Most people know Windows is an Operating System or OS, but not everyone releases why operating systems are so important what they do, and what alternatives there are to using Windows and Microsoft. An OS manages and schedules the resources of the computer, providing services to the application ... Read review
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Not perfect but still good
Advantages: Good for everyone not just experts Disadvantages: couple of bugs and updates making old system out of date
...it. Also with Windows being Microsoft with will interact with other MS packages and will make file interchange easier and learning to use all MS products will become similar as they all have similar icons, and shortcut keys making it easier to find your way around other programs and packages.
See teenage girls can be computer geeks too…go on criticise tell me I am all wrong and Bill Gates should be shot, you’re only saying ... more
Most people know Windows is an Operating System or OS, but not everyone releases why operating systems are so important what they do, and what alternatives there are to using Windows and Microsoft. An OS manages and schedules the resources of the computer, providing services to the application programs, without an operating system every application would have to have code to allow it to read in characters from a keyboard, access files from disks etc. This would make every application program bigger in terms of memory and slow the computer considerably; also every application would need to know immediately how the hardware on your computer works and to change applications you would have to reboot the whole system. To me this demonstrates how important an operating system is.
The usual computer firms provide the most common Operating Systems;
Microsoft
DOS, Windows 3.x, MS Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, Windows CE
UNIX
BSD, Solaris, Linux, AIX
IBM
OS/2 Warp
Apple
MacOS
The OS provides services for the user like executing program files, storing, retrieving and manipulating files, providing security and maintaining integrity of data, allowing the user to communicate with other users and share data on a multi-user system, allowing the user to view system status of resources, access I/O (input, output) services e.g. printer spooling and providing the illusion that the user has direct access to the hardware.
The OS has many different uses and is, in my opinion, the most important pieces of software on a computer. Therefore it is good make a conscious choice of which system to choose rather than just sticking with Windows because that is what happened to be on the computer when you bought it.
The first computer ever owned by my family was bought when I was 11 years old, it had Windows 3.11 on it and it was the first computer I has ever really seen or played with. To me Windows was just there I didn’t know what it did or why it was there, I didn’t even know there were alternatives to having Windows. I quickly became very familiar with Windows 3.11; I learnt where everything was. Windows 3.11 was designed so that everything was visible at once in like blocks as a back drop, minimised items fell to the bottom of the grid, and when the computer was closed down it exited back to DOS, so when I first saw Windows 95 everything was different, you had to go through menus and lists to find programs you were looking for, I liked Windows 3.11 and it seemed to be the best OS in the world to me, the truth is that I was familiar with it, everyone prefers what they are familiar with. It’s like the saying “It’s only easy if you know how”. I managed to avoid Windows 95 completely but then I bought a computer with Windows 98 on it and realised what a massive improvement it was on the old system.
I am a great fan of Windows 98, and this is not just because this is what I am familiar with. Loads of little spotty teenage boys will tell you that if you know anything about computers UNIX systems like Linux are a lot better, but I disagree. For the usual running of a computer Windows is perfectly OK, unless you really do want to be messing around things that will change the way your computer works forever. If you do feel the need to cock up your computer in this way, Windows is capable of it, you just have to look for ways to do it…this is a lot safer to me, because there is less chance of you messing things up by accident.
Windows does everything you would want it to; it never claimed to be an advanced system for advanced users, it is mainly for the everyday type of person, people who use computers for word processing, DTP, databases and spread sheets rather than programmers. Windows is a simply OS to run the system rather than change to much and doesn’t allow the user as much control of their computer, as Linux does, in lots of cases this is good because it stops people making changes they didn’t really mean to make, but stops advanced uses having the freedom they would like.
Windows uses the start button control menus of applications, programs and files that are on the machine, occasionally it becomes difficult to find programs if there are hundreds stored on a single matching but everything is logically categorised for example to find a game like minesweeper you would have to go through a few menus
Start Programs Accessories Games Minesweeper
As long as you know what it is you are looking for it is easy enough to find!
It is also possible to move things around so that commonly used programs be on the first page of the menu, or simply on the desktop so it can be opened without even using the start button at all. There are alternative ways to find programs, folders and files too, the simplest if the menus fail is to use the Find option, this is found on the first menu after the start button is pressed. You type the name of the thing you are looking for and hit return it will match all the different matches of the name typed.
Windows works as a GUI, a graphical user interface, it is designed for inexperienced users, but is not unbearable for advanced users either. As well as allowing simple things to be changed like backgrounds, screen savers and colour schemes, most commands used in Linux also carry across to DOS, which can be accessed from Windows. The WIMP, windows, icons, mouse and pointers make the whole system easy to use, icons give an idea of what type of program or file things are, most things are explained if the mouse is held over them. When a window is minimised it is still visible along the tool bar (the strip at the bottom with little icons on it and can be maximised with a single click. Hotkeys and short cuts are also useful for example holding the alt and indent key simultaneously will swap the front window with the other. Several programs, files etc can be left open at once and all can be retrieved from the toolbar at any time.
