Windows 98 Release

Windows operating systems have been at the core of personal computing for decades. One of the landmark versions that helped shape the modern PC experience was Windows 98. It brought with it several improvements in user interface, hardware support, and overall system stability. This article explains the release of Windows 98 in simple terms for beginners.

Windows 98 was developed by Microsoft as the successor to Windows 95. It was aimed at improving user experience, hardware compatibility, and system performance. It combined the look and feel of Windows 95 with improved support for new technologies and devices emerging in the late 1990s.

Release Date

Windows 98 was officially released on June 25, 1998.

New Features and Enhancements

• Improved Hardware Support: Windows 98 introduced better support for USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices, making it easier to connect peripherals like printers, scanners, and cameras.
• Internet Integration: Internet Explorer 4 was integrated into the desktop, allowing web content to be directly viewed on the desktop through a feature called Active Desktop.
• Faster Boot Time: Startup time was improved compared to Windows 95.
• System File Checker: A new utility to help detect and restore corrupted system files.
• Windows Driver Model (WDM): Introduced to improve driver support and compatibility.
• FAT32 Support: Enhanced support for the FAT32 file system, allowing use of larger hard drives.
• Better Display Settings: Enhanced graphics options, including multiple monitor support.

Pros of Windows 98

• More stable and efficient than Windows 95.
• Better support for modern hardware of that time, including USB devices.
• Enhanced web integration with Internet Explorer.
• Improved user interface and system tools.

Cons of Windows 98

• Still based on MS-DOS, which limited stability and security.
• Compatibility issues with some older hardware and software.
• Could be slow on computers with low memory or older CPUs.
• Internet Explorer integration was controversial and led to legal issues for Microsoft.

Next Version After Windows 98

The version that followed Windows 98 was Windows ME (Millennium Edition), released on September 14, 2000. It was designed as a home-user-focused OS with improved multimedia and home networking features.