Windows 95 Task Force Report

 

Francis Chu

The 32-bit pre-emptive multitasking Windows 95 is the latest version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. As compared to Windows 3.1, it offers better features on user interface, memory management, connectivity, long file name support and performance (Please refer to March 96 issue on "What are the Pros and Cons of Windows 95?"). To get a glimpse of Windows 95, some CityU staff might have already installed it on their PCs at its first release in late 1995. Being fascinated by the easy-to-use desktop environment and high performance, some might think that it would be perfect if they could view the network messages and access network services such as information services and administrative services in Windows 95. It was under these circumstances that the task force for Windows 95 was set up.

The Mission

In March 1996, the Windows 95 task force group performed an in-depth study on the deployment of Windows 95 in CityU. The aim is to implement an interface such that users can smoothly migrate from the existing PC environment to Windows 95 environment. Popular software were tested for compatibility with Windows 95. In addition, the feasibility of incorporating access to existing network services such as Pathworks mail, Polylink, library catalog system, etc. into the Windows 95 environment was studied. The deployment of Windows 95 could be summarized into the following four phases:

Phase 1 - Initial Study of Windows 95

The study of Windows 95 has started since October 1995 and a number of PCs in the Computing Services Centre (CSC) student terminal area were set up to boot to our Beta Windows 95 system. The valuable comments and suggestions collected were subsequently used in the design of a tailor-made Departmental Windows 95 environment.

Phase 2 - Pilot Run in CSC

In April 1996, the Departmental Windows 95 was released to CSC for pilot run. Over 50 CSC staff had set up Windows 95 for the initial pilot testing. Based on the comments and suggestions collected, the Windows 95 environment was fine-tuned and its appearance finalized, as shown in Figure 1 below. The roll-out plan of Departmental Windows 95 for the entire campus was also scheduled.

Figure 1 Departmental Windows 95 Menu

Phase 3 - Pre-release Run in Selected Academic Departments

Soon after the pilot run of Windows 95 in CSC, Windows 95 settings were finalized and ready to be deployed to other departments. In June 1996, a few academic departments were invited, namely AP, CS and MA, for the pre-release set-up of Windows 95 in order to further ensure smooth migration of Windows 95. The environment was further adjusted where necessary. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their variable contribution.

Phase 4 - Campus-wide Deployment of Windows 95

Upon successful pre-release runs in selected academic departments, Windows 95 was ready to roll-out in each department within campus at full speed according to schedule.

How to Set up Windows 95

An option is provided in the CTNET menu for automatic migration to Windows 95. A user can simply choose that option, answer a few questions, go get a cup of coffee and Windows 95 will be installed to his/her hard disk within a short while. The user may ask "When is the best time for me to do the migration?", "Can I still run my Windows 3.1 after the upgrade?". Well, s/he may decide on her/his own appropriate time for upgrading the PC to Windows 95 environment. The existing "Network Windows 3.1" and "Download local Windows 3.1" options are not affected by Windows 95. That is, s/he can have both systems on the same PC. To boot to MS-DOS on a Windows 95 computer, s/he can either press F4 or F8 when the "Starting Windows 95" message shows up on the screen.

Difficulties Encountered

Throughout the different phases, we encountered some difficulties which users should be aware of before proceeding with the upgrade:

1. Windows 95 is not 100% compatible with all the DOS programs and Windows 3.1 applications. Therefore, some programs may not work in Windows 95. Details can be found in the Windows 95 software compatibility list provided by Microsoft.
2. Windows 95 does not support mail notification by broadcast receiver. User may not be notified at once when there is an incoming E-mail. CSC continues to look for a mail notification utility.
3. Windows 95 does not support the library CD-ROM databases (CD-NET). It is now resolved with a new version of CD-NET.
4. Some hardware e.g. sound card, CD-ROM, may not be recognized by Windows 95. To check if the hardware is compatible with Windows 95, the user can check the compatibility list of Windows 95 or contact the hardware vendor.
5. Some users may have multi-configurations on their PCs. Windows 95 will not handle the multi-configurations specified in CONFIG.SYS. Therefore, those users may need to modify their CONFIG.SYS themselves after Windows 95 has been installed.
6. Since Windows 95 is installed locally on the user's hard disk, user may accidentally delete the system files and thus Windows 95 will not start. In this case, the supporting effort of CSC will increase significantly.
   
7. Users may install their own applications under Windows 95. There are chances that these applications may update the Windows 95 files and lead to malfunctioning of the network applications and services. Users can seek advice from CSC.

Upcoming Implementation

1. The Personal Menu will be implemented in the near future so that a user can customize a list of applications for his/her own use.
2. Chinese Windows 95 is currently not designed to coexist with Windows 95 on the same PC. CSC will try to look for a way to allow both Chinese Windows 95 and Windows 95 on the same PC.

Computing Services Centre City University of Hong Kong ccnetcom@cityu.edu.hk