernel, and it allows several [[MS-DOS]] programs to run in a parallel in the [[virtual 8086 mode]] of the [[i386|80386]] processor, rather than suspending background applications.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1989 |title=Graphical: The Better Interface |volume=8 |pages=115 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hEaMhncO06EC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=hEaMhncO06EC |url-status=live }}</ref> It has also provided support for [[Expanded memory|EMS emulation]], to make the [[RAM]] beyond the 640 KB limit.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1990 |title=PC labs tests 24 VGA monitors |volume=9 |pages=240 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GNYH0lLwKgAC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=GNYH0lLwKgAC |url-status=live }}</ref> It has spruced-up rendering of the 80386 version, and its setup program is considered to be better than the Windows/286 one.<ref name=":1" /> Windows/386 is designed to use both conventional and extended memory, although it ignores expanded memory.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1989 |title=The Software Side of the 386 Equation: PC Labs Test Five 386-based Multitasking Solutions |volume=8 |pages=121–131 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9wwQdu9dei0C |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116232519/https://books.google.com/books?id=9wwQdu9dei0C |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|page=121}} The facilities for converting extended memory into expanded memory are built into Windows/386, although, any EMS that is separately controlled would not be available on Windows/386.<ref name=":3" />{{rp|page=329}} To customize Windows/386, users would have to manually change the [[CONFIG.SYS]] file.<ref name=":3" />{{rp|page=336}} Microsoft ended its support for Windows 2.1 on December 31, 2001.<ref name="obsolete-prod">{{cite web |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Obsolete Products |url=http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeobsoleteproducts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050814234847/http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeobsoleteproducts |archive-date=August 14, 2005 |work=Support |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Cowart |first=Robert |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/56647752 |title=Special edition using Microsoft Windows XP home |date=2005 |publisher=Que |others=Brian Knittel |isbn=978-0-7897-3279-8 |edition=3 |location=Indianapolis, Ind. |pages=92 |oclc=56647752 |access-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604163856/https://www.worldcat.org/title/special-edition-using-microsoft-windows-xp-home/oclc/56647752 |archive-date=June 4, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A Korean version of Windows 2.1 was published by Microsoft in May 1990.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=주요 한글 제품 발표 |trans-title=Major Korean Product Announcements |url=http://www.microsoft.com/korea/info/product/default.htm |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=Microsoft |language=Korean |archive-date=May 8, 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990508211652/http://www.microsoft.com/korea/info/product/default.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=한글 윈도우 2.1의 존재 |trans-title=The existence of Korean Windows 2.1 |url=https://virtualwindows.tistory.com/327 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419005732/https://virtualwindows.tistory.com/327 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |access-date=August 24, 2024 |website=Virtual Windows |language=ko}}</ref> It was re-released in September 1990 as Windows 2.12.<ref name=":0" />


=== Windows 2.11 ===
=== Windows 2.11 ===
Line 44: Line 45:


== Features ==
== Features ==
Changes to the [[user interface]] did not occur in this version, and instead, Microsoft had increased its performance and added enhanced memory management.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1988 |title=High-end Windows going corporate with graphics, multitasking abilities |pages=4 |work=Computerworld |publisher=IDG Enterprise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ks9KBZrRragC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0010-4841 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=ks9KBZrRragC |url-status=live }}</ref> The Windows/286 variant introduced [[LIM 4.0]] boards to store and swap executable code. Both variants had also introduced support towards more devices, while its printer support has been improved.<ref name=":1" /> Windows/386 allows sharing a single printer to multiple windows. Microsoft has also introduced a disk-caching program, [[SmartDrive]],<ref name=":4" />{{rp|page=124}} while third-party developers had introduced more apps to Windows 2.1 and 2.11.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Stephen R. |date=October 25, 1993 |title=FileMaker Pro eases interface |volume=15 |pages=108 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FDsEAAAAMBAJ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112953/https://books.google.com/books?id=FDsEAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1995 |title=Small-Office Software: The Essentials |volume=14 |pages=120 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112953/https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C |url-status=live }}</ref>
Changes to the [[user interface]] did not occur in this version; instead, Microsoft had increased its performance and added enhanced memory management.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 20, 1988 |title=High-end Windows going corporate with graphics, multitasking abilities |pages=4 |work=Computerworld |publisher=IDG Enterprise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ks9KBZrRragC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0010-4841 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112952/https://books.google.com/books?id=ks9KBZrRragC |url-status=live }}</ref> The Windows/286 variant introduced [[LIM 4.0]] boards to store and swap executable code. Both variants had also introduced support towards more devices, while its printer support has been improved.<ref name=":1" /> Windows/386 allows sharing a single printer to multiple windows. Microsoft has also introduced a disk-caching program, [[SmartDrive]],<ref name=":4" />{{rp|page=124}} while third-party developers had introduced more apps to Windows 2.1 and 2.11.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Stephen R. |date=October 25, 1993 |title=FileMaker Pro eases interface |volume=15 |pages=108 |work=InfoWorld |publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FDsEAAAAMBAJ |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112953/https://books.google.com/books?id=FDsEAAAAMBAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1995 |title=Small-Office Software: The Essentials |volume=14 |pages=120 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112953/https://books.google.com/books?id=zzURbSGI6q4C |url-status=live }}</ref>


