he Redmond company is locking in the history drawer two of its most
popular Windows versions – “Windows 98” and “Windows Millennium
Edition”.
According to a Neowin.net pose, Microsoft will end public and technical
support for “Windows 98”, “Windows 98 Second Edition”, and “Windows
Millennium Edition” (Me) on July 11, 2006. The lack of technical
support implies the lack
of future security updates.
The reason invoked by the software giant is that these products are
outdated and the OSs can expose customers to security risks.
As expected, Microsoft recommends those who are still using “Windows
98” and “Me” to switch to a new and safer operating system, that is
still receiving security patches every month, we might add. The OS
recommended by the company is “Windows XP”.
For those who no longer remember what happened eight years ago, let’s go back in time a bit and find out.
“Windows 98” (codename - Memphis) was released by Microsoft on June 25,
1998 and it was an improved version of “Windows 95”. The hybrid,
16-bit/32-bit, operating system had better AGP support, functional USB
drivers, and support for multiple monitors and WebTV. It was also the
first version of Windows to support ACPI. One of the most memorable
events from the OS presentation was the blue screen of death, which
occurred when an employee attempted to connect a scanner. Bill Gates
found himself in a rather embarrassing situation, and this is what he
had to say: “This is why we haven't shipped Windows 98 yet."
“Windows Millennium Edition” (code-named Millennium), also known as
“Windows Me”, was released on September 14, 2000, as a 16-bit/32-bit
operating system.
The most important features of the new OS were System Restore, Windows
File Protection, Universal Plug and Play and Windows Image Acquisition.
One of the biggest criticisms brought to “Windows Me” was its
instability, mainly due to problems generated by the incompatibility
with older drivers.
i guess 98 worked just too much and need to take rest ... but it will surely remain in the books of history ,.... as the best long runned os ... n the most popular on.... hats off to it....RIP