Instead of using this toolbar and windows system Linux uses virtual desk tops, meaning that you can have different things open in different desktops and they are not visible in any of the other unless made sticky…this is a really nice feature but makes it a lot more easy to lose things around your computer!!!
98 is no longer the latest version of Windows, 2000 and ME are also around although in computing circles I have heard that ME is not an improvement at all, many say it crashes frequently and is especially not good if put onto a network.
Basically I am saying Windows runs all the unseen tasks as well as any other OS, but in my opinion is the best for inexperienced users or those who have no need to mess around with the insides of their computers or change their software for specialised tasks. The sort of people who favour Linux will no doubt take no notice of what I have said, and that is fine they can go off and down load Linux or UNIX or whatever and they will be happy with it, my point is that if you need help deciding on an OS then you probably don’t know much about the insides of computers and therefore Windows would be the safest bet.
Other than Linux I would not recommend other OSs for none-expert users because when at work or swapping to a different computer, even if just in a library or at a friends house, you will no doubt come up against Windows somewhere. It is the most widely used OS in the world and so would have the most advantages in learning how to use it. Also with Windows being Microsoft with will interact with other MS packages and will make file interchange easier and learning to use all MS products will become similar as they all have similar icons, and shortcut keys making it easier to find your way around other programs and packages.
See teenage girls can be computer geeks too…go on criticise tell me I am all wrong and Bill Gates should be shot, you’re only saying that because it is fashionable to say it. Bill Gates to me is a hero, an icon and someone to idolise! I like Microsoft as a whole but not for everything either. You’re only jealous because he is disgustingly rich and you aren’t!!
Advantages: Faster than 95, More stable Disadvantages: Can become unstable at times.
Windows 98 is an easy to use and far better than before OS (operating system). If you are a user of Windows 95 and then upgrade to windows 98 you will soon see the great difference in speed and performance.
Windows 98 has many new features than its predecessors and is far quicker and better. I know that today there are many new versions of windows out so people may say that windows 98 is past its day. This could be said as true but if you are still ... ...OS for you.
What's new:
If you're hoping that Windows '98 will revolutionize the way your computer runs, you'll have to wait until the next Windows update. If you're looking for a completely new desktop and interface, again, you'll have to wait. But if what you're looking for is a more stable Windows '95 with better compatibility and a familiar interface, then Windows '98 is right up your alley. One of the biggest things I've noticed from running ...
lank 07.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package
Advantages: Globally recognised Disadvantages: Not Stable
Fixes fixes Fixes....
That is my description of Windows 98.
Reason being is...
It is simply Windows 95 in some new clothes.
If you dress a dog up in a dinner jacket and take it to a restaurant, feed it fine steak, give it champagne, its still a dog isnt it?
Same as Win 98.
A couple of housekeeping improvements to the operating system with cosmetic touches does not make a new piece of software.
What is different?
Menus that slide out of the ... ...gives it a more fluid look but its not really rocket science is it?
Thats about it for surface changes. Well, its all you will notice.
The main difference were supposed to be underneath. Keeping your system stable and running smoothly was its main goal.
How it failed.
To have it running successfully when it wsa first released was impossible. The machines available then were not powerful enough to take the new technology.
32Mb of RAM were minimum. ...
andycharger 07.08.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package
Advantages: None, apart from proving how good everything else is! Disadvantages: Everything
This program has performed an illegal operation in sector FF0F9283192:023859572717182 as part of WHY-THE-CRAP.DLL. Please throw this out of the Windows. Seen that enough? I'm sure I have!! I have got to the point with all the various versions of Windows where they have become unusable for most tasks. I can't even get to the stage of loading up a word processor and typing something simple and printing it without a problem, crash, illegal operation, ... ...just be me, but I don't want to be a computer engineer just to load up a word processor and typing something out. That's why me and hundreds of other people are jumping over to 'alternative' OS'es like the Mac OS, Mac OS X and the rather technical -but still an improvement over Windows- Linux and BSD based 'Unix-a-like' systems. And however complicated they are, they have to be an improvement on DLL's, VXD's, and other errors. To give you an example ...
bigbtommy 23.09.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package
Advantages: Windows 98 is easy and simple to use. Disadvantages: Can have timing issues due to poor event message handling.
...versions of Operating Systems that Microsoft have produced over the years.
HARDWARE !!!
Now we will start to look at what sort of problems can cause Windows 98 to crash, and how to detect them.
In terms of detecting hard faults, they are most likely to appear when your installing the operating it's self. The list of items below will describe some of places when Windows 98 will crash and possible causes.
1. Crashes when copying the files.
...This ... .........2. The CPU is faulty (not likely)
......3. The Motherboard if faulty
...The above are possibilities but you should look at options below first.
......1. The Processor speed settings are incorrect
......2. The memory cannot cope with the front Side Bus Speed
......3. Miss matched memory. The memory types or speeds are different.
......4. There is an incompatibility issue with the above hardware
2. Crashes when detecting the hardware. ...
benn.s 25.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package
Advantages: Has some pretty useful features Disadvantages: Prone to frequent crashes
The sanctity and validity of writing a review on an Operating System (OS) more than 4 years after its first release and during which time it has probably become the most used OS obviously does not make sense.