== System requirements ==
== System requirements ==
Line 54: Line 55:
|-
|-
!CPU
!CPU
|[[80286]] processor
|[[Intel 8088|8088]] processor ([[Intel 80286|80286]] recommended)
|[[80386]] processor
|[[i386|80386]] processor
|-
|-
!RAM
!RAM
Line 66: Line 67:
|-
|-
!Video
!Video
| colspan="2" |EGA or VGA adapters
| colspan="2" |EGA or VGA adapters (Work with CGA)
|-
|-
!OS
!OS
Line 80: Line 81:
The enhancements that were introduced in Windows 2.1 are considered to have had improved the operating environment.<ref name=":1" /> The Windows/386 variant has good level of functionality, and it lets applications run in full- or partial-screen windows, while the operating environment also slows down when running graphic-based applications. ''[[InfoWorld]]'' rated Windows/386 an excellent value.<ref name=":2" /> Alongside [[DESQview|DESQview 386]], they were considered to be the most popular 386 environments by 1989, although DESQview 386 is considered to be more flexible than Windows/386.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=May 30, 1989 |title=PC Labs Tests Every 80386 |volume=8 |pages=329–341 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HpsOD9ZeqScC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112954/https://books.google.com/books?id=HpsOD9ZeqScC |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|page=|pages=329–336}} Compared to other 80386-based systems, Windows/386 requires less DOS memory.<ref name=":5" />{{rp|page=33}}
The enhancements that were introduced in Windows 2.1 are considered to have had improved the operating environment.<ref name=":1" /> The Windows/386 variant has good level of functionality, and it lets applications run in full- or partial-screen windows, while the operating environment also slows down when running graphic-based applications. ''[[InfoWorld]]'' rated Windows/386 an excellent value.<ref name=":2" /> Alongside [[DESQview|DESQview 386]], they were considered to be the most popular 386 environments by 1989, although DESQview 386 is considered to be more flexible than Windows/386.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=May 30, 1989 |title=PC Labs Tests Every 80386 |volume=8 |pages=329–341 |work=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HpsOD9ZeqScC |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0888-8507 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702112954/https://books.google.com/books?id=HpsOD9ZeqScC |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|page=|pages=329–336}} Compared to other 80386-based systems, Windows/386 requires less DOS memory.<ref name=":5" />{{rp|page=33}}


