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From today, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates or provide support for Windows 98 and Windows ME, which could lead users to trying alternative operating systems such as Linux.
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Eight years after launching Windows 98, Microsoft will finally wash its hands of updating and plugging security gaps in its ageing operating system. The software giant originally planned to pull the plug in January 2004 but decided to extend support because of the increasing threat from Linux.
This time round, Microsoft is hoping that the remaining users of Windows 98 and Windows ME will upgrade to Windows XP, according to Peter Watson, chief security advisor, Microsoft Australia.
"Microsoft works closely with leading retailers to undertake promotions such as upgrade discounts to encourage users to upgrade to Windows XP," Watson told ZDNet Australia. "Just last month, you may have seen the price promotion activity Microsoft conducted with Harvey Norman, one of the largest computer software retailers in the country, to encourage Windows XP upgrades."
Analyst firms estimate that there are still between 50 million and 70 million computers running either Windows 95, 98 or ME. Full Story |
