Windows 98

Windows 98

File:Windows 98 logo.png
File:Win98.png Screenshot of Windows 98
Developer	Microsoft
OS family	Microsoft Windows
Source model	Closed source
Released to manufacturing	June 25 1998
Latest release	4.10.2222A / May 5 1999
Kernel type	Monolithic kernel
License	Microsoft EULA
Support status
Unsupported as of July 11 2006

Windows 98 (codenamed Memphis) is a graphical operating system released on June 25 1998 by Microsoft and the successor to Windows 95. Like its predecessor, it is a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit monolithic product based on MS-DOS.

The first edition of Windows 98 is designated by the internal version number 4.10.1998, or 4.10.1998A if it has been updated with the Security CD from Microsoft. Windows 98 Second Edition is designated by the internal version number 4.10.2222A, or 4.10.2222B if it has been updated with the Security CD from Microsoft. The successor to Windows 98 is Windows Me.

Windows 98 Second Edition

File:Win98secover.JPG

Cover of the Windows 98 Second Edition Box

Windows 98 Second Edition (often shortened to SE) is an update to Windows 98, released on May 5 1999. It includes fixes for many minor issues, improved USB support, and the replacement of Internet Explorer 4.0 with the significantly faster Internet Explorer 5. Also included is Internet Connection Sharing, which allow multiple computers on a LAN to share a single Internet connection through Network Address Translation. Other features in the update include Microsoft NetMeeting 3.0 and integrated support for DVD-ROM drives. However, it is not a free upgrade for Windows 98, but a stand-alone product. This can cause problems if programs specifically request Windows 98 SE, but the user only owns Windows 98. Also included on the CD-ROM was the option to install Microsoft Plus! themes for Windows 98. A list of all features new to Windows 98 Second Edition can be found here: KB234762 successor to windows 95

New driver standards

Windows 98 was the first operating system to use the Windows Driver Model (WDM). This fact was not well published when Windows 98 was released and most hardware producers continued to develop drivers for the older driver standard, VxD. This resulted in the misconception that Windows 98 can use only VxD drivers. The WDM standard spread years after its release, mostly through Windows 2000 and Windows XP, because these systems are not compatible with the older VxD standard. Today, even if hardware producers are not developing drivers optimized for Windows 98, the drivers written to WDM standards are compatible with Windows 98–based systems.

System requirements

• 486 DX2, 66 MHz or higher processor
• 16MB of RAM (24MB recommended)
• At least 500 MB of space available on HDD. The amount of space required depends on the installation method and the components selected, but virtual memory and system utilities as well as drivers should be taken into consideration.

• Upgrading from Windows 95 (FAT16) or 3.1 (FAT): 140-400 MB (typically 205 MB).
• New installation (FAT32): 190-305 MB (typically 210 MB).
• Note: Both Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE can have significant problems associated with hard drives that are over 32 Gigabytes (GB) in size. This issue only occurs with certain Phoenix BIOS settings. A software update has been made available to fix this shortcoming.

• VGA or higher resolution monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.

Press demonstration

The release of Windows 98 was preceded by a notable press demonstration at Comdex in April 1998. Microsoft CEO Bill Gates was highlighting the operating system's ease of use and enhanced support for Plug and Play (PnP). However, when program manager Chris Capossela plugged in a scanner and attempted to install it, the operating system crashed, showing a BSOD. Video footage of this event became a popular Internet phenomenon.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Windows 98 is a hybrid 16/32-bit operating system. It has lower system requirements than Windows 2000 or Windows XP; working generally better than those fully 32-bit Windows OS's when used on computers manufactured before the year 2000 (For example: with an Intel Pentium II or lower class or speed processor).

The graphical user interface [GUI] runs on a DOS-based layer. Through Windows 98's memory managers and other post-DOS improvements, the overall system performance and functionality is improved.

Windows 98 also offers regressive support for DOS applications in the form of being able to boot into a native "DOS Mode" (MS-DOS can be booted without booting Windows, not putting the CPU in protected mode). This differs from the emulation used in Windows NT-based operating systems. Some very old applications or hardware require "DOS Mode". Having a Command Line mode outside of the GUI also offers the ability to fix certain system errors without entering the GUI. For example, if a virus is active in GUI mode it can often be safely removed in DOS mode, by deleting it's files, which are usually locked while infected in Windows 98. Windows 98 can be started from DOS Mode by typing 'WIN'<enter> at the command prompt.

This is the most recent fully backwards compatible version of Windows (Windows 98 SE), able to run all older versions of Windows and MS-DOS. It can run very old applications that were written for Windows 3.0, while also being able to run many more current applications.

Windows 98 is smaller in disk and memory requirements than newer Microsoft operating systems. Windows 98 can be installed in less than 250 megabytes of hard drive space. It also has a small memory footprint.

