Windows 98

Windows 98

Windows 98 is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows 9x family of operating systems. It was released to the public on June 25, 1998, and quickly became one of the most popular versions of Windows.

History

Windows 98 was the successor to Windows 95 and introduced several new features and improvements. It was the first version of Windows to include the Internet Explorer web browser as an integral part of the operating system. This integration allowed users to easily browse the internet and access online services.

Another notable feature of Windows 98 was the introduction of the Windows Driver Model (WDM), which provided a standardized way for hardware manufacturers to develop drivers for their devices. This made it easier for users to install and use hardware peripherals with their computers.

Features

Windows 98 introduced many new features and enhancements over its predecessor. Some of the key features include:

- Improved stability and performance: Windows 98 was designed to be more stable and reliable than Windows 95. It included various bug fixes and performance improvements, resulting in a smoother user experience.

- Enhanced multimedia capabilities: Windows 98 introduced DirectX 6.1, which improved the multimedia capabilities of the operating system. This allowed for better graphics and audio performance in games and multimedia applications.

- Improved networking support: Windows 98 included improved networking capabilities, making it easier for users to connect their computers to local area networks (LANs) and the internet. It also introduced support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), which simplified the process of connecting and configuring network devices.

- USB support: Windows 98 added native support for Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, making it easier to connect and use USB peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external storage devices.

Legacy

Windows 98 was a significant milestone in the evolution of the Windows operating system. It was widely adopted by both home and business users and remained popular for several years. However, as newer versions of Windows were released, such as Windows XP and Windows 7, Windows 98 gradually became outdated and unsupported.

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 98 on July 11, 2006, meaning that no further security updates or technical assistance are available for the operating system. Despite its discontinuation, Windows 98 still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many computer enthusiasts and is often remembered as a key milestone in the history of personal computing.

See Also

• Windows 95
• Windows XP
• Windows 7