Early Version Of Windows NT Introduced At Largest Developers Conference
Ever 

Mayor Declares Week of July 6 Software Developer Week
                                
     SAN FRANCISCO -- July 6, 1992 -- Today, a capacity audience of more
than 4,000 software developers from around the world gathered at the
Microsoft Win32 Professional Developers Conference for a first look at the
Windows NT operating system. In honor of the event, San Francisco mayor
Frank Jordan declared the week of July 6 Software Developer Week.

     Windows NT, the new 32-bit operating system from Microsoft, creates
new opportunities for Windows by coupling the ease of use of the Windows
3.1 operating system with the computing power of today's workstation, mini
and mainframe systems.  Designed for advanced users with high-end
computing needs, Windows NT is expected to be released by the end of this
year.

     All conference attendees will receive the Win32 API preliminary
Software Developers Kit (SDK) for Windows NT.  It contains all the
software tools and documentation that independent software vendors (ISVs)
and corporate developers need to design applications to run on the
Microsoft advanced Windows NT operating system, and it includes an early
release of the Windows NT operating system itself.

     "The Win32 SDK marks a tremendous opportunity for developers, and a
major milestone for Microsoft," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of
the systems division at Microsoft. "We expect thousands of developers to
make the commitment to 32-bit Windows NT because it is the most powerful,
easy-to-use and scalable platform for an enormous range of applications. 
Thanks to this kit and other software tools announced at the developer's
conference this week, there should be a wide array of advanced software
ready when Windows NT is released."

Extending Windows to Broader Capabilities

     The Win32 API preliminary SDK for Windows NT provides application
developers with access to the broader capabilities of the Windows 32-bit
application programming interface (API). Using the Win32 preliminary SDK,
developers can write mission-critical, line-of-business and workgroup
software to run on the desktop.  These applications will perform complex
tasks such as inventory management, financial trading and modeling, and
online transaction processing, which were previously limited to mini and
mainframe computing.  The Win32 SDK provides all the advanced features _
such as preemptive multitasking, multi-threading, 32-bit flat memory,
interprocess communication, scalability and security _ that developers of
these sophisticated applications require.

Scalability/Compatibility

     The Windows NT operating system is designed to run on a wide range of
computer systems and networks, including powerful, symmetrical
multiprocessing servers.  Applications written to the Win32 API will be
source-compatible between 32-bit Intel systems, RISC systems and
multiprocessor systems.  This compatibility allows developers to offer a
scalable Windows-based solution for the variety of hardware that commonly
exists in today's distributed computing environment _ from laptops to the
most sophisticated PCs.  Existing applications for Windows and MS-DOS will
also run under Windows NT, transparently taking advantage of the increased
processing power.

Familiar, Consistent Environment for Development and Use

     Programmers of applications for Windows 3.1 will immediately be
familiar with the Win32 API and development environment.  The Win32 API
offers a widened, 32-bit implementation of the Windows 3.1 API, and the
development environment is based on Microsoft C/C++ 7.0.  Because it is
consistent, the development environment makes it simple to transition
16-bit Windows-based applications into 32-bit Windows-based applications. 
In addition, in the 32-bit environment, developers create new applications
more quickly and easily, helping to increase their productivity.

     Applications written for Windows NT also maintain the familiar
interface of the Windows operating system, with its graphical design and
ease of use.  Users and developers can continue to take advantage of the
thousands of applications and software tools and utilities developed for
Windows.  By continuing to use the familiar Windows environment,
organizations need not incur the additional costs associated with training
for and supporting a new computing environment.

SDK Contents, System Requirements, Availability and Pricing

     The Win32 preliminary SDK for Windows NT includes preliminary versions
of the Win32 SDK tools, a C/C++ compiler, and the Windows NT operating
system software.  Free updates to the Win32 SDK tools and to the Windows
NT operating system will be sent automatically when completed.  The Win32
SDK is available only on CD-ROM.

     Due to the greater computing power needed for designing and testing
software, developer system requirements include an 80386 33 MHz CPU (or
higher), 12 MB total RAM (16 MB recommended), a CD-ROM drive, and a total
of 100 MB available hard disk space for complete installation of the
operating system, tools and compilers.

     The Win32 SDK is available today to conference attendees. Developers
not attending the conference may order the Win32 SDK, for shipment
starting July 15.  The cost of the Win32 SDK with printed documentation is
$399; with documentation in electronic form only, the cost is $69.  For
U.S. orders, call Microsoft Developer Services at (800) 227-4679.  In
Canada, call (800) 563-9048.  In all other countries, contact your local
Microsoft representative.

     Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with
the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
--------------------------------------------------------
The Microsoft(R) Windows NT(TM) operating system is designed to support a
broad range of hardware.  This is a preliminary list of hardware that we
have run Windows NT on to date.  This is a subset of the hardware we
expect to support in the final product.  

