Win98 Support Until 2006

[Stalemate]

Win98 users will be happy that the Jan. 15 2004 deadline for support of the Win98 family has been extended to 2006.

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39119028,00.htm

[confus-ed]

You do less work than I do ... nice find

"critical" security issues will be reviewed and "appropriate steps" taken

[ADisturbance]

Taken from http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=w98

Highlights & Top Issues

Attention
In accordance with the Microsoft Product Support Lifecycle, no-charge support for Windows 98 ended on July 1, 2003. Paid-only support will continue to be available from Microsoft at $35 per incident until January 16, 2004. Support will also be available from some third party providers.

Microsoft will also continue to offer a variety of self-help resources on the Product Support Services Web site until at least January 16, 2006, two years after phone support for Windows 98 ends on January 16, 2004. These resources include the Microsoft Knowledge Base and Newsgroups.

[TripleRLtd]

...Support will also be available from some third party providers.

... These resources include the Microsoft Knowledge Base and Newsgroups.

Well, of course, we techs ARE the 3rd party providers, and I don't know about you all, but I simply can't say than my services will end on such and such a date.

[Prince Abaddon]

I assume this also includes win98SE

[Stalemate]

I assume this also includes win98SE

Yup.

[JaxSon]

OK, I'm all confus-ed...and obviously, a little slow on the latest news.

Does this mean that M$ was going to stop the Windows Updates for Win98/98SE?!? And now, that's been extended?!?

I have several machines that work fine on Win98SE. If I need to install a fresh HD, then all of those "critical" security patches won't be available. Of course, this is all an attempt by the evil M$ to force the average joe to purchase XP. Hmmm...bummer...bummer.

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but us po' folks out here in the sticks of Texas can be a might slow sometimes.

[TripleRLtd]

OK, I'm all confus-ed...and obviously, a little slow on the latest news.

Does this mean that M$ was going to stop the Windows Updates for Win98/98SE?!? And now, that's been extended?!?

I have several machines that work fine on Win98SE. If I need to install a fresh HD, then all of those "critical" security patches won't be available. Of course, this is all an attempt by the evil M$ to force the average joe to purchase XP. Hmmm...bummer...bummer.

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious, but us po' folks out here in the sticks of Texas can be a might slow sometimes.

Yeah, it's their "End of Life" policy Jaxson. And, you must admit, '98 is gettin a little old in teeth, don't ya think? Yeah, that IS what they do...phase out "support" for old apps/OS's, but there really are reasons for upgrading...NO REALLY!!!
That being said, I support people on a small island in SW Florida, where many are still using 98 (a great step forward in it's day, btw), and I have to support it, as do sooo many other "third party" providers, as MS likes to call us, have to do...and the stink WE ALL raised (as with NT) has caused MS to change their policy...as they should. So, feel good about the fact that 98 will continue to be semi-supported, but start saving up for XP.
BTW
Texas, huh: Do you know Cleetus?

[confus-ed]

... And, you must admit, '98 is gettin a little old in teeth, don't ya think? Yeah, that IS what they do...phase out "support" for old apps/OS's, but there really are reasons for upgrading...NO REALLY!!!...

That's of course entirely debabtable ...

Errr my old lappies not 'up to' either 2000 or most definately not xp, however its more than capable of doing some browsing a bit of wp a few lightweight games, watching dvd's even (though there's no dvd in it ) ... anyway I see plenty of life in the old dog yet ... & there's thousands probably millions of folks in exactly the same position ... if Uncle Bill is gonna keep up with any security patches then whooo-hoo, ta very muchly... you just saved me having to become a linux guru ...

... Do you think its not dawned of the money grabbers at M$, that if they pull the plug on 98 they are just about to create a groundswell of interest & use of linux on all these 'perfectly good beasts' that don't need suped up wizzy graphics & a bucket full of ram, 'cos browsing, email & a few bits of wp & the odd excel worksheet are all they ever damn well do.

So name them reasons ... because for most folks I just don't see a need.

Don't even mention the word 'secure' in your answers ... because I don't believe it already ...

[kpataska]

I have a LOT of people that simply cannot afford newer technology to be able to run 2000, let alone XP on their machines.

This is great news for them. It means that their lowly machines can still receive pictures, email, etc.

While they can't run Doom 3 (drools...), they can enjoy the internet while they save for a new machine.

And I get home cooked meals! Last night was the best fried chicken I've ever had! (drooling more...)

Kenny P.
Visualize Whirled P.'s

[TripleRLtd]

That's of course entirely debabtable ...



So name them reasons ... because for most folks I just don't see a need.

Don't even mention the word 'secure' in your answers ... because I don't believe it already ...

Numero uno: you must have forgotten to read paragraph two! (Perhaps I should return to my "old" "poetic" style of writing?
Numero dos: in a word:STABILITY!!!!

[JaxSon]

The machines that I'm responsible for that are running Win98SE are all good stable machines. The only problems have been with the occasional HardDrive or modem going bad. Sure can't blame that on which version of WinDoze you're using. As plainly stated above, there are literally scores and scores of people who still use their Win98 machines for everyday, legit purposes who have no need for the "latest and greatest." Yes, Win98 might be getting old by today's stardards, but so what! Why fix something that ain't broke?

And no, I don't know Cletus. Don't forget, Texas is a helluva big place!

Having said that tho, here's one for teh Cletus: :butt:

[Stalemate]

...Errr my old lappies not 'up to' either 2000 or most definately not xp, ...

< 133MHz laptop? (http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...qs/default.asp)

You really know how to take care of your stuff to make it last that long!



Here are MS' Top 10 Reasons to Move to Windows 2000. Make of them what you will.

[ADisturbance]

Windows XP Professional System Requirements

Windows XP Home System Requirements

I have seen through working for an ISP that a large percentage of the machines still running Windows 98 would also qualify to run Windows XP home or pro as well. The most common reason I hear is people aren’t upgrading because " it still works fine " or " a new operating system costs too much " once we explain the difference in stability and tell them about the various viruses and Trojans that are spread because of the lack of available updates to Windows 98. 90% of them decide it would be beneficial to upgrade the operating system as a safety precaution.

[NooNoo]

I have to say I have seen win98 run beautifully for years, I have also seen machines that won run for 5 minutes.

Putting 98 on a machine built in the last 6-12 months is definitely difficult, and probably shouldn't be done. But I have 3 laptops - a 486 running 95, plays the dos games great for the kids, a p166 and a p2 300 - both running 98 great for doing little bits. Their batteries are shot, but thats all thats wrong with them. Why chuck out perfectly good machinery? hmmm now you got me going, anyone for Kings Quest?

PS, you can still get the 95 updates if you want them, just have to go fishing for 'em.