Legacy Windows Computers
Windows 98 (& Me)
No Longer Supported
Windows 98 and Windows Me are no longer supported by Microsoft (or almost any current software or hardware) and is therefore not a recommended operating system.
Once Microsoft is no longer providing support, patches for known security problems are no longer provided and any unsupported version of Windows is no longer safe, particularly if it is connected to the Internet.
Why Does Lack of Support Matter?
In the same way that locking car doors, keyed ignitions and seat belts are necessary, security is an annoyance that provides benefits to your piece of mind.
Unlike many operating systems that were designed to be used by professionals, Windows was designed to be used by ordinary folks. This became both a blessing and a curse as Windows was easier to use but also suffered from poor security. Virtually every user had total access to the computer (also called administrator priviledges) in most Windows installations.
Win98-Specific Issues
However, if you continue to use Windows 98, the following may help you with specific issues:
- Robert Chou's Shutdown is a small 13Kb utility that fixes a serious security flaw in the Windows 9x log-in where a user can just click "cancel" to bypass the password.
- Problems Shutting Down Windows 98 Second Edition (Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 238096).
You might also check the Legacy Hardware & Software page which deals with even older computers.
Free Zip Utilities
Zip Function Built Into Later Windows Versions
If you are running Windows 98/98SE (or earlier), you will need a program to deal with these compressed (zip) files.
The product below does not contain spyware or adware.
ZipGenius
ZipGenius is a free compression utility that zips and unzips files easily.
In addition to traditional ZIP files, ZipGenius will open the less common (but sometimes encountered) RAR and ARJ extensions. It also works with the 7-zip format, a much improved compression formula.
Windows Alternatives
Ubuntu Alternative
If you can't afford the newer hardware needed to run a more current version of Windows, have a look at Ubuntu, a flavour of Linux that is surprisingly easy to use and is able to natively run much of the hardware used by Windows 98, including printers.
Searching for Answers
If you don't find what you want try Google's specialized Windows search tool:
www.russharvey.bc.ca/resources/legacywindows.html
Updated: December 17, 2009
