Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!crdgw1!uunet!ogicse!cs.uoregon.edu!ns.uoregon.edu!oregon!dalbrich
From: dalbrich@oregon.uoregon.edu
Newsgroups: comp.windows.ms
Subject: RE: Windows 3.0 Runtime
Message-ID: <20953.28268687@oregon.uoregon.edu>
Date: 7 May 91 17:50:47 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Oregon
Lines: 37

To my knowledge Microsoft no longer offers the ability to create 
a Windows run-time application.  At one time, when Windows was less
known, Microsoft provided Windows programmers the ability (leagally) 
to include certain Windows kernel files which would allow thier program
to run as a stand alone.  Excel, Pagemaker, and several others existed.

The run-time programs were in no way supported by Microsoft, and were
extremely limited (except of course, application MS wrote).  
i.e. no DDE, clipboard or other information sharing with
other Windows applications.

The point is that Windows is meant to be its own operating environment.
Windows has more qualities of a traditional operating system than DOS.
I don't think Microsoft sees Windows as a "program" that people run like
the dosshell in order to run other programs.  It is a complete operating
environment.  If it is affordable and has a well installed base, why allow
striping it down to run stand alones?

If a run-time agreement was available, it would most likely be very limited.
I believe that MS would only allow for real-mode-only applications.  
Allowing a run-time would have to be a compromise.  I doubt they would 
want to encourage it, and would be likely to place this limitation 
on run-times because giving run-times too much "Windows" ability would be
in a sense giving the heart of Windows away for free.  Windows is one of
few programs running on DOS which allow for easy access to extended memory.
Are there any seriously useful applications that run in 
640K in Windows?

These are just some ideas to consider.  

-Dan

PS: In response to Pagemaker "scam"
    It is questionable why somone would slam on Windows in a news group
    for Windows people.  I am familiar with the Sun OS, but not everyone
    can afford a Sun.