NT Workstation Information
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation Version 4.0 (NT) serves as the operating system for the Library's desktop computers. This operating system was designed for the business and technical environment. Some of its basic characteristics include:

Reliability. With Windows 3.1, when one program produces an error, the entire operating system is affected and the whole computer will likely stop working. Under Windows NT, although individual programs may generate errors, the operating system protects the computer itself and the other programs that are running. The user, in most cases, will simply restart the one program.

Increased Power. Windows NT can handle more programs running simultaneously than previous versions of Windows. It uses a much more sophisticated approach to multitasking than either Windows 3.1 or Windows 95.

Security. It is important to design a network that will not allow unauthorized users to gain access to information stored on network servers or other computers. Windows NT includes greater security features than the other desktop operating systems.

User Interface. Windows NT 4.0 uses the same interface as Windows 95. Features of this interface include the Start button, the Explorer, and "My Computer". The Program Manager and File Manager associated with Windows 3.1 have been eliminated and replaced by a desktop environment that integrates file management tasks into all aspects of the interface. An important part of the interface that library staff will see is the Novell Application Launcher.

For more detailed information on Windows NT Workstation visit Microsoft's web site.

Back