Microsoft extends support for Windows 98, ME

[usil]

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=13575

[oldhermit]

I really appreciate good news. Thanks Usil.

[usil]

I just deliver 'em

[Luke92881]

That is good news....My boss and I were trying to think of how we were going to get everyone upgraded to 2000 with all the budget cuts!

[Welshjim]

Sounds promising, but I still have my fingers crossed.
One of MS' Life Cycle websites dated Jan. 9, 2004 says (concerning Win98)
"Extended hotfix support for this product will end on 30-Jun-2003. After 16-Jan-2004, this product will be obsolete and assisted support will no longer be available from Microsoft. Online self-help support will continue to be available until at least 30-Jun-2006."
If self-help means Windows Update, great!!
Another MS Life Cycle website dated Jan. 5, 2004
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[LN];LifeAn1
says
"Microsoft will offer paid-incident support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) through January 16, 2004. Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE downloads for existing security issues will continue to be available through regular assisted-support channels at no charge during this time. Customers can request Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE fixes for new security issues, and these requests will be reviewed. Fixes for any new security issues can be specifically requested through regular assisted-support channels. Web-based self-help support will be available for at least one year after assisted support ends. Mainstream support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE ended on June 30, 2002. No-charge incident support and extended hotfix support end on June 30, 2003."
I like the Jan. 9 version better!! Not so sure about those "requests for security fixes" in the Jan. 5 version.

[104456]

Customers can request Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE fixes for new security issues, and these requests will be reviewed

Perhaps if they get bombarded enough with requests they will have to review their support.

[fink]

It's being suggested that Linux is the reason behind MS's decision to continue support of win98..

http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5139946.html

Seems plausible to me.

[104456]

I did read somewhere that a survey revealed that about two thirds of buinesses still have windows 98 in one form or another on parts of their system.

[OilPatch197]

on my headlamp Assembly line, they use 98 to run the software for the Vision system camera, that checks for markings on the Lenses.