The following hardware has undergone preliminary testing for this release. 
We have not tested every machine and/or device in all possible
configurations.  Microsoft makes no warranties express or implied in this
document.

Intel 80386/80486 Uniprocessor Systems

ACER (R) Power 486/33                      
ALR (R) BusinessVEISA 386/33               
ALR BusinessVEISA 486/33               
ALR MPS 486/33                         
ALR PowerFlex Flyer 386sx/25           
ALR PowerPro                           
AST (R) Power Premium 4/33 Model 213V      
AST Premium 386/33T                    
AST Premium 486/33E                    
AST Premium II 386/33 Model 213V       
AST Premium II 486/33                  
AST Premium SE 4/33 Model 333          
Compaq (R) Deskpro 386/20e                 
Compaq Deskpro 386/25                  
Compaq Deskpro 386/25e                 
Compaq Deskpro 386/33                  
Compaq Deskpro 386/33L                 
Compaq Deskpro 386s/20                 
Compaq Deskpro 486/25                  
Compaq Deskpro 486/33L                 
Compaq Deskpro 486/33M                 
Compaq Deskpro 486/50L                 
Compaq Portable 486c                   
Compaq SystemPro 486/33                
Compaq SystemPro/LT 486sx/25           
CompuAdd (R) 420s                          
CompuAdd 433                           
CompuAdd 433E                          
Dell (R) PowerLine System 433DE            
Dell PowerLine System 433SE            
Dell PowerLine System 450DE            
Dell PowerLine System 450DE/2 DGX      
Dell PowerLine System 450SE            
Dell PowerLine System 486D/50          
Dell System 325                        
Dell System 433e                       
Dell System 486D/33                    
Dell System 486P/33                    
Digital Equipment Corp. (R) DECpc 425ST  (1)
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 433ST    
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 433T     
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 450ST (2)
Digital Equipment Corp. DECstation 425c
Epson (R) Equity EISA 486DX/50
Everex (R) Step 486/33 ISA                 
Everex Tempo 486sx/20                  
Gateway (R) 2000 386-33                    
Gateway 2000 386SX-20C                 
Gateway 2000 486/33C                   
Gateway 2000 486/33E 
Gateway 2000 486DX2/50                 
Gateway 2000 486DX2/50E 
GRiD (R) 486ei-33                          
HP (R) Vectra 386/25                       
HP Vectra 486/25T                      
HP Vectra 486/33T                      
HP Vectra 486S/20                      
HP Vectra RS/25C                       
IBM (R) PS/2 Model 70 386                  
IBM PS/2 Model 70 486                  
IBM PS/2 Model 80                      
IBM PS/2 Model 90 XP                   
IBM PS/2 Model 95 XP 486               
IBM PS/2 Model P75                     
ICL (R) Alfaskop DS 458 Eisa               
ICL CXe486s                            
Intel (R) 486DX Workstation                
Intel LP 486/33E (3)                    
NCR (R) 3000 Model 3335                    
NCR 3000 Model 3345                    
NCR 3000 Model 3445                    
NCR 3000 Model 3447                    
NCR StarStation                        
NEC (R) Powermate 386/25S                  
NEC Powermate Express 486sx/25e        
NEC Powermate Image 486/33             
Northgate (R) Elegance 433i                
Northgate Elegance SP 433              
Olivetti (R) LSX5010                       
Olivetti M400-40                       
Olivetti M400-60                       
Tandy (R) 4820SX/T                         
Tandy 4833 LX/T                        
Toshiba (R) T4400SX                        
Wang (R) Microsystems EC 480/33C           
Wang Microsystems PC 350/40C           
Zenith (R) Data Systems Z-486/25E          
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/33ET         
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/SX 20        
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/SX 25        
Zenith Data Systems Z386/33 (4)
Zenith Data Systems Z386/33E (5)        
Zenith Data Systems Z486/33E           
ZEOS (R) 386DX-33CDT (6)                 
ZEOS 486-50CW                          
ZEOS 486DX-33 ISA                      
ZEOS 486DX-33CDT                       
ZEOS 486DX-33EISA                      
ZEOS 486DX-50                          
ZEOS 486SX-20DT  


Intel 80486 Multiprocessor Systems

ACER (R) AcerFrame 3000 MP                 
ALR (R) PowerPro DMP                       
Compaq (R) SystemPro Dual 486/33           
NCR (R) 3000 Model 3450                    
NCR 3000 Model 3550                    
Wyse (R) 7000i                             


MIPS ARC/R4000 Systems

ACER (R) ARC1                              
MIPS (R) ARCSystem 100                     
MIPS ARCSystem 150                     
Olivetti (R) M700-10                       
Olivetti PWS4000                         


