Windows NT 4 went on sale 30 years ago today
The version that started to bring all Microsoft’s pieces together
On August 24, 1996, Microsoft released Windows NT 4.0, 30 years ago today. This version aimed to deliver on the promise of Microsoft's long-standing Windows NT project, blending the robust NT operating system with a modified version of the Windows Explorer desktop from Windows 95, known internally as the "Shell Update Release." Windows 95, initially planned as "Windows 4" and codenamed "Chicago," had undergone significant development, with its desktop shell evolving dramatically.
Windows NT 4.0 marked a shift from the DOS-based Windows 3.1 to the NT kernel, offering a stable and reliable OS with a modern GUI. Although NT 4.0 had some flaws, such as the GDI graphics subsystem being moved into the Windows kernel, which could lead to OS crashes due to display driver bugs, it was a strong proposition for high-end PCs.
NT 4.0 combined a solid OS core with rich server functionality and a user-friendly GUI, representing the beginning of the end for Novell NetWare.
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- Windows NT 4 went on sale 30 years ago today theregister.com
