Windows 95/98: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support
I'm a gamer we have to have supported software
by slacko_mitch - 4/21/06 2:09 PM In reply to: if i were you stick with 98 hackers dont attack older system by hitincI see computers gong brand new for $299, running xp media. these usually run a sempron, 512ram, 100 gig harddrive, dvd writer, standard nvidia builtin graphics, and speakers. monitor not included. I recommend Emachine or storebuilt but for a hundred more you can get a dell Hp /compac really suck with there support and quality on anything less than $1000 so stay awy from them if you spend less than that.
Newer games get hacked to install on 9x. Most run fine.
by denniseckhaus - 4/21/06 3:15 PM In reply to: I'm a gamer we have to have supported software by slacko_mitchNewer games may not auto install on 9x but I've noticed folks getting them to install with a few hacks. Once there, they work fine.
And, gamers likely have better system's already than those low priced one's you've mentioned. Many bought 98SE instead of XP on purpose.
Of course nowaday's the drivers for major component's like videocard's are optimized best for XP. So yeah, at this point it's better for a gamer but 9x is still workable.
The question was about the bugs and security. I don't think 9x is that bad. When folk's are ready to get a new computer is the time for them to upgrade. At this point they might just as well wait for Windows Vista.
However, folks who really don't want to read, learn a bit, download 3rd party fixes, etc. They ought to buy a copy of XP as Windows Update is going bye, bye.
I use Windows Update for XP, but for 9x by the time I get there they rarely have any updates for me. I've already appied them myself. People who don't want to do that really should buy XP.
It appears the replies have missed something. . .
by Coryphaeus - 4/21/06 4:44 PM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02Your machine meets XP requirements.
Here's What You Need to Use Windows XP Home Edition
• PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
• 128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
• 1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.*
• Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Unless you've omitted something, your machine will handle XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx
Wayne
There are 10 types of people who understand binary; those that do and those that don't.
Click here to see the CNet faces, learn a little about telephones,
internet connections, spyware removal, and download free software.
Requirements yes, but will it run acceptably?
by denniseckhaus - 4/21/06 8:57 PM In reply to: It appears the replies have missed something. . . by CoryphaeusI remember that my old HP Pavilion 4430, which was a SiS5598 AMD K6-2/300 MHz, had unacceptable results with XP. This, even after upgrading to 256MB, a 32MB Ge-Force MX400 or a Voodoo 3 or 5 (tried both), and a 366MHz K6-2. The max 66MHz FSB was just too constricting.
It needed ACPI or it would turn off the USB ports if using any videocard, even on 9x (but not if using the onboard video). It needed setup /p j. HP's recovery set things up that way. They must have known. XP would only install as a Standard PC even if selecting ACPI by the F5 trick. Actually setup would eventually just blue screen out. Only Standard PC would setup correctly. So, only onboard crappy video or no USB. And although the onboard video was pretty good at 2D and software 3D with 4MB of video memory on 9x, with XP the waiting for screens to come up was intolerable. And the software 3D wouldn't work with anything newer than Direct X 8.0a (even with the Software Rasterizer installed). With a videocard it was only slightly improved. Extremely sluggish and the internet browsing was slow, slow to receive web pages. On 9x this was fine with either dialup or an ethernet card and cable internet. Alright, not as speedy as newer machines of course but still usable. Not with XP.
Some machines just can't handle XP.
Possible Stopgap Upgrade Path
by dlock - 4/26/06 11:46 AM In reply to: Requirements yes, but will it run acceptably? by denniseckhausI am asked this question daily in my job at an Internet provider's call center. Assuming "themoth02" has an adequately large hard drive, he/she might consider upgrading to Windows 2000. Legal install CDs for Win 2K can be had for about $85-95 online, and my best guess would be that Microsoft will continue to support Win 2K well into 2008.
This option is a good deal cheaper than an upgrade to Win XP, and should allow the user to surf safely until the cash to get a new PC can be accumulated.
Also, if this were my machine, I would back up all user files to CD ROM, and format the hard drive before installing Win 2K. Don't install a new OS over the top of the old one. It's not worth the hassles you will face.
There was no mention of anti-spyware. By all means, download and install some freebies such as Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition, and avoid the rogue products that are prowling the net. If it shows up in a popup window, and asks for money, it's junkware, and don't go for the bait. Refer to this web site if you suspect an anti-spyware product: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm.
Good luck, and my apologies to any Linux fans out there. Linux is certainly a valid option, but may be a bit outgradient for this user. I feel that Win 2K, while not perfect, will provide the easiest, cheapest upgrade path for many users like "themoth02".