Disadvantages

Windows 98 has never been as stable as common users required, for many reasons. Often the software developers of drivers and applications had insufficient experience with creating programs for the 'new' system, thus causing many errors which have been generally described as "system errors" by users, even if the error was not caused by parts of Windows or DOS. Windows 98 can gain high stability, on par with newer versions of Windows, by using high quality device drivers and carefully selecting application programs.

Other OS that were available at the same time as Windows 98 are either multi-user or have multiple user accounts with different access privileges, which allows important system files (such as the kernel image) to be immutable under most user accounts. In contrast, while Windows 98 offers the option of having profiles for multiple users, it has no concept of access privileges, making it roughly equivalent to a single-user, single-account operating system; during login, the system can be accessed by pressing "Cancel", even if the default user installed a password; this means that all processes can modify all files on the system that aren't open, in addition to being able to modify the boot sector and perform other low-level hard drive modifications. This enables viruses and other clandestinely installed software to integrate themselves with the operating system in a way that is difficult for ordinary users to detect or undo.

Its biggest limit is hardware handling. Although it was originally designed to handle up to 2 and 4 GB of physical and virtual memory respectively , computers capable of using that much memory were simply unavailable when developing the operating system. As a result, systems with more than 512 MB of physical memory may display errors or not run at all , and interfere with the operation of VCache. A workaround for systems with excess RAM can be done by changing system settings in the System.ini file: go to the [VCache] section and set MaxFileCache to a smaller value, or go to [386Enh] section and set MaxPhysPage to a stable value.

There is no native support for SATA drives, multi-threading or multi-core processors, and most hardware manufacturers do not ship drivers for Windows 98SE any more, so current high-end graphics cards and peripherals do not work properly or at all.

Some newer application installation wizards refuse to install on Windows 98 systems, sometimes even when the application doesn't actually need a newer version of Windows. This is seen as a move by Microsoft and affiliated companies to 'persuade' customers to upgrade to more advanced operating systems.

Support is not included for generic built-in USB 2.0 storage-drives. Unofficial extensions are available to provide this.

Windows 98 does not support file encryption, unlike Windows NT.

Windows 98 System tools

• ScanDisk - Well known program used to maintain the file system. It offers a DOS and a GUI version. Used to check the integrity of the file system and files stored within.
• Disk Defragmenter - Used to counter the negative effects of filesystem fragmentation. It collects fragmented file parts, reconnects them and rearranges all files in optimal order, thus speeding up file access and allowing faster boot times. Note that Microsoft changed the utility shipping with Windows 2000 and XP, which operates faster than the previously used program but can destroy data when partitioning hard disk drives. This happens as, contrary to the old program, the new defragmenter doesn't necessarily put all files on the same sectors, resulting in the deletion of files when a used drive is partitioned.
• Scanreg - Used to restore the System registry. It tests the registry's integrity and saves a backup copy each time. The maximum amount of copies is eight. Due to a bug the oldest registry copy available cannot be restored (before restoration, the current configuration is backed up and it erases the oldest registry backup listed). The restoration of a faulty registry can only be done in DOS mode. Important DOS commands: scanreg/opt - optimizes the registry by deleting dead entries; scanreg/fix - repairs registry settings.
• Msconfig - A system utility used to disable programs and services which are not required to run the computer. It is a very efficient tool that can multiply the system's stability and speed.
• Sysedit - A system utility used to modify system configuration files in a text window.
• Regedit - Allows manual editing of the registry.

Editions

Release	Version	Release Date	Internet Explorer
Windows 98	4.10.1998	June 25, 1998	4.0
Windows 98 Second Edition	4.10.2222A	May 5, 1999	5.0

Expanding modules

Windows 98SE can be upgraded with various versions of DirectX, including version 9.0c from August 2007. Microsoft .NET Framework including version 2.0 is supported, however .NET Framework 3 is not supported. Win98 also supports MDAC ver. 2,8. The highest Internet Explorer release available is version 6.0 with Service Pack 1, the same version included with Windows XP SP1. It can handle the Visual C++ 2005 library and L2TP/IPec VPN client by Microsoft and MSIA services (for *.msi installations). Windows Media Player 9.0 can also be installed without problems. Firefox 2.0.0.7 is the last version of Firefox that supports Windows 95/98/Me.

Product life cycle

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), Microsoft decided to maintain support until July 11 2006. Support for Windows Me also ended on this date.

References

Microsoft Windows 98 Review - IT Reviews

External links

• HPC:Factor Windows 98 / 98SE Patches & Updates Guide
• A discussion board at MSFN containing links to unofficial upgrades and patches for this system.
• Windows 98 System Requirements
• GUIdebook: Windows 98 Gallery - A website dedicated to preserving and showcasing Graphical User Interfaces
• Toastytech Windows 98 Review
• howden.net.nz GUI Gallery Windows 98 Review
• BBC News: BBC News: Microsoft shuts down Windows 98
• PC World: The shut down of Windows 98 is a cause for concern
• Daylight Saving Time (DST) Fix
• Windows 98 Generic USB Mass Storage Device Drivers - enables Windows 98 SE to support most modern USB flash drives.