|
|
||
|
Windows 98 is a 32-bit operating system designed for personal computers by Microsoft. Windows 98 was officially released June 25, 1998. Microsoft positioned Windows 98 as a consumer Windows operating system and specifically targeted 'home' PC users (corporate and large businesses were encouraged to use Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or the newer Windows XP). Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released a year later and included various bug fixes as well as Internet Explorer version 5.
Microsoft Windows 98
Similarities between Windows 95 and Windows 98:
- Desktop - The Windows 98 graphical interface and desktop layout is essentially cosmetically identical to the Windows 95 interface.
Main Differences between Windows 95 and Windows 98:
- Numerous bug fixes - Windows 98 is more stable - less crashes. More reliable - fewer general protection fault errors.
- Supports more hardware devices - larger number of device drivers included with OS.
- Faster bootup, quicker shutdown times. Large applications such as Adobe Photoshop open quicker.
- Windows Update Wizard via Internet connection - No need to download separate system patches every few month. Simply run the Windows Update wizard via the
button on the taskbar to upgrade operating system components and drivers.
- Built-in web browser - Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4.01 web browser
has been integrated into the desktop. Window 98 SE comes with IE 5.
- Supports Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (APCI) which provides better power management and supports OnNow PCs.
- Supports the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and Firewire. No need to reboot when plugging in new USB peripheral devices such as scanners, speakers, and monitors. Assuming your PC has the correct hardware, Windows 98 supports newer video camcorders designed with Firewire ports.
- Supports hard disk partition sizes up to a terabyte. Previously in Windows 95 hard disks were limited to a 2-gigabyte hard disk partition limit.
- New System Tools
to troubleshoot and keep your computer maintained. This includes a new 'Registry Checker', 'System File Checker' as well as the old utilities such as 'Dr. Watson' and 'scandisk'.
- Multiple monitor support - You can connect multiple monitors to your PC (each monitor requires its own video adapter card).
- A FAT16 to FAT32 File System Utility converter to efficiently maximize the usage of hard disk space. Converting a harddisk to FAT32 can free up to 20 - 30 % of your hard disk.
- A 'Task scheduler' to schedule any application or script, which is useful if you run user-defined tasks and batch files.
- Win 98's Maintenance Wizard invokes the WinAlign process, runs Defrag and performs other functions that tune up your PC.
- Better accessibility for physically challenged people - including a magnifier.
- Much better 'Help' and integration with help via the web.
- Updated 'Dial-Up Networking' and improved TCP/IP stack for more reliable Internet access.
Other Niceties:
- Includes the Desktop Themes that were available in the Windows 95 Plus pack.
- Disk Cleanup Utility.
- Deletes old unnecessary temporary files and Internet cached files.
- The stretching of desktop wallpaper image files to fit the entire desktop. Previously in Windows 95, if you used a photograph as the Windows background wallpaper the image could only be centered or tiled.
- Can directly edit items on the Start menu bar with right mouse click. Clipboard viewer accessory can be used to view contents of the clipboard.
- Calculator includes 'Scientific' mode.
- Included Kodak imaging software to scan documents.
- Taskbar is more customizable. Ability to type in URL in address field on taskbar.
Potential Problems:
- Everything appears like a web page (even files on hard disk).
- Active desktop can be annoying - channels still do not seem to work correctly.
- Certain programs may not work in FAT32 filesystem.
- Microsoft Fax is no longer included in the operating system. (Microsoft recommends using Outlook).
Hardware Requirements:
Microsoft's Official minimum requirements:
Our recommendations:
486DX / 66 MHz
Pentium 133 or greater
16 MB of Random Access Memory (RAM)
32-64 MB of Random Access Memory (RAM) or greater
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive (3.5" high-density disks available for additional charge).
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
Typical installation requires approximately 195 MB of free hard disk space, but may range between 120 MB to 295 MB, depending on your system configuration and the options you choose to install.
295 MB for full install - 2 gigabyte hard drive or greater is recommended for average users.
VGA or higher-resolution monitor.
SVGA or higher-resolution monitor.
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
ATX power supply and ATX compatible motherboard to take advantage of auto turn on - off and sleep mode features.
Reality Check:
Cnet's performance preview tests actually show that Windows 98 performance is a little bit slower than Windows 95.
Many features will not work without newer hardware. For example to use auto power on and auto power off or sleep mode you will need ATX power supply and ATX compatible motherboard as well as a BIOS that supports these features. To use USB devices you r PC must have USB ports.
During a beta test of Windows 98, the operating system crashed while demonstrating the use of a USB scanner. See quicktime video.
Questions:
Can I upgrade from a Windows 3.x machine and or Windows 95 machine to Windows 98? Yes.Will Windows 98 be upgradeable to Windows XP? Yes
What is the price of Windows 98? The upgrade price is $89 to $109 (if you own a previous Windows version 3.x or Windows 95). If you do not own a previous version of Windows, the price is $179 - $209.
What version of the operating system do I need to upgrade from? Microsoft Windows 3.x or Windows 95.
How long does it take to upgrade? Upgrading a Pentium II 266 mhz machine with 64 MB RAM from Windows 95 to Windows 98 took approximately 1 hr and 20 minutes. Upgrading a 486 66 mhz machine with 16 MB RAM from Windows 95 to Windows 98 took about 4 hours.
Other Resources for Windows 98 Information:
Online Resources:
Microsoft's Official Windows 98 web site is located at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/default.asp
Zdnet's Windows Resources 'Windows 98: Is it Worth Upgrading': http://www.zdnet.com/windows
Recommended Books:
The Microsoft Windows 98 Resource Guide published by Microsoft Press $49 - $75
HOME
Site Home | What We Do | Help Desk | Account Services | Software | Hardware | Network
Telephone Services | Training | Computer Labs | Web Publishing | Policies | Sitemap | Contact Us
Last Modified: 10 Apr 2001
doit@sfsu.edu
