Windows 95 and Windows 98 were both retired long ago by Microsoft. However, both MS Windows 95 and MS Windows 98 operating systems marked major technical advances as MS operating systems evolved from DOS screens toward a graphical user interface (GUI) with integrated Internet capabilities.

Windows 95 and Windows 98 are rarely used today, but diehard fans with legacy computers can still find technical assistance and compatible products.

To understand the significance of Windows 95/98, consider the following:

1. Microsoft Windows 95 history and features.
2. Microsoft Windows 98 history and features.
3. MS Windows 95 and MS Windows 98 current status.
4. Finding technical assistance for MS Windows 95/98.
5. Locating software for MS Windows 98.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Microsoft Windows 95 history and features

In August of 1995, Windows 95 succeeded Microsoft's three existing desktop operating systems: Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups and MS-DOS. It integrated a 32-bit TCP/IP stack for built-in Internet support, dial-up networking and new plug-and-play capabilities to ease the installation of new hardware and software. Its most visible and talked about improvement was a new GUI and its attendant Start button, which was heralded in with the Rolling Stones song, 'Start Me Up.' Enhancements were also made in multimedia capabilities, mobile computing and integrated networking.

I recommend: Guidebook Gallery’s Windows 95 page contains original screenshots, sounds and icons as well as a Windows 95 Tour. Visit Microsoft’s Windows History page to see how Windows 95 and 98 fit into the evolution of the Windows operating system.

Microsoft Window 98 history and features

Designed specifically for consumers, MS Windows 98, which appeared in June of 1998, was an upgrade from MS Windows 95 that contained many ease-of-use features like support for reading DVD disks and support for USB devices. Its Active Desktop integrated the Internet Explorer web browser with the operating system. In May of 1999, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition was released, which was a new product rather than a free upgrade. In additional to many fixes, it incorporated the new Internet Explorer 5, Internet Connection Sharing, NetMeeting 3.0 and integrated support for DVD-ROM drives.

I recommend: Owners of legacy PCs who are interested in purchasing copies of Microsoft Windows 95 can visit DirectDeals.com’s Windows 95 page.

MS Windows 95/98 current status

Microsoft's extended lifecycle support for MS Windows 95 ended at the end of 2001 and for MS Windows 98 in July of 2006. Both products are seriously outdated for today's computing environment, and users are advised to upgrade to a current operating system such as Vista. Some support options, however, are still available.

I recommend: HPC Factor’s com’s Windows 95 page and Windows 98 page address patches and updates with special emphasis on security issues.

Finding technical assistance for MS Windows 95/98

Technical support for MS Windows 95 and MS Windows 98 is still available from many independent technical support companies.

I recommend: Geeks by Minute offers telephone support for Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft Window 98 at a rate of $1.99 a minute. Spotmau.com offers a bootable rescue disk for multiple versions of Windows including Microsoft Windows 98. Find more Windows 95/98 help at Business.com.

Locating software for MS Windows 98

Many PC software developers optimize their products for multiple operating systems, so a fair amount of Microsoft Windows 98 compatible software is still available.

I recommend: Shopping.com’s Windows 98 page features foreign language programs and other software that will run on Windows 98. NothingButSoftware.com offers many games and other titles that run on multiple Windows operating systems, including MS Windows 98.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you wish to purchase a copy of MS Windows 98, be sure to get the Second Edition, which contained numerous upgrades and improvements.
• •  Games, educational and other types of software are still widely available for MS Windows 98.
• •  While Microsoft no longer supports either MS Windows 95 or MS Windows 98, many independent technical support services do.