What were the system requirements for Windows 98?
To run Windows 98, you needed a computer with a 486DX 66 megahertz (MHz) or faster processor, at least 16 megabytes (MB) of random-access memory (RAM) (24 MB recommended), and around 500 MB of free hard disk space. A compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disk-read only memory (DVD-ROM) drive was also necessary for installation.
What were some notable features of Windows 98?
Windows 98 introduced several significant features, such as the "Start" menu, which provided quick access to programs and settings. It also included improved plug-and-play support, better universal serial bus (USB) device compatibility, and the addition of Internet Explorer 4.0.
Could I use Windows 98 for gaming?
Absolutely, Windows 98 was a popular choice for gaming during its time. It supported a wide range of games and provided compatibility with many graphics and sound cards. Popular titles like Age of Empires, Quake II, and Half-Life were playable on Windows 98.
Did Windows 98 have a built-in web browser?
Yes, Windows 98 included Internet Explorer 4.0 as its default web browser. It offered improved performance, support for hypertext markup language (HTML 4.0), cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript, and introduced Active Desktop, which allowed you to display web content on your desktop.
What programming languages could I use to develop software for Windows 98?
Windows 98 supported a variety of programming languages for software development. You could use languages like C, C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi to create applications for the platform.
Could I connect to the internet using Windows 98?
Absolutely, Windows 98 had built-in support for dial-up networking, allowing you to connect to the internet using a modem. It also supported networking technologies like ethernet, enabling you to connect to a local area network (LAN).
Could I customize the appearance of Windows 98?
Yes, you could customize the appearance of Windows 98 to suit your preferences. You could change the desktop background, choose different screen savers, modify the color scheme, and customize the appearance of icons and windows.
Were there any major updates or service packs released for Windows 98?
Yes, Microsoft released two major updates for Windows 98: Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Windows 98 Plus. Windows 98 SE included bug fixes, improved USB support, Internet Connection Sharing, and Internet Explorer 5.0. Windows 98 Plus offered additional features like themes, screensavers, and games.
Could I upgrade from Windows 98 to a newer version of Windows?
Yes, you could upgrade from Windows 98 to newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 2000 or Windows eXPerience (XP). However, it's important to note that newer operating systems may have higher system requirements, so you would need to ensure your computer meets them.
Did Windows 98 have any compatibility issues with certain software or hardware?
Yes, like any operating system, Windows 98 had some compatibility issues with certain software or hardware. Some newer applications and devices designed for later versions of Windows may not work properly or be fully compatible with Windows 98.
Can I still use Windows 98 today?
While it's technically possible to run Windows 98 on older hardware or through virtualization, it's not recommended for everyday use. Windows 98 is outdated and lacks modern security features, making it vulnerable to malware and other threats. It's best to use a more recent and supported operating system.
Could I use Windows 98 for multimedia purposes?
Yes, Windows 98 offered multimedia capabilities. It included Windows Media Player, which allowed you to play audio and video files. You could also use multimedia authoring tools like Macromedia Director or Adobe Premiere to create multimedia content.
Did Windows 98 support printing and scanning?
Yes, Windows 98 had built-in support for printers and scanners. You could connect a compatible printer or scanner to your computer and install the necessary drivers to enable printing and scanning functionality.
Could I use Windows 98 to create and edit documents?
Yes, Windows 98 provided basic document creation and editing capabilities through applications like Microsoft WordPad and Microsoft Works. However, for more advanced document editing features, Microsoft Office was the preferred choice.
Did Windows 98 have a built-in firewall?
No, Windows 98 did not have a built-in firewall. It lacked the advanced security features found in later versions of Windows. If you were connecting your computer to the internet, it was advisable to use firewall software for added protection.
Could I upgrade my hardware while using Windows 98?
Yes, you could upgrade your hardware while using Windows 98. For example, you could install additional random-access memory (RAM), upgrade your graphics card, or add a larger hard drive. However, you would need to ensure that the hardware components you chose were compatible with Windows 98.
Did Windows 98 have a built-in backup utility?
Yes, Windows 98 included a backup utility called Microsoft Backup. It allowed you to create backups of your important files and folders, which you could restore in case of data loss or system failure.
Could I play digital versatile discs (DVDs) on Windows 98?
Windows 98 did not have built-in DVD playback capabilities. However, you could install other software, such as WinDVD or Power DVD, to play DVDs on your Windows 98 computer.
Could I use Windows 98 on a laptop?
Yes, Windows 98 could be used on laptops that met the system requirements. However, it's important to note that Windows 98 did not have native power management features like later versions of Windows, so battery life management might be more limited.
Did Windows 98 support multiple user accounts?
Windows 98 was primarily designed as a single-user operating system and did not have native support for multiple user accounts. However, you could use other software, such as WinGate, to enable limited multi-user capabilities.
Could I use a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive with Windows 98?
Windows 98 had limited native support for USB devices. You would need to install special drives provided by the USB device to use a USB flash drive or any other USB device with Windows 98.
Was Windows 98 widely adopted by businesses?
Yes, Windows 98 was widely adopted by businesses at the time of its release. It offered improved stability, networking capabilities, and compatibility with business software, making it a popular choice for many organizations.
Could I connect Windows 98 to a wireless network?
Windows 98 did not have built-in support for wireless networking. However, if your computer had a wireless network card, you could install the necessary drivers and other software to connect to a wireless network.
Could I run Windows 98 on a virtual machine?
Yes, it is possible to run Windows 98 on a virtual machine using software like VirtualBox or VMware. This allows you to run Windows 98 on modern hardware without the need for a dedicated physical machine.