Windows 98 still remains the most commonly used Operating System (OS), pre-dominantly used by those who use PCs at home. Its no use comparing it with its later versions. I’ll therefore this review as though I’m doing it just after its release…you ... ...upgraded from Windows 95 to 98.
The MINIMUM hardware requirements are PI-100, 64 MB RAM, 3-4 GB HDD and 12x CD-ROM drive apart from the customary floppy drive. Anything higher than this configuration is commendable, anything less is derisory!
Setup & Installation
The Windows 98 setup is a major improvement over the its previous version. It is much more user friendly and requires less intervention from the user. A major advantage is that if the ...
Tongue_in_Cheek 01.08.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package
Instructions / Help
Ease of use
Ease of Installation
Reliability
Value For Money
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Advantages: very good for running old and new programs on Disadvantages: Some very new programs wont run on it. dos based kernel so not so stable.
I think that everyone at one time or another has heard of windows98, either thinking it to be some sort of double glazing company or a very stable and yet unreliable operating system from Microsoft. Yet this one proves to one of the most basic operating systems made by Microsoft, and one of the best in many ways.
Even in places like schools, that still use Windows98, even though the computers are supporting windows xp, windows98 is all they run, and the very few computers that run windows xp are avoided. For constant us of a computer windows98 is for you.
Some people say that their software is not working because they have used it too much, but that’s not true, computers only do what you tell them to do, so the things that you put on a pc will only do the things they are meant to do.
People Use computers all the time, it ...
Advantages: Most reliable system, I find Disadvantages: (Can't think of one)
This operating system is the best system, in my opinion, to use. It is simple and effective, it won't crash too many programs and most importantly it works.
Sticking with what you know may be stubborn, but sticking with Windows98 SE is the best choice I have ever made. Upgrading to XP etc is a hard task and problematic, also some of the hardware within my system is not compatible with XP.
Windows98 is a basic operating system and has a lot of support documentation and downloads as it has been around for so long. This is a bonus obviously!
Windows98 is recommended over newer systems also as it is a more basic system. It takes up less space, a minimum of 600MB or something.
It is highly compatible with programs, as XP is just a glammed up version of 98.
Also the important difference between 98 and 98 SE is that 98 ...
Advantages: fast o/s supports most software Disadvantages: unstable
well microsoftwindows98 second edition has apparently become the standard by which all others are judged and still remains the favourite of many enthusiasts despite its unstability.
it is really just windows 95 upgraded, then upgraded again and some would say that it has just gone a little to far and that the optimum operating system is windows 95 configured manually with just a few components of 98se added. but most would not go to that trouble even if they new what the few components were.
I have stuck with w98se because some of my programs will not work with anything else and others would need updating. until recently I was multibooting to 4 operating systems but now I keep windows98se as my main operating system on my main hard drive. this is a fast operating system for gaming though as I say is rather unstable. mostly I ...
Product Information for "Microsoft Windows 98 - complete package" »
Operating system
License Type
Complete package
License Qty
1 user
License Pricing
Standard
Media
CD-ROM
Package Type
Retail
System requirements
Min Processor Type
Intel 486 or higher - 66 MHz
Min RAM Size
16 MB
Min Hard Drive Space
120 MB
Peripheral / Interface Devices
Mouse or compatible device
Service & support
Service & Support
Product info support
Service & Support Details
Phone consulting - 90 days from first call
Manufacturer's product description
Nowadays one cannot imagine a powerful PC without a full-function operating system. Microsoft Windows 98 has performed a revolution in the world of operating system for PC. A multi-function upgrade for Windows 95 now provides you with better performance and maintenance. With Windows 98, your system plays better with support for the latest graphics, sound, and multimedia technologies. Windows 98 has a lot of new features to explore and discover. A full integration with World Wide Web now provides a Web-like view of all resources and content. However these features are optional and if you got accustomed to working with usual interface Windows 98 will give this possibility as well. Windows 98 also includes features that handle e-mail, news reading, and video conferencing. Internet addresses throughout the product, along with Windows Update provide easy access to technical support information and system updates. Windows 98 has a lot of new specific performance enhancements include faster application loading, more hard disk space, faster shutdown, and multimonitor support. Windows 98 also has built-in support for new technologies such as MMX, Digital Video Disc (DVD), and DirectX 5.0. It introduces the capability of broadcast signal reception to your PC as well with new features such as TV Viewer and Program Guide. You can even watch a full-length movie on your PC! Unlock the Power of Your PC and Accessories. It has become very easy to install new hardware and drivers as Windows 98 supports new types of hardware and contains a lot of drivers integrated which make you hardware devices work smoothly. Old applications will run faster and more reliable. In addition, Windows Update, an online extension of Windows 98, enables you to get the most from your PC through easy access to new drivers, system updates, and much more. All of these self-maintenance features can help you optimize system performance and quickly diagnose and fix an issue, if one occurs. Windows 98 requires 486 processor or higher, 16 MB of RAM, 120 hard drive space, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or 3.5" floppy drive.
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