Hard to believe, but it's been over 30 years since Windows 3.1 was released. It was an operating that catapulted Microsoft into the graphic computer operating system revolution.
To celebrate the operating system's iconic place in computer history, the Internet Archive has created a way for users to use over 1,000 programs in a Windows 3.1 environment — straight from their Internet browser.
When version 1 of the operating system was released, it was a step forward, but its competition still had an edge. Eventually, it offered versions 2 and 3, which offered graphics-based programs that allowed for the keyboard-mouse combination, which was still new at the time. Of course, that combination also got the company in hot water with Apple, which ultimately ended in a settlement in 1997 that might have actually saved Apple.
In the end, Windows 3.1 was released, and it was an operating system that brought flexibility and stability to a wide audience that is the basis for operating systems still being used today.
The list of programs included in the online archive includes a number of games, utility and business software, plus more. In fact, Windows 3.1 is still used in some places, although not by many consumers. Of course, most moved on to other operating systems, like Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP and eventually, Windows 10.
To try out the treasure trove of lost Windows 3.1 software, head here.
