Windows 3.x goes the way of the dodo

By on Nov 5, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Software November 5, 2008

The election is over, the country is responding and here all we can think about is the fact that Windows 3.x is now officially dead and buried. Ok that’s not entirely true, but it really is the end of an era. Windows 3.x, the game-changer that it was, survived for 18 great years though it really hasn’t been relevant for quite a while. Licenses were still available up until a few days ago however, as some systems such as cash registers in dire need of an update still run the classic OS. Look at how sexy this baby was…

System requirements for standard mode are:

  • Intel 80286 (or higher) processor
  • 1 MB or more of memory (640K conventional and 256K extended)
  • 6.5 MB of free disk space (9 MB is recommended)

System requirements for enhanced mode are:

  • Intel 80386 (or higher) processor
  • 2 MB or more of memory (640K conventional and 1024K extended)
  • 8 MB of of free disk space (10.5 MB is recommended)

Oh man, that enhanced mode will get you every time! It takes us back to simpler days when the most powerful computer you had in your elementary school would likely be eaten alive by a basic smartphone of today. Ahh – rest in peace, dear 3.x.

[Via Giz]

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21 Comments

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  • MadMike

    *tear* We will miss yee. Next up, Windows 98 and ME need to die horrible deaths.

  • http://www.minaidehazukashii.com/kawaii/ Hinano

    I’ll miss you windows 3.1 you were the best ;^;

  • jimmykicks

    Not to worry. That sweet look-and-feel still lives on in all Symbian phones.

  • Mark

    The first computer I ever had back in ’94 was running 3.1, I think I was running the enchanced version lol

  • http://www.bgr.com Zach Epstein

    “Not to worry. That sweet look-and-feel still lives on in all Symbian phones.”

    Too funny…

  • Vincent Mac

    Where can I download a theme of this OS?

  • Andy

    god…I remember when I first got windows 3.0 on my IBM PS/2 286. I played reversi for days on end.

  • Syndrical.One

    I will miss you 3.11 for Workgroups.
    I used you to play Gorillas against my brother all day long (or until I got bored, whichever came first).

  • murphy tha dog

    This reminds me, about 2 years ago, my sister (who works for the city gov), was having pc problems. She was showing me around her office so I took a look at it, I booted it up, not really paying attention to the actual machine, until windows 3.1 came up. I about fell out when I saw she was still running that at work. Told her that the IT guys must have forgot she was there, and she should ask for an upgrade. If you miss 3.11 then maybe get a gov. job.

  • NO_OBAMA

    Vista doesnt look that much different… just a better polished turd.

  • Nik

    Wow, I think I might barely have enough power on my HP so be able to squeeze out the enhanced version… Maybe.

  • skyefalcon

    Shit. I feel old now.

  • http://www.AOAForums.com Rondog

    I remember my first PC running Windows 3.11. Those were the days. I wonder if it would actually work on a current machine. Single core w/ 1gb RAM. I sense a project. :)

  • Charles

    Actually, it is the legacy Win 3.x code in Vista that contributed to the clever Apple ads.

    I can remember using the 0.95 Win SDK
    and still need my meds.

    /chuck

  • Seth

    I feel very dated now, thank you. =-) I remember sitting in class (6th or 7th grade, I can’t remember exactly) reading PC Magazine about the new and exciting features of Windows 3.1, including (wait for it!) … background printing … and running around with the magazine showing anyone who would listen. I remember feeling so cool for running 3.1 when my friends and teachers were still running win 3.0 — or worse, DOS 6.22. Looking at the Control Panel above and seeing “Enhanced Memory” just cracks me up. But yeah, I feel very dated.

  • kuantem

    Windows 3.11! Like when you and your girl first fell in love. It was magical… then that ho became Vista!!! Damn, lets take it back to the good’ol days!

  • ethan

    I LOVED this OS. This was the jump from Dos. Then we got this, and then 95. Man, old windows was a thing of beauty.

  • Marc

    Some of your readers are old enough not to have had computers in elementary school. Hell, when I was in the 6th grade Wozniak was still trying to figure out how to rip off Ma Bell.

    I remember 3.1 well. It was the last OS I paid for. ;-)

  • BoyBawang

    This is the OS where i made the most number of installs during the old days.

  • Tyrone D.

    Windows 3.x, you will be missed but your spirit will live on with Windows 7.

    love it, love it, love it…pop..boom!

  • http://tediuszanarukando.blogspot.com Tedius Zanarukando

    Windows 3.x was my first Windows operating system. I was introduced to Windows when I was in high school in 1994. I upgraded to Windows 9x one year later. I am currently using Windows XP.

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