Windows NT: It’s Not Just for Business Anymore
Microsoft Windows has long since bested Apple and other rivals in the personal computer operating system wars, but PC users are now beginning to face a new choice for the basic software that makes their machines run: Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0.
Windows NT (for “new technology”) is Windows 95 with additional system stability, scalability and security features not found in Windows 95.
Microsoft initially developed Windows 95 for mass-market consumer use and simultaneously positioned Windows NT--which actually has very different technology at its core--for the business environment. This division made a lot of sense when RAM and hard-drive prices were about twice what they are today; Windows NT requires far more of those resources, and most consumer PCs couldn’t handle it.
Today, though, even middle-of-the-road PCs can easily run Windows NT. And a new version of the operating system due out sometime next year will have a number of new features that make it more interesting to individual PC users.
For now, Windows 95 comes preloaded on new consumer PCs, and you’re likely to find Windows NT standard on higher-end Pentiums and business PCs. The two operating systems have the same look and feel, beginning with the start button. But they have very different capabilities, and PC users should consider their individual needs carefully in deciding which to use.
Unlike Windows 95, Windows NT comes in two flavors: Server and Workstation. Windows NT Server contains additional tools that allow it to “serve” up information to other workstations on a network. The Workstation name is misleading: It can work as a server or for individual PC use.
Windows NT is a secure system and allows users and administrators complete control of system files and resources. Almost anything associated with a Windows NT machine can be locked or restricted in some way. The security in Windows 95 is laughable.
Power users love Windows NT. You can have multiple processors in an NT machine and succumb to fewer crashes than with Windows 95, and it generally runs faster.
The main objection to using Windows NT has been that you need to have some Windows experience to avoid getting a migraine. For starters, unlike Windows 95, Windows NT does not support Plug and Play, which automates the installation of hardware and sets up the software so the hardware works properly.
When you install a hardware add-on, such as a modem or sound card, Windows 95 will do its very best to make sure it works, and it usually does. Windows NT users have no such luck. They may find themselves dealing with IRQs, DMAs, memory ranges and other sticky configuration issues when installing new hardware. I still have nightmares about configuring one of my PCs that runs Windows NT.
If you still use old DOS games or Windows 16-bit programs, forget Windows NT. You’ll need Windows 95 because, for the most part, Windows NT can’t run older programs.
Some multimedia titles, games and memory management programs use virtual device drivers, or VxDs. They act like a middleman between the operating system or application software and the hardware.
Windows NT doesn’t support VxDs, but Windows 95 does. To be sure your software will work with Windows NT, check Microsoft’s Web site for details (https://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/Partners.htm).
Old and rare hardware causes a problem for Windows NT that Windows 95 sails through. Windows 95 supports about 1,000 more hardware device drivers than Windows NT does. You need drivers for a printer, sound card, CD-ROM drive, video card and so on. For a list of hardware tested on Windows NT, go to https://www.microsoft.com/hwtest
Portable and notebook computer users should stick with Windows 95. Windows NT lacks power management features and is very weak on PC card support.
The upcoming release of Windows NT 5.0 appears to be getting the boost it needs to make more Windows 95 users take notice. They’ll be able to upgrade to Windows NT 5.0 without reinstalling all applications and redoing system settings. The real issue is which operating system to pick. Windows 95 and its upgrade will still be geared toward home users, Windows NT and its kin to power users. If you’ve been eyeing Windows NT and have legacy hardware, old software or use a notebook, wait for version 5.0 before upgrading.
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Kim Komando is a TV host, syndicated talk radio host and online entrepreneur. You can e-mail her at komando@komando.com
