Windows 98
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Windows 98 (codenamed Memphis during development) is a graphical operating system released on June 25 1998 by Microsoft.
The new operating system was essentially an updated version of Windows 95, and like that earlier version, it was a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit product. Among its features were better AGP support, functional USB drivers, and support for multiple monitors and WebTV. Also added was support for the FAT32 file system which allowed Windows 98 support disk partitions larger than the two gigabyte maximum accepted by Windows 95. As in later releases of Windows 95, Internet Explorer continued to be integrated into the Windows Explorer interface (a feature which was called Active Desktop). It was also the first version of Windows to support ACPI.
Although the upgrade sold well from the outset, Windows 98 was substantially larger and slower than Windows 95 and the original release had a significant number of compatibility and stability issues.#redirect
The release of Windows 98 was preceded by a notable press demonstration at Comdex, in April 1998. Microsoft CEO Bill Gates highlighted the operating system's ease of use and enhanced support for Plug and Play (PnP). However, when his assistant plugged in a scanner and attempted to install it, the operating system crashed. [link] Bill Gates quipped that "this must be why we're not shipping Windows 98 yet." Video footage of this event became a popular Internet meme.
Windows 98 "First Edition" is designated by the internal version numbers 4.10.1998, or 4.10.1998A if it has been updated with the Security CD from Microsoft.
Windows 98 Second Edition
Windows 98 Second Edition (Windows 98 SE) was released on May 5 1999. It included fixes for many minor issues, the replacement of Internet Explorer 4.0 with the significantly faster and lighter Internet Explorer 5, and Internet Connection Sharing, which allowed multiple computers on a LAN to share a single Internet connection through Network Address Translation. Also added was Microsoft NetMeeting 3.0, and integrated support for DVD Playback.
Although it was a successful product, it was not a free upgrade for Windows 98 (first edition) customers.
Windows 98 was succeeded by Windows Me, which was in turn shortly succeeded by Windows XP Home Edition.
Microsoft planned to discontinue its support for Windows 98 on January 16 2004. However, due to the continued popularity of the operating system (27% of Google's pageviews were on Windows 98 systems during October-November, 2003), Note: A graphic depicting the decline in use of Windows 98 from June 2001 to June 2004 as an operating system to access Google is available on Wikimedia Commons; [IMAGE]. Microsoft decided to maintain support until July 11 2006. Support for Windows Me also ended on this date.
Windows 98 Second Edition is designated by the internal version numbers 4.10.2222A or 4.10.2222B if it has been updated with the Security CD from Microsoft.
System requirements
- From Microsoft Windows 98 SE manual
- 486 DX, 66 MHz or higher processor
- 24 MB of RAM (More memory improves performance)
- Adequate Space available on your Hard Disk. The amount of space required depends on your installation method and the options you select.
See also
References
General references
External links
- [HPC:Factor Windows 98 / 98SE Patches & Updates Guide]
- [Windows 98 System Requirements]
- [Windows 98 USB Mass Storage Device Drivers] - Required to make flash drives and other USB mass storage devices work under Windows 98
- [Windows 98/98SE UpgradePack] - English Upgrade-Pack Movie Maker 1 system updates and more for Windows 98
- [GUIdebook: Windows 98 Gallery] - A website dedicated to preserving and showcasing Graphical User Interfaces
- [Bill Gates gets the BSoD at the unveiling of Windows 98]
- [BBC News: Microsoft shuts down Windows 98]
- [Maintenance tips for users of W98 and ME after suspension of support from Microsoft]
| MS-DOS–based: | 1.0 • 2.0 • 3.0 • 3.1x • 95 • 98 • Me |
| NT-based: | NT 3.1 • NT 3.5 • NT 3.51 • NT 4.0 • 2000 • XP • Server 2003 • FLP (thin-client) |
| CE-based: | CE 2.0 • CE 3.0 • CE 4.0 • CE 5.0 • Mobile |
| Forthcoming: | Vista • CE 6.0 • Server "Longhorn" • "Fiji" • "Vienna" |
| Other projects: | Neptune • Nashville • Cairo • OS/2 |
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