win98 sunset

MS has extended support for Win98SE a couple of times now...But even after support is gone (current updated patches are no longer issued), Win98SE still won't be "unusable" as you said, just less safe, though most of the latest viruses and other bugs have been or seem to be engineered to go after Win2K & WinXP since they are grabbing a larger share of the market today.

When Windows Update no longer works w/ Win98SE and gives updated patches, then you know the support sunset.

For the exact date that will be, check the MS site for "length of support options".

well, thats a good answer, ordinarily i would think, but the thing is there is a date, after which the program won't load. i am interested in knowing that number only. thankyou very much

The "official" date for the end of support for Windows 9X is June 30th 2006.
After June 30 2006, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, or technical support.

I am not aware of ANY "drop-dead" date for any version of Windows.

Many people are still using MS-DOS 3 and Windows 3.11.

Now, there are functionality issues.

MS-DOS is an 8 bit operating system with 16 bit capabilities added with version 4 or 5.

Windows 3.11 is a 16 bit operating system with LIMITED 32 bit extensions.

Windows 95 through XP are 32 bit operating systems.

At some point, you will no longer be able to install new software on a system with an older operating system as the software will no longer have legacy support for the smaller data bus.

With 64 bit systems just starting to break into the PC market, the "functional" life of Windows 9X will be about 5 more years.
After that, you will not be able to install "new" software.

Existing systems will still function as long as you are able to run the older software.

That said, Microsoft does desire to switch PC software from a purchased to a subscription environment.
When that happens, you will not be able to boot up your PC after the subscription expires.

Chas

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