The price tag for Windows/286 sat at {{US$|long=no|99}}, while the Windows/386 variant cost {{US$|long=no|195}}.<ref name=":1" /> By January 1990, the sales of Microsoft Windows had reached less than two million.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCracken |first=Harry |date=2013-05-07 |title=A Brief History of Windows Sales Figures, 1985-Present |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://techland.time.com/2013/05/07/a-brief-history-of-windows-sales-figures-1985-present/#:~:text=Windows%20sales%20in%201988%20(Windows,less%20than%202%20million%20(InfoWorld) |access-date=2022-04-18 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418124401/https://techland.time.com/2013/05/07/a-brief-history-of-windows-sales-figures-1985-present/#:~:text=Windows%20sales%20in%201988%20(Windows,less%20than%202%20million%20(InfoWorld) |url-status=live }}</ref> It was succeeded by [[Windows 3.0]] released in 1990, and after that, [[Windows 3.1x|Windows 3.1]] in 1992, and is considered to be the first version of Microsoft Windows to perform well both critically and commercially.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Making of Microsoft: How Bill Gates and His Team Created the World's Most Successful Software Company |date=1991 |publisher=[[Prima Publishing]] |isbn=1-55958-071-2 |page=239 |chapter=Vision for the Future |access-date=January 14, 2020 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/makingofmicrosof00ichb/}}</ref><ref name="CW1990">{{cite news |date=July 30, 1990 |title=Windows 3.0 ends the wait |volume=24 |page=33 |work=[[Computerworld]] |issue=31 |url=https://archive.org/details/computerworld2431unse |access-date=December 25, 2019}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG1990">{{cite news |last=Venditto |first=Gus |date=July 1990 |title=Windows 3.0 Brings Icons, Multitasking, and Ends DOS's 640K Program Limit |volume=9 |pages=33–35 |work=[[PC Magazine]] |issue=13 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ofXGcGVTvoEC |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225224431/https://books.google.com/books?id=ofXGcGVTvoEC |url-status=live }}</ref>
The price tag for Windows/286 sat at {{US$|long=no|99}}, while the Windows/386 variant cost {{US$|long=no|195}}.<ref name=":1" /> By January 1990, the sales of Microsoft Windows had reached less than two million.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McCracken |first=Harry |date=May 7, 2013 |title=A Brief History of Windows Sales Figures, 1985-Present |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://techland.time.com/2013/05/07/a-brief-history-of-windows-sales-figures-1985-present/#:~:text=Windows%20sales%20in%201988%20(Windows,less%20than%202%20million%20(InfoWorld) |access-date=April 18, 2022 |issn=0040-781X |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418124401/https://techland.time.com/2013/05/07/a-brief-history-of-windows-sales-figures-1985-present/#:~:text=Windows%20sales%20in%201988%20(Windows,less%20than%202%20million%20(InfoWorld) |url-status=live }}</ref> It was succeeded by [[Windows 3.0]] released in 1990, and after that, [[Windows 3.1x|Windows 3.1]] in 1992. Windows 2.1 is considered to be the first version of Microsoft Windows to perform well both critically and commercially.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Making of Microsoft: How Bill Gates and His Team Created the World's Most Successful Software Company |date=1991 |publisher=[[Prima Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-55958-071-7 |page=239 |chapter=Vision for the Future |access-date=January 14, 2020 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/makingofmicrosof00ichb/}}</ref><ref name="CW1990">{{cite news |date=July 30, 1990 |title=Windows 3.0 ends the wait |volume=24 |page=33 |work=[[Computerworld]] |issue=31 |url=https://archive.org/details/computerworld2431unse |access-date=December 25, 2019}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG1990">{{cite news |last=Venditto |first=Gus |date=July 1990 |title=Windows 3.0 Brings Icons, Multitasking, and Ends DOS's 640K Program Limit |volume=9 |pages=33–35 |work=[[PC Magazine]] |issue=13 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ofXGcGVTvoEC |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225224431/https://books.google.com/books?id=ofXGcGVTvoEC |url-status=live }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 91: Line 92:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/32905 Microsoft Windows Version History]
* [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/32905 Microsoft Windows Version History]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noEHHB6rnMI YouTube upload of Windows/386 promotion video]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noEHHB6rnMI YouTube upload of Windows/386 promotion video]


{{Microsoft Windows family}}
{{Microsoft Windows family}}
Line 97: Line 98:
[[Category:1988 software]]
[[Category:1988 software]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2001]]
[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2001]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows|2.1x]]
[[Category:Microsoft Windows|2.1]]
[[Category:History of Microsoft]]
[[Category:History of Microsoft]]
[[Category:History of software]]
[[Category:History of software]]

Revision as of 14:43, 31 August 2024

Windows 2.1
Version of the Microsoft Windows operating system
Logo of Microsoft Windows 2.1x versions
Screenshot of Microsoft Windows 2.1
DeveloperMicrosoft
OS familyMicrosoft Windows
Source modelClosed source
Released to
manufacturing		May 27, 1988; 36 years ago (1988-05-27)
Latest release2.11 / March 13, 1989; 35 years ago (1989-03-13)
LicenseCommercial software
Preceded byWindows 2.0 (1987)
Succeeded byWindows 3.0 (1990)
Support status
Unsupported as of December 31, 2001

Windows 2.1 is a major release of Microsoft Windows. It was released to manufacturing on May 27, 1988, as a successor to Windows 2.0.

It was released with two different variants with differing CPU compatibility, also known as Windows/286 and Windows/386, so the versions are considered to be similar to its predecessor. In comparison, the Windows/386 variant is considered to be better than Windows/286, since it provides support for EMS emulation and is designed to use both conventional and extended memory. Changes to the user interface did not occur in this version, and rather, its performance was increased and enhanced memory management was added. The version is also noted to be the first one to require a hard disk drive. A minor update version, Windows 2.11, was released in March 1989.

Enhancements that were introduced were considered to have improved the operating environment, while the Windows/386 variant was noted to have a good level of functionality. It was considered to be one of the most popular 80386-based systems. The sales of Microsoft Windows continued to go up after its release, and in May 1990, it was succeeded by Windows 3.0, which is considered to be the first Windows version to perform well both critically and commercially. Microsoft ended its support on December 31, 2001.

