Windows NT 4.0 facts for kids
| Version of the Windows NT operating system | |
 |
|
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Source model | Closed source |
| Released to manufacturing |
31 July 1996 |
| Latest release | 4.0 SP6a (Build 1381) / 24 August 1996 |
| Repository |
|
| Platforms | IA-32, Alpha, MIPS, PowerPC |
| Kernel type | Hybrid |
| License | Commercial proprietary software |
| Preceded by | Windows NT 3.51 (1995) |
| Succeeded by | Windows 2000 (1999) |
| Official website | http://www.microsoft.com/ ntworkstation/default.asp (Defunct) |
| Support status | |
| Embedded | Mainstream support ended on 30 June 2003 Extended support ended on 11 July 2006 |
| Server | Mainstream support ended on 31 December 2002 Extended support ended on 31 December 2004 |
| Workstation | Mainstream support ended on 30 June 2002 Extended support ended on 30 June 2004 |
Windows NT 4.0 was a computer operating system made by Microsoft. It was part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was designed to work on computers with one main processor or many processors working together.
This system was released on July 31, 1996. It was a 32-bit operating system. It came in versions for regular computers (workstations) and for computers that manage networks (servers). Its look and feel were very similar to Windows 95.
Contents
What is Windows NT 4.0?
Windows NT 4.0 was the next version after Windows NT 3.51. It brought the popular look of Windows 95 to the Windows NT family. This included the familiar Windows shell (the main part of the user interface). It also had File Explorer, which was called Windows NT Explorer back then. You would also see names like "My Computer" for folders.
Many tools for managing the system still looked older. But the Start menu in Windows NT 4.0 was improved. It separated your personal shortcuts from shared ones. Windows NT 4.0 also included some cool features from Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95. These included the Space Cadet pinball game and smoother fonts. You could also see window contents while dragging them.
Windows NT 4.0 was the last major Windows release to support certain older computer processors. These included Alpha, MIPS, and PowerPC chips. Many businesses kept using it for years. This was even after Microsoft released newer versions like Windows 2000. It was also the last system to be called "Windows NT."
Different Versions of Windows NT 4.0
Windows NT 4.0 came in several different versions. Each version was made for a specific type of computer use.
Workstation Version
- Windows NT 4.0 Workstation was made for everyday business computers. It was designed to be the main operating system for people working in offices.
Server Versions
- Windows NT 4.0 Server was released in 1996. It was designed for smaller business networks. It helped manage files and users on a network.
- Windows NT 4.0 Server, Enterprise Edition came out in 1997. This version was made for very busy networks that needed a lot of power. It was the first "Enterprise" version of Windows Server. It could use more computer memory than other versions. It also introduced a feature called "cluster service." This allowed multiple servers to work together.
- Windows NT 4.0 Terminal Server Edition was released in 1998. This version allowed many users to connect to one server from different computers. They could use programs running on the server. This feature is now known as "Remote Desktop" in newer Windows versions.
Embedded Version
- Windows NT 4.0 Embedded (NTe) was a special version. It was made for devices that are not typical computers. This included things like vending machines and ATMs. It was the same system as regular Windows NT 4.0. However, developers could pick only the parts they needed. This helped them create smaller systems for specific devices.
Images for kids
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Windows NT 4.0 Server edition box
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Windows NT 4.0 Workstation edition box
See also
In Spanish: Windows NT 4.0 para niños
