Windows NT Workstation provides a standard, comprehensive set of protected environment subsystems that include the following:
These environment subsystems support most applications available today.
Windows NT Workstation supports most legacy applications, except where the methods used by those applications for accessing system resources would compromise security or reliability. This includes applications that require direct access to system hardware, a virtual device driver (VXD), or a Terminate and Stay Resident program (TSR).
Windows 95 was designed to provide the broadest range of software compatibility, and is often the best choice for older legacy applications. You should test your applications on both Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation.