Windows NT, the vision Microsoft had four years ago, became a reality in the summer of 1993. This new operating system provides a preemptive multitasking operating system with a Windows 3.1 look and feel, enabling potential developers to create products that take advantage of the new features of NT.

This book makes programming for this new operating system quick and easy. Throughout the book, the programmer will see how to master the tools and coding concepts of the new Win32 (32-bit Windows) subsystem, while getting a comprehensive overview of new Windows application program interface (API) additions. The extensive tutorials are presented in manageable, step-by-step sections.

This book shows how to write programs that benefit from preemptive multitasking, processes, and threads. The Win32 API closely resembles its Windows 3.1 counterpart, but some obvious (and not so obvious) changes have been made. Many enhancements occur behind the scenes, so the programmer does not have to worry about the details. In other cases, the Win32 API affects the programmer; for example, message packing and memory addressing have changed. Other cases include extensions to the API to take advantage of the new features of the operating system, such as preemptive multitasking, new Graphics Device Interface (GDI) calls, and system security.

Since this book is designed to help the reader make the transition from writing Windows 3.1 applications to writing 32-bit Windows applications, it is intended for programmers and engineers with a familiarity with Windows programming and C. Readers do not have to be Windows wizards to follow the example programs in this book, however. Most chapters review how things were done in Windows 3.1 and contrast them with Win32 techniques. Windows NT is a broad topic. Literally hundreds of new API functions have been introduced. This book covers the fundamental changes to help bridge the gap between Windows 3.1 and Windows NT. Some complex topics (such as network support) would be better served in specialized books, however.

This book and its accompanying disk will help programmers to create a 32-bit application to run on NT; synchronize threads to prevent multitasking bugs; draw Bézier curves using Win32 API functions; create multithreaded multiple document interface applications; write applications that target Windows NT, Windows 3.1, or both; and apply system security attributes with a government-certified level of C-2. The disk contains sample source code that concentrates on the topic at hand, and executable files that cover every subject in the book. The programmer will learn file and memory management.

Each of the book’s ten chapters covers a broad topic:

• From Windows to Windows NT--an Overview

• Building Your First Applications for Windows NT

• Memory Management

• File Management

• Using GDI in Windows NT

• Multitasking in Windows NT

• Synchronization of Threads and Process

• Introduction to NT System Security

• Portability Issues in Windows NT

• Multithreaded MDI

Chapter 5 is especially important, because the Win32 GDI has expanded significantly from previous versions of Windows. Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of new functions and concepts, such as wideline support and features that support the design of illustration and CAD software, and several new line drawing functions that, coupled with other features, can unlock a huge potential in programs that utilize the GDI.

The overall intent of this book is to get the developer writing Win32 applications in a short time, and soar from the confines of segmented memory to the heights of 32-bit addressing. Not only does Windows NT serve the current needs of users, it maintains a high degree of backward compatibility. This book will provide a solid foundation for anyone entering the world of this new technology.