Windows for Workgroups 3.11
TLDR: Windows for Workgroups 3.11, released by Microsoft in 1993, was an enhanced version of Windows 3.1 that introduced built-in networking capabilities. It targeted small businesses and home offices by integrating peer-to-peer networking, allowing users to share files and printers over a local network without a dedicated server. It also provided support for 32-bit file access, significantly improving performance and multitasking capabilities compared to its predecessor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_for_Workgroups
The hallmark of Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was its networking functionality. It included NetBIOS and NetBEUI protocols, making it easy to set up and manage local area networks. It also supported TCP/IP (NetBIOS over TCP/IP) through optional software, paving the way for basic internet connectivity. Its peer-to-peer architecture allowed users to share resources directly, reducing the need for costly infrastructure. The operating system also integrated support for VFAT, enabling the use of long file names and improving compatibility with future Windows releases.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health
Another significant feature was its enhanced performance due to 32-bit file and disk access, which bypassed the 16-bit DOS-based drivers used in previous versions. This allowed for faster data handling and more efficient multitasking. Windows for Workgroups 3.11 was a transitional product that bridged the gap between early graphical operating systems and the fully networked environments of later Windows versions, setting the stage for Windows 95 and its broader internet and networking support.