The Ingenious Setup of Windows 95: A Nostalgic Journey

When it comes to the computing world, few milestones are as iconic as the release of Windows 95. Launched in August 1995, this operating system was not just a software update; it was a significant leap forward in user experience, bringing the Start Menu, taskbar, and more to the masses. Recently, Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen peeled back the curtain on the setup process of Windows 95, revealing that the installation was more complex than most users realized—a fascinating journey involving not one, but three distinct programs, each contributing to the setup in unique ways.

The Setup Saga: A Chained Experience​

According to Chen, the Windows 95 installation was ingeniously constructed to accommodate users launching the setup from various environments: MS-DOS or a version of Windows 3.1. Here’s how the process unfolded:

1. Starting Point—MS-DOS: If the user initiated the process from the command line of MS-DOS, they were greeted with a text-mode application. This was a minimalist interface, essentially a gateway to a stripped-down version of Windows 3.1, often seen as the skeletal version of its more robust sibling.
2. Gateway to Setup: Upon entering this minimal Windows environment, users would then automatically spawn a 16-bit Windows application responsible for the heaviest lifting of the installation. This app interacted with users, prompting them for input on optional components and performing essential hardware detection to ascertain necessary drivers.
3. Completing the Journey—Full Windows 95 Installation: After gathering all the needed data, the 16-bit application took over, handling file copying and driver installation, ultimately leading to the initiation of Windows 95 itself with a follow-up 32-bit program to finalize the installation.

This elegant chaining of applications not only streamlined the process for users—regardless of their starting point—but also ensured that a unified codebase governed the setup experience.

Nostalgia and Technical Marvels​

It's easy to reminisce about the early days of computing when installations didn't require gigabytes of storage or constant internet connectivity. The method of setup became a nostalgic reminder of an era when floppy disks and the excitement of running a new operating system filled the air with anticipation. In those days, users would carefully navigate through text-mode screens to prepare their hard disks for the "big install."
Chen's explanation sheds light on just how methodical—and perhaps a tad quirky—Microsoft's approach was back then, likening the setup process to something out of a cheesy '80s movie. When you dissect the series of operating systems the installation traversed—MS-DOS to Windows 3.1, then to Windows 95—it feels reminiscent of characters donning disguises in a classic comedy of errors, with every layer contributing to the grand reveal that was Windows 95.

Key Takeaways for Windows Users​

• Understanding Legacy: Recognizing the historical context of Windows 95 helps users appreciate the monumental strides technology has made. Each new version, from Windows 95 onward, brings enhancements that shape user interactions and overall experiences.
• Installation Insights: As modern installations in Windows 10 and 11 have become increasingly automatic and streamlined, it’s worth noting how prior versions had to carefully cater to different environments, illustrating the evolution of setup systems.
• Nostalgic Technology Appreciation: If you're a long-time Windows user, this peek into the past serves as a reminder of where we've come from—and, perhaps, a call to reflect on your own tech journey from the floppy disks of Windows 95 to the constant updates of today’s software.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Remembering​

The setup saga of Windows 95 reveals not only a clever engineering feat but also embodies the spirit of an era rife with excitement and discovery. Recognizing contributions from the likes of Raymond Chen invites us to appreciate the past while eagerly anticipating what the future holds for Windows and computing as a whole. As technology continues to evolve, perhaps we can hold on to that nostalgic enthusiasm and anticipation for the new, as we did back during those early days of Windows.
So, whether you're reminiscing about the setup sequences of yore or gearing up for the latest Windows update, remember: every installation is a story waiting to unfold.

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Source: The Register Windows 95 setup was three programs in a trench coat, Microsoft vet reveals