Introduction to Windows 95 Setup

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen has finally shed light on the intriguing journey of the Windows 95 setup program and its unique user interface transitions, particularly the moment users were first introduced to the revolutionary Start Menu.

The Setup Program Unveiled

Chen revealed that the setup was actually a combination of three separate programs woven together, with the user's starting point dictating the experience. If a user initiated the setup from MS-DOS, they were greeted with a miniature version of Windows 3.1. This was a clever strategy by Microsoft, as the company had previously bundled applications like Excel with a runtimes of Windows 2.1, ensuring users could run them even without a full Windows installation.

Transition to Windows 3.1

Once users transitioned into the streamlined environment of Windows 3.1—be it the stripped-down version or the complete suite—they were then ushered into a 16-bit application tasked with the bulk of the setup work. "This setup program handles essential tasks," Chen explained, "like gathering user preferences for the installation and conducting hardware detection for the correct drivers."

Final Steps of the Setup

Following the initial setup, this 16-bit application would efficiently handle file copying, driver installation, and the transfer of user settings, ultimately leading to the booting of Windows 95 with a final 32-bit application that executed any leftover procedures requiring an active operating system.

Nostalgic Reflections

Reflecting on the setup's nostalgic mechanics, it’s easy to reminisce about the overwhelming excitement of installing Windows 95 for the first time. Users would navigate through text-mode screens to configure their hard drives—back when a 512 MB capacity seemed colossal—before finally being immersed in the visually stunning world of Windows 95.

A Journey Through Time

As we look back nearly three decades, Chen's insights remind us of a simpler era, during which a basic version of Windows 3.1 could be booted from a mere floppy disk, contrasting starkly with today’s demanding installations that require vast internet connectivity and immense storage spaces.

Conclusion

In a world where operating systems have evolved tremendously, the behind-the-scenes story of Windows 95’s setup not only captures a pivotal moment in tech history but also evokes a sense of nostalgia for many users. Isn’t it fascinating to consider how far we've come since those early days of computing?