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Windows 98

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Windows 98
File:Windows 98 logo.gif
A typical Windows 98 Desktop.
DeveloperMicrosoft
OS familyWindows 9x
Working stateSupported (Until July 11, 2006)
Source modelClosed source
Latest release4.10.2222A / April 23, 1999
Kernel typeMonolithic kernel
LicenseMicrosoft EULA
Official websitewww.microsoft.com/windows98

Windows 98 (codename Memphis) 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. As in later releases of Windows 95, Internet Explorer continued to be integrated into the Windows GUI (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.

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 is a similar release when compared to service packs in 2005. It included fixes for many minor issues, the replacement of Internet Explorer 4 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 NAT. Also added was Netmeeting 3, and support for DVD Playback.

It was a successful product, though it was not a free upgrade for Windows 98 (first edition) customers.

Windows 98 was succeeded by Windows ME when a "consumer" version of Windows 2000 was abandoned (which was code-named Windows Neptune); Windows ME was in turn 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 [1]), Microsoft decided to maintain support until June 30, 2006. Support for Windows ME will also end on that 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.

The system requirements of Windows 98 Second Edition are: a 66 MHz processor, 24 MB RAM and at least 210 MB of free hard disk space.

See also

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