Video Controllers               Video Mode
-----------------               ----------

VGA Class:

100% Reg Compatible w/IBM VGA   640x480x16

Super VGA Class:

Headland Technology / Video 7
VRAM VGA, VRAM II               1024x768x16
800x600x16

Orchid
ProDesigner IIs                 1024x768x16
                                800x600x16

TSENG Labs
ET4000 chipset                  1024x768x16
800x600x16

Others:

IBM XGA                         1024x768x256
DELL DGX                        1280x1024x256

Built-in Video on
 MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from    1280x1024x256
 Acer, MIPS, Olivetti           1024x768x256

Note: Display support will be expanded greatly over time.  Microsoft plans
to support 8514, S3, ATI, most SVGAs (including hi-res), and coprocessor
display boards in an update to the Win32(TM) SDK.


Disk Controllers

100% Register Compatible with WD1003 - ESDI, IDE, WD1003

Compaq Intelligent Drive Array

SCSI(R)

Adaptec
AHA-1540b
AHA-1542b
AHA-1640
AHA-1740

Future Domain
TMC-845
TMC-850, TMC-850M(ER)
MCS-700 (7)
TMC-1660 (8) 
TMC-1680 (9)
TMC-7000EX

IBM
IBM SCSI Host Adapter (10)

Maynard
16 Bit SCSI Adapter (11)

NCR
NCR 53C700 

Olivetti
ESC - 1 Adapter

    Built-in SCSI on MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from :
    Acer, MIPS and Olivetti


Network Adapters (12)

3Com(R)
Etherlink II (13)
Etherlink II / TP       
Etherlink / MC
Etherlink 16
Etherlink II / 16               

DEC(R)
EtherWORKS LC
EtherWORKS Turbo / TP   

IBM     
Token Ring 16/4 (14)
Token Ring 16/4A                

Novell(R)
NE3200

SMC/Western Digital(R) (15)   
EtherCard Plus Elite/A  8013EP/A (16)

Built-In Ethernet on MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from
Acer, MIPS and Olivetti
                    
Tape Devices        

Archive Python DAT (Maynstream 1300DAT) 

Note: The SCSI tape functionality has been successfully tested with the
Adaptec 154X/174X, Maynard 16-Bit SCSI adapter and the built-in SCSI
adapters in the Acer, MIPS/Silicon Graphics and Olivetti MIPS ARC/R4000. 
This is known to fail on other SCSI adapters at this time.  

CD-Rom Devices

CD Technology   
CD Porta-Drive T-3301

Chinon
CDX-431

Denon(R)        
DRD 253

Hitachi(R)
CDR-1750S

NEC     
Intersect CDR-73(M)
Intersect CDR-84

Pioneer(R)
DRM-600

Sony(R) 
CDU-541
CDU-6211
CDU-7211
        
Toshiba
XM-3201
TXM-3301
                
MultiMedia Sound Cards

Creative Labs
SoundBlaster
SoundBlaster Pro

Printers

Every driver that shipped with the Windows(TM) 3.1 retail package. No
plotter support included.

Keyboards

100% Compatible with :
101/102 key "enhanced" layout
84 key AT(R) layout

Mice

100% Compatible with Microsoft Mouse

--------------------------------------------------------

(1)  Requires an updated KEYBOARD.SYS driver to run existing
     MS-DOS and Windows applications
(2)  Same as Footnote 1
(3)  Same as Footnote 1
(4)  These machines currently have problems running existing
     MS-DOS and Windows applications.
(5)  Same as Footnote 4
(6)  Same as Footnote 1
(7)  A driver that supports both Setup and File I/O for the
     Future Domain MCS-700, and TMC-16X0 series controllers
     will be posted to CompuServe in the WINNT forum, Lib 2
     "Fixes and Updates".
(8)  Same as Footnote 7
(9)  Same as Footnote 7
(10) Earlier versions of this controller have proven to have
     problems with various CD-Rom drives.  The Chinon 
     CDX-431 and NEC Intersect CDR-73 are known to work with
     this version of controller.
(11) The Maynard SCSI Adapter can be used as a general
     purpose SCSI controller for all tasks but graphical
     setup.
(12) Full NDIS 3.0 conformance testing will be available
     this fall through Microsoft Compatibility Labs
(13) These two adapters have been successfully tested in a
     Multi-Processor environment.
(14) The IBM Token Ring 16/4 adapter has been successfully
     tested in the MIPS ARC/R4000 systems
(15) There will be an updated driver for the SMC/WD 8003EP,
     8013WB, 8013EWC net adapters posted on CompuServe in
     the WINNT forum, Lib 2 "Fixes and Updates" 
(16) Same as footnote 13

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