Note:: End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me

Moving up to Windows 98 isn't like moving from Windows 3.x to Windows 95. Win 95 was an entirely new experience, with a different look and feel; Win 98 is a polished version of Win 95. Almost everything you learned about Win 95 works the same way in Win 98. But in many cases, there's also a better way to do things. New and enhanced tune-up tools; and assorted features, with a focus on administration concerns.

Some features in Windows 95 are clunky. A case in point: The desktop Shortcuts are often frustratingly out of reach. If you've covered the desktop with lots of open windows, you have to minimize them all and then restore them after finding the Shortcut you're looking for. Windows 98 solves the problem by letting you duplicate desktop Shortcuts on the Taskbar or on a separate toolbar that you can dock, say, to the right side of the screen.

Then, of course, there's the much discussed Active Desktop, which lets you, for example, use an HTML document as your desktop background. The word active refers to features such as a live link that you can click to launch Internet Explorer and visit the associated URL. Other innovations include easier ways to customize the Start menu and create Shortcuts.


Win 98's tune-up tools. For example, you'll find some relatively subtle changes in scandisk and Disk Defragmenter. But Win 98 comes with entirely new tools, too: Disk Cleanup, which helps remove unneeded files; Maintenance Wizard, which schedules other maintenance tools to run automatically; a more sophisticated power-management feature, which saves electricity and extends battery life in notebooks; and a  FAT32  converter, which converts your current disk to the 32-bit format to use your hard drive more efficiently (Windows 98 is the first to include an update utility that switches older drives (which use FAT16) to the new format. This FAT32 conversion utility reclaims as much as 20 percent hard drive space).

New administrative tools. New Windows 98 Backup program, accessibility options, tools for scanning your Registry and checking your system files, and compatibility issues concerning older applications.

What kind of new hardware can I run with Windows 98?
Windows 98 builds in support for peripherals such as DVD (digital video disks), USB (universal serial bus) and FireWire-compatible devices (for video/audio manipulation). Windows 98 also supports AGP (advanced graphics port) video cards. Although you can add and run DVD drives, USB peripherals, and AGP cards with Windows 95, the new operating system automatically recognizes the devices and installs the appropriate drivers.
Windows 98 also offers other hardware bonuses, such as the ability to attach multiple video cards and monitors to your PC. PC users can take advantage of more screen real estate for development or to create a video wall. And multiple-monitor support makes the PC more friendly for graphic arts design. Windows 98 supports up to nine monitors.

Note:
When installing Windows98 you will not have to format your hard drive, it takes all existing files and programs and makes them usable for this new operating system.  If you wish to switch over to FAT32 you will not have any problems.  Win98 comes with "Drive Converter," a programs which eases the switch from FAT16 to FAT32. See FAT32 vs. FAT16

Note: End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me
Published: January 18, 2006

June 30, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me as part of the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support, including security updates, by this date.

Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to, Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need self-service.
Here=> http://support.microsoft.com/gp/hublist

Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as soon as possible.

Customers who upgrade to Windows XP report improved security, richer functionality, and increased productivity.

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