Windows NT 4.0

Basic Information

• Model/Version: Windows NT 4.0 (Workstation, Server, Enterprise Server, Terminal Server, Embedded editions)
• Release Date:
  • Released to Manufacturing: July 31, 1996
  • General Availability (Workstation): August 24, 1996
  • General Availability (Server): September 1996
• Latest Stable Version: Service Pack 6a (SP6a) with Post SP6a Security Rollup (Build 1381), released July 26, 2001.
• End of Support Date:
  • Workstation: Mainstream support ended June 30, 2002; Extended support ended June 30, 2004.
  • Server: Mainstream support ended December 31, 2002; Extended support ended December 31, 2004.
  • Embedded: Mainstream support ended June 30, 2003; Extended support ended July 11, 2006.
• End of Life Date: Public support ended with the extended support dates. Fee-based custom support for Server was available until December 31, 2006.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Auto-updates ceased with the end of extended support; no specific expiration date for an auto-update feature in the modern sense exists.
• License Type: Commercial proprietary software, available with OEM licenses.
• Deployment Model: Primarily deployed as a standalone operating system for workstations, servers, and embedded systems.

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • Minimum: 16 MB
  • Recommended: 32 MB or higher for Workstation.
  • Maximum Supported: 4 GB.
• Processor:
  • Minimum: Intel 486/33 MHz or higher (x86).
  • Supported Architectures: IA-32 (Intel x86), Alpha, MIPS, PowerPC.
• Storage:
  • Minimum Free Disk Space: 110 MB (Workstation), 125 MB (Server x86), 160 MB (Server RISC).
  • System Partition Limit: Maximum 7.8 GB.
  • Boot Partition Limit: Maximum 4 GB.
• Display: VGA or higher-resolution display adapter.
• Ports: CD-ROM drive or network access for installation.
• Operating System: This is the operating system itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Windows NT 4.0, for its time, presented relatively high system requirements compared to consumer-oriented operating systems like Windows 95, particularly in terms of RAM. The support for multiple processor architectures (IA-32, Alpha, MIPS, PowerPC) highlights its enterprise focus and portability. The storage requirements were modest by today's standards, but the limitations on system and boot partition sizes (7.8 GB and 4 GB respectively) reflect the technology constraints of the era. A notable absence is native USB support, requiring third-party drivers for functionality.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Service Pack 6a (SP6a) with Post SP6a Security Rollup.
• OS Support: As an operating system, it provides a platform for applications. It offers a 32-bit architecture with preemptive multitasking.
• End of Support Date: Extended support for all editions concluded between 2004 and 2006.
• Localization: Available in multiple languages.
• Available Drivers: Requires manual installation of drivers; lacks native Plug and Play support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Support for Windows NT 4.0 has long since ended, meaning no official updates, security patches, or technical assistance are available from Microsoft. Compatibility with modern hardware and software is severely limited. While it provided a robust platform for applications of its era, including good OpenGL and GLide support for certain games, its DirectX support was limited, and DOS game compatibility was poor. The absence of native Plug and Play and USB support necessitates significant manual configuration and reliance on legacy drivers, making it impractical for contemporary use.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Crypto API, requires password authentication for access, and leverages NTFS for file and folder permissions.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Contains major security flaws that Microsoft deemed unpatchable without significant changes to the core operating system, leading to its end of support.
• Blacklist Status: Not formally "blacklisted," but its numerous unpatched vulnerabilities render it highly insecure for any networked environment today.
• Certifications: Achieved C2 security certification from the U.S. government, though this certification was valid only for isolated, non-networked use.
• Encryption Support: Supports 128-bit encryption with Service Pack 6, though some export versions were limited to 40-bit encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Primarily relies on password-based authentication for user access.
• General Recommendations: Not recommended for use in any environment requiring security or network connectivity due to critical unpatched vulnerabilities.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: While Windows NT 4.0 offered advanced security features for its time, including a robust permission system and C2 certification for isolated systems, it is now critically insecure. The fundamental architectural differences from later Windows versions prevented Microsoft from patching severe vulnerabilities, leading to its end of support. Any deployment of Windows NT 4.0 in a modern, connected environment poses extreme security risks.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not readily available in public data for direct comparison.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Features a preemptively multitasked, fully 32-bit architecture, providing improved performance and stability over its predecessors. Users reported it as responsive and stable for business and workstation tasks of its era.
• Power Consumption: Not a primary performance metric for operating systems of this generation; power efficiency was largely hardware-dependent.
• Carbon Footprint: Not a relevant metric for an operating system released in 1996.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Offers significantly greater stability and a more robust architecture than Windows 95 due to protected memory and a hardware abstraction layer. It required more memory and had limited DirectX support compared to Windows 95, making it less suitable for gaming but superior for business and server applications.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Windows NT 4.0 was a strong performer for its era, particularly in business and server environments, due to its 32-bit, preemptive multitasking kernel and enhanced stability. It excelled in demanding tasks like 3D rendering and database management. While it adopted the user interface of Windows 95, its underlying architecture provided a more solid foundation for professional use. Its performance was highly regarded for its time, especially when equipped with recommended memory configurations.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback from its operational period highlight several key aspects of Windows NT 4.0.

• Strengths: Users frequently praised its exceptional stability and robustness, especially when compared to the consumer-oriented Windows 95. Its ability to handle intense multitasking without system crashes was a significant advantage for professional users. The adoption of the familiar Windows 95 graphical user interface was also well-received, making the powerful NT architecture more accessible. It was considered a perfect match for workstation environments focused on 3D rendering, database management, and audio/video production.
• Weaknesses: Common criticisms included limited DirectX support, which hindered its appeal for many 3D games, and very poor compatibility with DOS games. The lack of native Plug and Play support and an easily accessible Device Manager made hardware installation and management challenging, often requiring manual driver setup. The absence of direct USB support was also a limitation.
• Recommended Use Cases: Windows NT 4.0 was highly recommended for business workstations, servers, and embedded systems where stability, security (for its time), and robust multitasking capabilities were paramount. It was ideal for professional applications and network environments, and is now primarily used for legacy systems or retro computing.

Summary

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, released in 1996, represents a pivotal operating system in Microsoft's history, bridging the user-friendly interface of Windows 95 with the robust, 32-bit, preemptively multitasked kernel of the NT family. It was available in Workstation, Server, Enterprise Server, Terminal Server, and Embedded editions, targeting business and enterprise markets.

Its strengths lay in its superior stability, advanced security features for its era (including NTFS permissions and C2 certification for isolated systems), and strong performance for demanding professional applications. It supported multiple processor architectures (IA-32, Alpha, MIPS, PowerPC) and up to 4 GB of RAM, making it a powerful platform for its time.

However, NT 4.0 suffered from several weaknesses, including limited DirectX support, poor DOS game compatibility, and a notable lack of Plug and Play and native USB support, which complicated hardware installation and driver management. Support for all editions officially ended between 2004 and 2006, with no further security updates or patches.

In conclusion, Windows NT 4.0 was a groundbreaking operating system that laid much of the foundation for future Windows versions. While it was highly regarded for its stability and performance in its prime, its lack of ongoing support and numerous unpatched security vulnerabilities make it entirely unsuitable for modern computing environments. Its use today is confined to historical interest, legacy systems that cannot be upgraded, or retro computing enthusiasts.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.