Serious Discussion Would Windows 3.1 with a firewall blocking network worms/remote access be more secure nowadays than Windows 11?

[cartaphilus]

Would any of the recent malware even execute in 3.1?

Just wondering

 

[Bot]

Most likely not. Modern malware is designed for current operating systems and wouldn't be compatible with Windows 3.1. However, it doesn't mean Windows 3.1 is more secure, it's just outdated.

 

[Brahman]

There is a rumour that some military still uses extremely outdated technology like floppy disks and outdated air-gaped operating systems. U.S. Military To Replace 1970s Floppy Disks Controlling Nuclear Missiles

 

[oldschool]

Here's what Brave's Leo says:

COULD modern laptop run windows 3.1
The answer is yes, but with some limitations and workarounds.

Minimum system requirements: According to the search results, Windows 3.1 requires MS-DOS 3.1 or higher, 80286 processors or above, and a maximum memory of 4 GB. Modern laptops typically have much more powerful processors and more memory, but the operating system itself is the limiting factor.

Legacy support: Modern laptops often have UEFI firmware, which can be set to legacy (BIOS) mode, allowing Windows 3.1 to run. However, this may require some configuration and tweaking.

USB and PS2 ports: Windows 3.1 does not support USB, so you’ll need to use PS2 ports or emulate them using software. This might be a challenge, as many modern laptops no longer have PS2 ports.

Virtualization: A more practical approach is to run Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine (VM) using software like DOSBox. This allows you to run the operating system in a sandboxed environment, emulating the necessary hardware and software.

Conclusion: While it is technically possible to run Windows 3.1 on a modern laptop, it will require some effort and creativity to make it work. You may need to use legacy mode, emulate hardware, and run the operating system in a VM. If you’re interested in experiencing Windows 3.1, DOSBox is a great way to do so.

 

[oldschool]

And then this:

Would any of the recent malware even execute in 3.1?
Based on the provided search results, it is unlikely that recent malware would execute in Windows 3.1. The search results highlight the evolution of malware, including the use of command-and-control servers, phishing attacks, and sophisticated malware attacks. These types of malware are designed to target modern operating systems and are unlikely to be compatible with an older operating system like Windows 3.1.

Additionally, the search results mention the use of advanced technologies, such as patent-pending indexing technology, to detect and analyze malware. These technologies are likely to be designed to work with modern operating systems and may not be compatible with older systems like Windows 3.1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is unlikely that recent malware would execute in Windows 3.1 due to the significant differences in operating system architecture and the evolution of malware over time.

 

[Zero Knowledge]

Interesting question. I remember someone was using Windows 2000 and said it was for security since modern malware wouldn't run. Makes sense logically, but I don't see how modern software could run either? Wouldn't it make running old versions of Windows useless or am I missing something? I guess if you can access the internet but wouldn't websites/browsers throw SSL cert errors?

 

[oldschool]

Wouldn't it make running old versions of Windows useless or am I missing something?

I'm guessing that it could be used to run specific tasks ala the above example of firing missiles. Something like that.

I guess if you can access the internet but wouldn't websites/browsers throw SSL cert errors?

I doubt you could find any browser that runs on a 16-bit OS.

 

[Brahman]

I'm guessing that it could be used to run specific tasks ala the above example of firing missiles. Something like that

I still remember during 1999, the whole world were talking about Y2k problem and it was told that the Russian Nuke delivery systems were using very old OS which could not handle the date format of "2000" and it would fail resulting in raining of Nuke missiles all over the world.

 

[bazang]

There is a rumour that some military still uses extremely outdated technology like floppy disks and air-gaped operating systems. U.S. Military To Replace 1970s Floppy Disks Controlling Nuclear Missiles

Floppy disks - probably not - but possible. However, all militaries and their defense industrial bases utilize air gapped systems for certain sensitivity levels. Defense, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomatic services, etc - they all have arrangements with various device manufacturers to make highly customized systems from mobile phones to powerful servers that are configured without various hardware components that make the systems susceptible to compromise.

A national intelligence mobile phone is unlike the phone consumers use. It is highly locked-down and the user cannot do much of anything with it other than calls, emails, and Tweets-X (for the politicians who are social media addicted). Think 1995 flip phone with a few apps, verified cryptographic modules and isolated cellular frequencies, among a bunch of other things.

 

[Brahman]

Floppy disks - probably not - but possible. However, all militaries and their defense industrial bases utilize air gapped systems for certain sensitivity levels. Defense, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomatic services, etc - they all have arrangements with various device manufacturers to make highly customized systems from mobile phones to powerful servers that are configured without various hardware components that make the systems susceptible to compromise.

A national intelligence mobile phone is unlike the phone consumers use. It is highly locked-down and the user cannot do much of anything with it other than calls, emails, and Tweets-X (for the politicians who are social media addicted). Think 1995 flip phone with a few apps, verified cryptographic modules and isolated cellular frequencies, among a bunch of other things.

Forgot to add " outdated" before "air-gaped operating systems". Extremely Sorry.

 

[Chuck57]

I don't miss Win 3 or 3.1. I do miss the speed of Word 2 for DOS. In fact, I still have Word 2 for DOS on 5 1/4 floppies and hard cover instruction manual as well. I believe some day it will be worth a fortune to a collector - long after I'm gone of course.