Windows 98 Phased Out

Via_Patrino writes "According to Microsoft on january 16, MS Windows 98 and 98se will end Extended Support Phase, that means they'll became obsolete and assisted support will no longer be available from Microsoft, affecting about 27% of the internet users. That means even if 98 is working well for your needs (and especially computer specifications) and you want to pay for support (because that might cost less than switching hardware) you can't, because who will be able to patch eventual new bugs (security related or not) besides Microsoft? So if you're not planning a switch it might be your last opportunity to update MS Windows 98, after that some software might disappear from MS website (just like MSIE 5.5 for 95 did)."

Comments

Win98 vulnerabilities will still be patched

[Teckla]

Before people panic in the streets, it should be made clear that MS still plans to patch vulnerabilities in Win98. Hopefully this means people will keep using Windows Update to keep their system as risk free (from viruses, trojans, etc.) as reasonably possible. (Besides using things like virus scanners and anti-spyware tools, of course!)

-Teckla

Re:Win98 vulnerabilities will still be patched

[Anonymous Coward]

Could you post a link to a URL where this is stated?

Re:Win98 vulnerabilities will still be patched

[Anonymous Coward]

"Key Dates:
No-charge incident support ends June 30, 2003
Extended hotfix support ends June 30, 2003
Paid incident support ends January 16, 2004
Details:
Microsoft will offer paid-incident support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) through January 16, 2004. Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE downloads for existing security issues will continue to be available through regular assisted-support channels at no charge during this time. Customers can request Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE fixes for new security issues, and these requests will be reviewed. Fixes for any new security issues can be specifically requested through regular assisted-support channels. Web-based self-help support will be available for at least one year after assisted support ends. Mainstream support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE ended on June 30, 2002. No-charge incident support and extended hotfix support end on June 30, 2003."

Re:27% of google users use windows 98

[Trurl's Machine]

That does not mean anything - many niche OS users keep their niche browsers identyfying as "Microsoft Explorer for Windows" just to fool javascript websites that display the stupid "If you don't have MSIE, you can't access us, goodbye" messages. Even my Safari identifies itself as MSIE 6.0, otherwise my damned bank wouldn't let me check my own bloody account.

Re:Laughable

[King_TJ]

I love OS X myself, but I still have to say you're off base a bit on '98. The nice thing about Win '98 is MS had the product out for so long, they did quite a few revisions to it, improving things like USB support and networking capabilities. The original '98 release might not have been spectacular, but most people I know found that '98 "Second Edition" was about as good as Windows ever got, before changing to the NT-based design found in 2000 and XP.

When they did the Windows Millenium version, THAT'S where they really blew it. All they did was add fluff, plus a half-broken system to roll-back to previous system states that ends up slowing the whole thing down.

I don't know how you can claim Windows '95 was superior to '98, when it lacked USB support completely, had very little native device driver support by comparison, didn't support Internet Connection Sharing or even support for internal ISDN modems (no native support for bonding multiple 64K "B" data channels together), and a slew of other things.

... So?

[CeleronXL]

Why does everyone make a big stink and bi0tch at Microsoft for doing something like this? Very few companies provide any support at all for old versions of products. Many will cease support old versions the very instant a new version comes out, and will tell its users to upgrade to the newest version if they want support.

Microsoft, on the other hand, provides support for it's software for five (?) years, even after it's been succeeded by Windows 2000/XP!

Re:Who cares...

[Lussarn]

No, because redhat is open source he does have an argument.

unofficial redhat patches nr. 1
unofficial redhat patches nr. 2

Now, where are those unofficial windows patches?

Win98 vulnerabilities will still be patched ..NOT!

[Mostly a lurker]

For information straight from the horse's mouth, see http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/desktop /consumer/default.mspx

Microsoft will offer paid incident support on Windows 98/98 SE through January 16, 2004. Windows 98/98 SE downloads for existing security issues will continue to be obtainable through normal assisted support channels at no charge during this time. Customers can request Windows 98/98 SE fixes for new security issues and these requests will be reviewed. Fixes for any new security issues can be specifically requested through normal assisted support channels. Web-based self-help support will be available for at least one year after assisted support has concluded. Mainstream support for Windows 98/98 SE ended on June 30, 2002, and no-charge incident support and extended hotfix support ends on June 30, 2003.

Translation: until January 16 2004, fixes to new security issues can be requested and will be considered (no guarantees); after January 16 2004, you can download the old fixes for a while.

Re:People will keep using it, regardless...

[maelstrom]

It would be helpful if you posted a list of what you used your computer for. If it is surfing the 'net, writing simple word docs, etc, you can probably use Linux to accomplish the same tasks, and have it supported.

Here's a link to Windows Updates for IT Managers

[Anonymous Coward]

Windows Update Catalog

This is Microsoft's description from their Windows 98 Downloads page:

If you are a corporate IT Manager and would like to download Windows 98 Updates for installation at a later time or on a different machine, please click here. This site is designed for Advanced Users who are familiar with the Windows Registry and know how to roll back to previous versions of software. Downloads for International Updates Now available! Just choose the component you are interested in, and when you choose to download, you will be given the option to download the updates in the language of your choice.

Download 'em all before January 16, them burn 'em onto a CD. We just don't know how long those updates will be available.

It's like the auto industry.

[DigiShaman]

Just because you might drive a 57 Chevy does NOT mean Chevrolet should still provide new parts for that car. If you really want to keep that car, then your only choice is to go with aftermarket parts (Linux as an OS for the PC) and/or parts from a junk yard or bought directly from someone else (EBay and computer swap meets)

Of course, it would just be more cost effective to buy a new car that comes backed by a warrenty. A shiny new PC with XP in this case from Dell.

Seriously, why should MS be forced to support there older software for as long as they do. I would say they are being more then fair about it with ample warning ahead of time. I doubt you can say the same thing for Apple. They are notorious for leaving their users high and dry when it comes to support after a few years of Mac ownership.