Release versions

Windows 2.1

Like its predecessor, Windows 2.0, the operating environment was released with two different variants with differing CPU compatibility. However, the cosmetic naming convention was changed to "Windows/286" and "Windows/386".[1] It was released on May 27, 1988, and it was the first version of Windows to require a hard disk drive.[2][3]

Despite its name, Windows/286 did not require a 80286 processor and was fully operational on an 8088 or 8086 processor, although it would not use the high memory area since it did not exist on an 8086 processor.[4][5] It is a rehash of its predecessor, Windows 2.03. The variant uses additional 64KB of the extended 286 KB memory in real mode. To access the additional memory, HIMEM.SYS is needed.[6] A few PC vendors shipped Windows/286 with Intel 8086 hardware; one such example was IBM's PS/2 Model 25, which included Windows/286, resulting in some customer confusion.[7][8]

The other variant, Windows/386, is more advanced since it had introduced a protected mode kernel, and it allows several MS-DOS programs to run in a parallel in the virtual 8086 mode of the 80386 processor, rather than suspending background applications.[9] It has also provided support for EMS emulation, to make the RAM beyond the 640 KB limit.[10] It has spruced-up rendering of the 80386 version, and its setup program is considered to be better than the Windows/286 one.[6] Windows/386 is designed to use both conventional and extended memory, although it ignores expanded memory.[11]: 121  The facilities for converting extended memory into expanded memory are built into Windows/386, although, any EMS that is separately controlled would not be available on Windows/386.[12]: 329  To customize Windows/386, users would have to manually change the CONFIG.SYS file.[12]: 336  Microsoft ended its support for Windows 2.1 on December 31, 2001.[13][14]

A Korean version of Windows 2.1 was published by Microsoft in May 1990.[15][16] It was re-released in September 1990 as Windows 2.12.[15]

Windows 2.11

Windows 2.11 was released on March 13, 1989.[17] As the successor of Windows 2.1, it was also released in Windows/286 and Windows/386 editions, with some minor changes in memory management and updates regarding printing options.[18][19] It was noted that costs for organizations that ran Windows 2.11 were lower.[20]

Eigenschaften

Changes to the user interface did not occur in this version; instead, Microsoft had increased its performance and added enhanced memory management.[21] The Windows/286 variant introduced LIM 4.0 boards to store and swap executable code. Both variants had also introduced support towards more devices, while its printer support has been improved.[6] Windows/386 allows sharing a single printer to multiple windows. Microsoft has also introduced a disk-caching program, SmartDrive,[11]: 124  while third-party developers had introduced more apps to Windows 2.1 and 2.11.[22][23]

System requirements

The official system requirements for Windows 2.1 include the following:

Windows/286[6] Windows/386[6][11]: 124 [24][25]: 34 
CPU 8088 processor (80286 recommended) 80386 processor
RAM 512 KB of memory 1 MB of memory
Storage A hard disk 2 MB of hard disk space
Video EGA or VGA adapters (Work with CGA)
OS MS-DOS 3.0 or higher MS-DOS 3.1 or higher
Mouse A Microsoft-compatible pointing device is recommended, but not required

Windows 2.1 is shipped with 1.2 MB 5¼-inch or 720K 3½-inch floppy disks.[6] The Windows/386 variant also comes with user's guides, a quick-reference card and a manual that explains the features of the 386 variant.[24]

Reception

The enhancements that were introduced in Windows 2.1 are considered to have had improved the operating environment.[6] The Windows/386 variant has good level of functionality, and it lets applications run in full- or partial-screen windows, while the operating environment also slows down when running graphic-based applications. InfoWorld rated Windows/386 an excellent value.[24] Alongside DESQview 386, they were considered to be the most popular 386 environments by 1989, although DESQview 386 is considered to be more flexible than Windows/386.[12]: 329–336  Compared to other 80386-based systems, Windows/386 requires less DOS memory.[25]: 33 

The price tag for Windows/286 sat at $99, while the Windows/386 variant cost $195.[6] By January 1990, the sales of Microsoft Windows had reached less than two million.[26] It was succeeded by Windows 3.0 released in 1990, and after that, Windows 3.1 in 1992. Windows 2.1 is considered to be the first version of Microsoft Windows to perform well both critically and commercially.[27][28][29]

