Windows 3.1 build 014
| Build of Windows 3.1 | |
| OS family | 16-bit Windows |
|---|---|
| Version number | 3.1 |
| Build number | 014 |
| Architecture | x86 16-bit |
Windows 3.1 build 014 is the earliest confirmed build of Windows 3.1. Its performance is compared to PC/GEOS in an internal Microsoft e-mail from January 1991.[1]
Both operating systems were tested on the following machines:
- a Compaq Deskpro 386/20 with Intel 80386, running at 20 MHz and 4 MB of RAM;
- an IBM PS/2 Model 55SX with Intel 80386SX, running at 16 MHz and 2 MB of RAM, and;
- an IBM PC/AT with Intel 80286, running at 8 MHz and 1 MB of RAM
The printer used on both operating systems was an HP LaserJet II-512K laser ink printer. Various tests were performed, including system and application startup time, printing time, etc. Overall, PC/GEOS performed better in nearly all tests, but its system load and printing times were beaten by Windows 3.1, along with certain applications loading faster on the latter operating system.
In response to the results, it was decided to rewrite Windows applications to load all necessary resources at load time and only load the printer driver once printing is requested. The e-mail also suggests this build either has broken TrueType font support or none at all. There is also a blocking bug in this build that prevented running tests on the IBM PS/2 Model 55SX test machine in 386 Enhanced mode.