Windows NT
In the summer of 1993, Microsoft released another operating system primarily for the professional market. When it was first introduced, it was used in relatively simple network installations. Over several revisions, it has been enhanced to support the needs of corporations ranging in size from small to large and, now, the needs of the Internet and intranets. As an operating system, Windows NT provides a high degree of networkability as well as high security levels not available in other operating systems. Windows NT uses the same GUI as Windows 3.x; therefore, making it an easy upgrade for anyone proficient in using the Windows operating system.
There are several versions of Windows NT, ranging from 3.0 through 4. In addition, there are Service Packs; inline fixes that do not change the version number. Windows NT provides three levels of operating system in each of the later versions:
- Workstation: A powerful, robust operating system with limited networking to allow sharing of printers and files for the professional user.
- Server: A complete LAN host with a variety of sophisticated features for managing users and access to printers, files, RAID installations, and other shared resources.
- Advanced Server: The enterprise edition that adds tools for complex network environments.