See also

References

  1. ^ "High-Impact Graphics". PC Magazine. Vol. 7, no. 16. Ziff Davis, Inc. September 27, 1988. p. 38. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  2. ^ Purcaru, Bogdan Ion (2014). Games vs. Hardware. The History of PC video games: The 80's. p. 415.
  3. ^ Sexton, Michael Justin Allen (November 12, 2016). "History of Microsoft Windows". Tom's Hardware. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "High-Impact Graphics". PC Magazine. Vol. 7, no. 16. Ziff Davis, Inc. September 27, 1988. p. 38. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  5. ^ Patton, Carole; Mace, Scott (July 4, 1988). "Windows Gets More Memory With Upgrade". Info World. Vol. 10. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 1. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "High-Impact Graphics". PC Magazine. Vol. 7. Ziff Davis, Inc. September 27, 1988. p. 38. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  7. ^ IBM Personal System 2 and IBM Personal Computer Product Reference. 4. New York: IBM. 1988. p. 78.
  8. ^ Miller, Michael (August 17, 1987). "First Look". Info World. Vol. 9. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 44. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  9. ^ "Graphical: The Better Interface". PC Magazine. Vol. 8. Ziff Davis, Inc. September 12, 1989. p. 115. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  10. ^ "PC labs tests 24 VGA monitors". PC Magazine. Vol. 9. Ziff Davis, Inc. May 15, 1990. p. 240. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c "The Software Side of the 386 Equation: PC Labs Test Five 386-based Multitasking Solutions". PC Magazine. Vol. 8. Ziff Davis, Inc. February 28, 1989. pp. 121–131. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c "PC Labs Tests Every 80386". PC Magazine. Vol. 8. Ziff Davis, Inc. May 30, 1989. pp. 329–341. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  13. ^ "Obsolete Products". Support. Microsoft. July 25, 2011. Archived from the original on August 14, 2005.
  14. ^ Cowart, Robert (2005). Special edition using Microsoft Windows XP home. Brian Knittel (3 ed.). Indianapolis, Ind.: Que. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-7897-3279-8. OCLC 56647752. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  15. ^ a b "주요 한글 제품 발표" [Major Korean Product Announcements]. Microsoft (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 8, 1999. Retrieved May 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  16. ^ "한글 윈도우 2.1의 존재" [The existence of Korean Windows 2.1]. Virtual Windows (in Korean). January 1, 2022. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Schreuder, Duco A. (2014). Vision and visual perception: the conscious base of seeing. Bloomington, IN: Archway Publishing. p. 428. ISBN 978-1-4808-1294-9. OCLC 898160678. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  18. ^ Timacheff, Serge; Miller, Michael (June 4, 1990). "Microsoft Windows 3.0: The Graphics Interface Grows up". Info World. Vol. 12. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 113. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Brownstein, Mark (May 28, 1990). "Windows Drivers For Printers". Info World. Vol. 12. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 33. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on August 14, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  20. ^ Johnson, Stuart (September 17, 1990). "Hidden Windows Costs Worthwhile". InfoWorld. Vol. 12. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 13. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  21. ^ "High-end Windows going corporate with graphics, multitasking abilities". Computerworld. IDG Enterprise. June 20, 1988. p. 4. ISSN 0010-4841. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  22. ^ Quinn, Stephen R. (October 25, 1993). "FileMaker Pro eases interface". InfoWorld. Vol. 15. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. p. 108. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  23. ^ "Small-Office Software: The Essentials". PC Magazine. Vol. 14. Ziff Davis, Inc. June 13, 1995. p. 120. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  24. ^ a b c "Other Multitasking, Multiuser Environments Capable of Running MS-DOS Applications". InfoWorld. Vol. 11. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. February 13, 1989. p. 58. ISSN 0199-6649. Archived from the original on June 5, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  25. ^ a b Rosch, Winn (December 22, 1987). "Windows/386 Juggles DOS Tasks in Every Bit of RAM". PC Magazine. Vol. 6. Ziff Davis, Inc. pp. 33–34. ISSN 0888-8507. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  26. ^ McCracken, Harry (May 7, 2013). "A Brief History of Windows Sales Figures, 1985-Present". Time. ISSN 0040-781X. Archived from the original on April 18, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2022.
  27. ^ "Vision for the Future". The Making of Microsoft: How Bill Gates and His Team Created the World's Most Successful Software Company. Prima Publishing. 1991. p. 239. ISBN 978-1-55958-071-7. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  28. ^ "Windows 3.0 ends the wait". Computerworld. Vol. 24, no. 31. July 30, 1990. p. 33. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  29. ^ Venditto, Gus (July 1990). "Windows 3.0 Brings Icons, Multitasking, and Ends DOS's 640K Program Limit". PC Magazine. Vol. 9, no. 13. pp. 33–35. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Windows_2.1&oldid=1243271075"