Posted on 06/09/2006 11:03:25 AM PDT by HAL9000
Excerpt -
Microsoft again warned today that customers face security risks if they use some of its ageing operating systems after it ends support for them next month.The systems affected are Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Millennium Edition. Support will end on 11 July, the next date for Microsoft's monthly security patches and software updates.
Security updates will also end, a posting on the Microsoft Security Response Center said.
~ snip ~
(Excerpt) Read more at pcadvisor.co.uk ...
Windows ME has never run well on any computer I've owned. Good riddance.
Should we not put the same time frames on all Microsoft patents? 6-8yrs.
I would not. There is no imperative to upgrade him so long as the system is working. Just because MS drops support does not mean that the computer stops working or that crackers are going to start producing malware for his platform. In fact, right now, he is probably safer than many XP users. In this instance, security by obscurity DOES work. Nobody is going to develop a new virus for ME.
So, is it possible to upgrade my operating system or is it cheaper to just get a whole new PC?
1968 Smith-Corona.
Well, if you continue to use 98/ME, and someone writes a virus that affects them, you're [O]SOL.
Hmmmm . . . good point. I tend to paranoid about viruses with him because he doesn't have a clue how to update virus software or even install MS patches, or how to identify e-mails that shouldn't be opened (fortunately, he also seems to be unable to remember how to open attachments or click on links). He did, however, manage to get a nasty virus a couple of years back, which required replacing his hard drive (fortunately all the data was salvageable, especially his beloved novel, which he can't seem to remember how to back up on a disk). I paid some techy outfit to take care of the whole thing, and they said they'd seen this unusual virus before -- it causes the hard drive to swing back and forth wildly and physically break itself!
What! I have to buy a new computer?
Microsoft says they'll start selling Windows Vista operating system in a few months to replace Windows XP. It would be a challenge to run Vista on a computer designed for Windows 98. I believe many owners of older computers will be purchasing new machines over the next couple of years.
Look into the iRiver H10. Much less money than an iPod and a better unit.
I believe many owners of older computers will be purchasing new machines over the next couple of years.
I've got an XP machine that does run circles around his. He knows it. I don't know why he's been reluctant to upgrade. Puters are cheap nowadays.
While MS is ending support for 98 and ME, they will be releasing a thin-client version of XP that enables some compatibility.
Not only that, but many people who are considering newer computers after running 98 or ME are likely to look for lower-end computers that might be barely able to run Vista (if at all).
Anybody still using Windows 98 probably still uses a VCR and drives a 1986 Ford Escort. Anybody still using Windows ME probably still uses AOL and that talking paper clip thing in Microsoft Office.
XP Home edition upgrade can be had for as little as around $75 (I just checked Amazon). You may want to put another RAM chip in first. You can turn off the eye candy and have it almost look like 98, and it'll run faster. I had XP running like this on an old 350 HMz laptop with 160 MB RAM (bought a 128 MB stick to extend the 32MB) and it ran fine for basic stuff like email and Web browsing.
Even cheaper of course is seeing if Linux will install. Get a CD of Knoppix or such, put it in the CD-ROM drive and boot from it (it won't touch your current Windows install). You know you're okay for a full install on the hard drive if everything works fine.
Funny, I was just at a store playing with these. To me it was ugly and clunky compared to the iPod.
And now you can get a Nano for free if you buy a MacBook (or a Nano's worth of credit towards a bigger iPod). Offer's open through September 16th.
Take me to the iRiver...put me in the water...
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