Windows 98/98SE/ME
an introductory overview
An introductory overview of Windows 98 and their close successors. Please read the Windows 95 article, cos this article is just a conclusion.
1.1 history > top of page
Windows 95 has been a major "update" back in 1995. During the following two years, it proved to be out of date regarding hardware support (USB etc.). Microsoft decided to release an all around modernized version, planned as Windows 97 akka Memphis. Due to a longer beta testing phase, it was relabeled Windows 98.
Pic 1: a fresher desktop (click to enlarge)
In 1999, a "SE" (Second Edition) was released with bug fixes and a standard pseudo proxy server. Then, in 2000, "ME" (Millenium Edition) came with new icons, improved help and automatic backup and system recovery.
2.0 features > top of page
Win 98 was shipped with Internet Explorer. Additional features:
- much better support and drivers for actual hardware, including advanced USB support
- increased stability compared to Win95
- updated user interface
Microsoft did a very silent update to 98: it was a little NT system regarding features. The API of NT and that of Win98 showed almost the same function calls.
Windows ME included IE 5.5, Media Player 7.0, and built-in system protection allowing restauration of vital OS files.
To sum it up, the features of the Windows 98 successor editions up to ME:
- a proxy server allowed other connected machines to reach outside networks
- more internet and multimedia experience
- updated help and online update system
- auto restore allowed to recover the system