When Microsoft released NT 4.0 some time ago, both NT and Windows 95 finally shared the same convenient interface and many features. Here, we will show you the differences between the two operating systems.
Hardware requirements
If we were to look "under the hood" of Windows NT and compare what we found to that of its counterparts in Windows 95, we would find a totally different architecture. For one, Windows NT is entirely 32 bit code, making it a much more stable environment than Windows 95. Getting it to crash is very hard indeed. Secondly, the new file system requires quite a bit more memory than does that of Windows 98.
Device
Windows NT Minimum
What's Needed to be Effective in NT (minimum / optimal)
Processor
486DX2/66
Pentium 166 / Pentium II 300
Memory
12MB
32MB / 128MB or more
Video
VGA
SVGA / MGA or better
CD-ROM
Single Speed
2X speed / 20X speed
File system and security
Windows NT has a new file system which Microsoft endorses as "NTFS" or "New Technology File System". This file system has tremendous advantages compared to FAT16 and FAT32 (used by Windows 95).
Feature
NTFS
FAT
Space waste saver
Yes
No
Built-in compression
Yes
No
Built-in recovery
Yes
No
Built-in security
Yes
No
Memory intensive
Yes
No
Networking
NT has built-in components to connect to the Internet, Novell, Apple, Microsoft Networking, Banyan Vines and others. Just select the appropriate drivers at setup and NT will guide you through the entire connecting procedure via a series of wizards. It doesn't differ much from Windows 95 in this regard; however, NT is much more stable.
If you're networked to another computer and have the proper tools installed, the true strength of NT will show through. You can remotely operate another computer without having to install a host of third-party software such as PCanywhere or WinGate. It's all contained within NT.
Extended interface functionality
Windows NT's display properties allow you to change the refresh rate without needing to install another manufacturer's video drivers. It also contains all of the display enhancements which are available in the Plus! Pack for Windows 95.
System-wide parameters like "set" commands and path statements can be done on the "environment" tab of the properties of "My computer". There is no longer a need for AUTOEXEC.BAT.
The task manager in Windows NT is much better than that in Windows 95. Not only can you shut down an application, but you can also change your logon password, end network connections, end separate threads and monitor various resources.
99.9% of NT functions, whether they are simple or complex, can be reached and edited through the interactive interface; there is no need for extra software as there is in Windows 95. Most of them have been intelligently integrated into the desktop and Explorer.
Compatibility
Windows NT can run 16 bit and 32 bit Windows applications, most DOS applications and OS/2 1.3 character-mode applications. It's also able to run POSIX UNIX programs.
There are, however, a few exceptions to the above:
DOS programs: all programs that try to access the hardware directly instead of using the proper APIs cannot run. An examples of this is DOS-based utility programs like PC Tools.
32-bit programs: certain applications have been written specifically for Windows 95. Because these applications use specific API calls inherent to Windows 95, they are unable to run in Windows NT. Most games cannot run either (They require DirectX 3.0; Windows NT only supports up to version 2.0.).
Support
Microsoft releases so called "service packs" each quarter to update WIndows NT. Service packs are mostly a slew of system component updates to help eliminate bugs.
Between service packs when important issues heat up, Microsoft issues hot fixes. Hot fixes only contain bug fixes for very specific issues.
As a general rule, it is recommended that you install each new service pack and all hot fixes. That way, you can be sure that Windows NT stays as it was designed to be: a stable environment that is a pleasure to use.