There are easy GNU/Linuxes.
by chrisENJUNSc - 4/26/06 2:43 PM In reply to: Possible Stopgap Upgrade Path by dlockHiya and ok thanks.But the only way to get ingradient is to use GNU/Linux and get through the learning curve.Thats true whoever we are if we are trying to change over.
The live cd's such as Feather and Damn Small are a good starting point and are easy enough.These have been designed for the older machine in mind and are quick.
But still have to say that my time with Windows was spent on 95/98&98se and i did like em except the maintenance needs they have against viruses and spyware.
Best wishes chris.
I hear you....loud and clear...
by ronappel - 5/13/06 4:48 PM In reply to: Requirements yes, but will it run acceptably? by denniseckhausIf I was forced to keep this machine that you have and go to XP or XP pro, I would seriously consider installing a 133 mhz ATA hard drive controller. The on board controllers on these machines are just to slow, if I recall correctly, a 66 mhz. Also, max out your memory. I suspect your bus speed is 100 mhz which will become your new bottle neck for info flow, but this will pick things up a bit for you.
I have a home built P I 500 mhz processor with this controller on it now with a comparable hard drive. 3 128 meg sticks help a lot as well. It has really pushed up performance with a heavy Norton Systemworks antivirus and subscription Zone Alarm Pro! Needless to say, when a scan occurs, this processor is humming!
Beware though, many name brand units have limatations that may hender adding such equipment.
98SE suitable for limited service
by ronappel - 4/21/06 5:00 PM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02I happen to be the tech for a few people around here including my insurance agent. Most of us just do not need the excessive software out there. Generally speaking for e-mail, checking the news, paying some bills this system has proven itself many times over even on broadband.
In one response, I was amused to read, "nothing lasts for 11 years!" Well, that all depends on how well you are able to care for it. I have cars out there kissing antique hood which get 30 plus miles per gallon! Something many people desire right now.
So back to 98SE and other similiar versions. I suggest you get another good, new hard drive and load it up with the OS program and all needed updates now before your current one crashes.
Do not be naive and just load the OS alone. Face this fact, Microsoft is not the only one dropping support for 98SE and other versions. So is Norton. Norton Systemworks 2005 is the last supported version for 98SE. We also run Zone Alarm Pro. This is not free, but it is well worth the cost. The 98SE machine will be going to Zone Alarm's Security Suite next.
This machine is a home designed AMD PI 500 mhz which is in essence a P II class of a about 333mhz. The memory is maxed out at 3 128 meg chips. That will be needed to run the heavy Zone Alarm programs. Note that Zone Alarm calls for more hard ware than I have, but they have verified to me on phone that others like me have managed to run these programs. I should also add that my hard ware has been boosted with a ATA 133 hard drive controller which leaves the bus speed and the processor as the bottle necks.
As long as you can run supported programs for firewalls, software maintenance, spyware and all; you can still use your machine.
If you make backups of the system on CD and/or another hard drive, you can run even longer. If you do catch something that you can not get rid of, fry the drive with the Wipe Drive program which will burn off the nastiest of the nastys out there including the Sony garbarge! The use your backup drive or disks to make your new load up.
Even I know, there are limits with this old gal I built in 1999. As long as she does her job, I have no problems with her. One thing for sure. If she ever does catch something, she will lock up instead of giving away the farm like these faster machines do!
As for XP.....I have had some headaches with it. Just remember this XP has more to go wrong with it because there is much more to it! So if you do not game and do all of that other heavy crunching CPU stuff these older machines are fine. Once the other vendors stop support for them though, like 95, you are wide open for an attack!
Josephia
Think about dual booting with GNU/Linux ?.
by chrisENJUNSc - 4/21/06 5:52 PM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02Hiya,
I was running win98se untill last December but was dual booting with GNU/Linux.Thing is i got fed up with always checking out for viruses,spyware,unwanted start-ups and keeping Windows clean.So changed over to GNU/Linux full time.No regrets on that at all now.This machine is now used as meant to be and for what i want and not for what the OS needs.
There are Linuxes which are ok for the older machine,eg Feather.That comes as a live CD and you can save the config and personal files to Windows and restore from there on boot also.As from v0.75 Feather can be installed to hard disc.Damn Small Linux may be an alternative also.There are other light Linuxes.
I was quite fond of Win98 but viruses,spyware,unwanted and unknown start-ups,defraging,file cleaning and updating......
Best Wishes Chris.
Same precautions needed on XP though.
by denniseckhaus - 4/21/06 9:14 PM In reply to: Think about dual booting with GNU/Linux ?. by chrisENJUNScViruses, spyware, unwanted and unknown startups (huh?), defragging, file cleaning and updating are what is needed for any computer these days, even XP. Well, virus checkers, etc, not the viruses (hopefully).
