Windows 95 IBM Aptiva OEM
Windows 95 IBM Aptiva OEM for the IBM Aptiva. This is one of the most interesting OEMs I have come across for Windows 95 and comes with a lot of software, such as an IBM-themed antivirus, Lotus SmartSuite, and Netscape Navigator. OS is in .vmx form so VMware users can easily open this, no setup is required.
Windows 95, released by Microsoft on August 24, 1995, was a major upgrade from previous versions of Windows and introduced several significant changes and improvements. When pre-installed on IBM Aptiva systems, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) version came with specific customizations and enhancements tailored to IBM hardware.
Key Features:
- Start Menu: Introduced the Start button and Start menu, centralizing access to programs, settings, and files.
- Taskbar: Provided a new way to switch between open applications and keep track of running programs.
- Plug and Play: Simplified the installation of hardware by automatically detecting and configuring new devices.
- 32-bit Architecture: Improved performance and stability by transitioning from the 16-bit architecture of previous versions.
- Long File Names: Supported file names up to 255 characters, a significant improvement over the 8.3 format in MS-DOS and Windows 3. x.
- Windows Explorer: Replaced File Manager with a more intuitive file management interface.
- Built-in Internet Support: Included the Internet Explorer browser and dial-up networking features, reflecting the growing importance of the Internet.
Specifics of the IBM Aptiva OEM Version:
- Custom Software: IBM Aptiva systems often came with additional software pre-installed, such as multimedia applications, productivity tools, and utilities designed to enhance the user experience on IBM hardware.
- Hardware Drivers: The OEM version included specific drivers and utilities optimized for IBM Aptiva hardware, ensuring better compatibility and performance.
- Recovery Options: IBM typically provided recovery media or a recovery partition to restore the system to its factory state, which included Windows 95 and all pre-installed applications.
- Support and Documentation: IBM Aptiva users had access to dedicated support and detailed documentation tailored to their specific hardware configuration.
Notable IBM Aptiva Models with Windows 95:
- IBM Aptiva 2134 and 2144 series: Popular models from the mid-90s that featured Windows 95 and were designed for home use with multimedia capabilities.
- IBM Aptiva 2168 series: Higher-end models that offered better performance and expanded features, appealing to power users and small businesses.