David Weise's achievement in getting Windows 3 to operate in protected mode showcases significant advancements in operating system capabilities during the early 1990s. Protected mode allowed Windows 3 to utilize memory management features of Intel's 80386 processor, enabling multitasking and improved performance compared to real mode. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern Windows architecture, influencing its development and compatibility with applications. The shift to protected mode not only improved system stability but also introduced better resource management and security features, which are critical in today's computing environments. This discussion highlights the importance of legacy innovations in shaping contemporary technology, offering insights that could inspire future developments in operating systems and software compatibility.