DirectX

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Windows NT now supports DirectX for Win32 applications. DirectX for Windows NT 4 supports the application entry points called by programs designed for DirectX in Windows 95. This enables you to run DirectX programs unchanged under Windows NT even though they are not handled the same as under Windows 95. DirectX is designed to provide better response times to the following areas:

• DirectDraw provides accelerated drawing to the screen. This version of the DirectDraw API does not directly access the hardware as in Windows 95. Instead, it provides a thin layer above the actual hardware that maintains Windows NT device independence from the actual drivers. This more closely follows the Windows NT architecture. The GDI mediates the DirectDraw functions.
• DirectSound provides accelerated audio features. The DirectSound API gives you control over volume and real-time mixing of audio streams. Under Windows NT, there is no actual acceleration. Application entry points are provided for DirectSound calls, but these functions are emulated and are not in an accelerated format.
• DirectPlay provides easier communication over a network. It provides simpler methods for allowing communication to take place over networks using TCP/IP or NWLink IPX/SPX. Support is also provided for modem connections using the Windows Telephone API (TAPI).