Windows 98 Dies today

[Neoki]

Quote from bit-tech
Microsoft is switching off support for Windows 98 today.

The operating system has been going for 8 years now, and Microsoft is encouraging anyone still running it to switch to Windows XP! Of course, if your machine isn't quite fast enough for XP, you're a bit stuck.

The switch-off means no more telephone support, and no security fixes - meaning that the internet is about to become a very dangerous place for Windows 98 users. With no updates for the numerous security issues and viruses that arrive each week, a box is sure to be hosed before long.

The switch-off was originally due to happen in 2003, but Microsoft delayed it because a number of developing countries are still using Windows 98.

Microsoft said that "These older operating systems can expose customers to security risks." How about their newer operating systems, eh?

[sanderson]

While searching in the forum, found this topic. The title is quite interesting. What is your take on this? Is windows 98 died really?

[kev woodman]

If you're running a machine that's now so old it won't run XP then losing your data to a hacker is probably the least of your worries - I'd be more concerned about the harddrive going belly up. It's not viable for MS to keep teams of devs working forever to patch increasingly unused systems so I can't say I blame them for pulling the plug on 98.

| suppose if you are using kit that's that old you could always switch to Linux.

[Rodney]

Well it is not at all true.Windows 98 support may die from Microsoft's end. There are lots of people still using Windows 98.The elderly people and the kids are still using windows 98 and ME editions. They are not really comfortable to keep themselves updated with the new versions. Secondly they use it as they do not have enough money to buy new HDD and upgrade the OS as well. You might be surprised to know that there are people who are still using 386 and 486 PC’s and they enjoy working on them.
For Microsoft more than a security issue it’s about keeping qualified people to provide support for such older versions like windows 98.The same staff can be utilized for the newer versions that need to be troubleshot.

[kev woodman]

I'm sure there are people still using Windows 98 - I just don't think they have too much to complain about when MS pulls the plug.

[sanderson]

Oh then Windows 98 not died yet, is on the way. May be "Paralyzed" sounds good.

[kev woodman]

lol or comatose perhaps

[paul]

Any old technologies don't always die, whenever there will be users. The technology migrates not die and hence survive and so on the next-generation consoles coming over new technology.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Neoki

Microsoft is switching off support for Windows 98 today.

How can you expect windows 98 (in fact any other software from MS) is going to be survive without their support?

In fact you should know that it was the support on what 98 was breathing.

I am in total agreement with the option, swithing to Linux as suggested by Kev.

[kev woodman]

Too right Alex - I put me mum on Linux and she's never looked back. Mind you I had a surreal argument with her the other day over which was the best OS

[paul]

Alex, IDC software research shows There are still 21 million Windows 95 users out there and about 58 million Windows 98 users, the Knowledge Base might be intact there which is more useful than human support and that might be the reason they are happy with older version. Btw, on my personal view you should upgrade it and migrate to new version.

[kev woodman]

Cool stats Paul - cheers

[Alex]

I think this proverb well suits for them - Buy on the rumor; sell on the news.
These millions of poor users. They must have bought these os by paying huge $s. Now can't afford to upgrade their OSs as well as machines. Finance must be haling them to use those OSs!

You might know other reasons.

[Rodney]

Originally Posted by Alex

I think this proverb well suits for them - Buy on the rumor; sell on the news.
These millions of poor users. They must have bought these os by paying huge $s. Now can't afford to upgrade their OSs as well as machines. Finance must be haling them to use those OSs!

You might know other reasons.

Yes finance is the major reason and the second one is they do not want to come out of their comfort zone at all. They are happy using them.

[chris]

Yea it’s understandable that many people may not be changing because of finance criteria but many are just fine with it as they do not need any up-gradation and they are just so used to it as they find it easy to operate. I remember when I used to play all my games on 98 and it was so good with it but it’s always more fun to do stuff on the latest version.