Windows 98

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope
Windows 98

Code-named Memphis, Windows 98 is an operating system released by Microsoft Corp in 1998 as an upgrade to Windows 95.

New Windows 98 features

While Windows 98 release was not as big as Windows 95, Windows 98 has significant updates, fixes, and support for new peripherals. Below are some of its new features.

  • Protection - Windows 98 includes additional protection for important files on your computer, such as backing up your registry automatically.
  • Improved support - Improved support for new devices and technologies such as ACPI (advanced configuration and power interface), AGP (accelerated graphics port), IEEE 1394, DVD (digital versatile disc), USB (universal serial bus), and MMX (MultiMedia eXtension).
  • FAT32 - Windows 98 can convert your drive to FAT32 without losing any information.
  • PnP - Improved PnP (plug and play) support to detect devices even better than Windows 95.
  • Internet Explorer 4.0 - Includes Internet Explorer 4.0
  • Customizable Taskbar - Windows adds new features to the Taskbar, such as Quick Launch.
  • Includes Plus! - Includes features only found in Microsoft Plus! free.
  • Active Desktop - Includes Active Desktop that allows users to customize their desktop with the look of the Internet.
  • New background properties - You can now set *.bmp, *.pcx, *.jpg, *.gif, and *.htm files as your wallpaper (background).
  • Updated Microsoft Paint - The updated paint lets you open *.bmp, *.pcx, *.jpg, and *.gif files.
  • Multiple monitor support - Windows 98 now supports multiple monitors on one computer.
  • Personal Web Server - PWS supports CGI (common gateway interface) and ISAPI (Internet Server Application Programming Interface) applications.
  • Improved floppy drive - Includes HSFLOP.PDR floppy disk driver that helps speed up access for many floppy disk drives.
  • Other Software - Includes Dr. Watson, Outlook Express, FrontPage Express, Windows Media Player, DirectX, NetMeeting, and more.

Windows 98 system requirements

Windows 98 system requirements

486DX/66 MHz or Higher processor
16 MB of RAM
Approximately 195 MB; can take up to 295 MB of hard drive space
CD-ROM or floppy
Standard sound card for sound capability.
VGA or higher-resolution
100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse
Windows 3.x, 3.1x or Windows 95 to upgrade
Includes DirectX 5.0

Windows 98 SE system requirements

486DX/66 MHz or Higher processor
16 MB of RAM
Approximately 205 MB; can take up to 315 MB
CD-ROM and DVD (digital versatile disc)
Standard sound card for sound capability.
VGA or higher-resolution
100% compatible Microsoft keyboard and mouse
Windows 3.x, 3.1x or Windows 95 to upgrade
Includes DirectX 6.0

What Windows came before Windows 98?

For the end user, Windows 95 came before Windows 98.

What version of Windows came after Windows 98?

For the end user, Microsoft Windows Me came after Windows 98.

Note

Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released after the first version of Windows 98 and before Windows Me. However, because it is still classified as Windows 98, Windows Me is considered to come after Windows 98.

Does Windows 98 support multiple processors?

No. Windows 98 does not support more than one processor or multiple core processors.

Operating system terms, Win9x