It's the updating when first setting up that is the real pain with 9x. You can spend a couple of days just doing Windows system updates, IE, WMP, Direct X, MDAC, etc, etc. With XP it's a few trips to Windows Update for that stuff and you can start installing your other software. Not that it still isn't a hastle, just less time consuming of a hastle.
Still, it's fun to run some of my older stuff that XP SP2 broke. XP used to run nearly anything I have but SP2 changed that for some stuff. Some run on VMWare with 98SE okay but others need Direct 3D video and for that I need a real 98SE install.
Saying all this, I'm typing now on my computer with only XP on it. Hmmm. Getting nostalgic again.
Never tried Linux. Maybe someday.
Unknown startups
by chrisENJUNSc - 4/22/06 7:01 PM In reply to: Same precautions needed on XP though. by denniseckhausHullo Dennis,
Many people have started topics on CNET on this and try to identify what programs start on boot.They are uncertain which are ok and which are not.Many are not needed some are malware all use system resources and only a few are really needed but which ones?.There is about 200 different threads on this alone on CNET.
To keep Windows in good order most advise a fairly rigorous regime against malware and for OS maintenance.Yes and thats true for XP as much as any other Windows OS including 98.
It is much more relaxed with GNU/Linux.A firewall is still necessary and i run one but some would dispute even that as a requirement.Same with Anti-Virus.Many GNU/Linux users run Anti-Virus but only to stop possible virus transmission to Windows machines.Updates are advised also but many wait untill the next release of their distro and dont inbetween.It is a need to check for rootkits (sort of spyware) but that for me is a scan at the same time as for AV.The utillity comes free with my distro (Ubuntu) and needs updating about once per year or two!.
Hope this usefull,best wishes Chris.
If it isn't broken, why fix it?
by robertk2 - 4/21/06 10:58 PM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02What you have should be fine for as long as you wish to use it, with just the sensible care that it seems you have been exercising already. I would suggest that while you have the system operating to your satisfaction, you use a program like Norton Ghost, and image your drive for the security of a total “replacement” in the event anything should happen to your system. The previous suggestion of getting a “back-up” HD for this purpose is also excellent. Whenever you add substantially to your software base, “ghost” your HD again to keep your “back-up” current as a safeguard. With a little care, you should be able to continue using your current PC and configuration until you no longer wish to. I had/have fewer complaints/problems with my “older” systems than with the newer ones, myself. Good luck.
Beware updates. Cory is right. Cnet newsltr brings 'em out.
by reefurbb - 4/22/06 8:51 AM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02Some I.E. updates disable HTML script in HELP-troubleshooter. Newest batch of 3 updates cause problems (did for me).
Not all I.E. updates critically needed, they just close holes for potential baddies.
XP is like ME, it works well when working, a b'tch when not. See Cnet XP forum...pages.
What are you whiners going to do when Vista arrives?
98se will phase out as older PI pc's go to the dump.
Win 98
by vasmith1 - 4/22/06 8:18 PM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02I've been using 98 for many years and installed it a few times. recently my system had a bug which prevented it from accessing the 2nd IDE channell. I narrowed it down to the Os and cleared it by comparing it to a clean install on another drive. I ended up making a fresh install anyways and transfering programs. If it ain't broke than don't fix it !!! By the way there is plenty of older 98 compatible software available on Ebay. Even have a copy of WIN 3.1 as the win 98se i have is any upgrade that requires3.1.Thought of installing XP but at the time wanted to just get the system back upquickly.
Running an 800 mhz duron, 1/2 gig mem, as for upgrades a MS security upgrade CD (FEB 2004) and some spyware scanners and virus programs but lately "going naked" on the net. No IE, use the latest Netscape 8.1 (firefox amd IE engines) with built in scanner and Netscape 7.2 for email apps. NO Outlook here. Avoid the high profile software know for attacks. Will the less popular OS be more secure??? would consider a linux system in future and if i do go with XP it'll be XP Media center edition for a TIVO type system. You can buy this separtely as long as you buy a mouse or keyboard with it to satify MS requirements. As for system backup I'll try out Norton Ghost but would also suggest a new drive as they are cheap, and install 98 and critical programs on it, browser,email, dial up's etc and and unplug it and keep it for emergency use if the system goes down and it needs a quick recovery. Xp is ok, but too bloated for a single non networked machine using a dial up for everyday use, surfing, banking, email, etc. That makes the case for me sticking with 98.......
what is Firefox?
by happybottom - 4/23/06 12:39 AM In reply to: Question RE:Windows 98SE end of Support by themoth02i too have windowsME and don't really like it but it is too costly to change to XP and also the many programs etc i'm now enjoying. what to do ?
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
