Windows 98 Users Abandoned

If you are using Windows 98, 98SE (Second Edition), or Windows ME (Millenium Edition), July 11, 2006 marks the end of support from Microsoft. I will outline some options for you if you are using any of those operating systems.


Microsoft will be ending support for those products, which means that they are no longer offering telephone support nor will they be releasing security updates. A lack of security updates is a critical issue because your computer is open to potential attacks. All new exploits will not be patched by Microsoft meaning your computer will be an easy target. What can you do?

Upgrade

This is the recommended solution. Upgrade your computer or purchase a new one with Windows XP (make sure it's capable of running the new Windows Vista if you really want to future-proof it), and donate the old one to your local school or computer recycling program. Giving your old PC to your church or the kids only passes on the problem, it doesn't solve it! If you do, give them a link to this article.

If you are really adventurous, consider an Apple Mac or using the Linux operating system, which are both less vulnerable to exploits in general than Windows.

Do Nothing

If you are one of the 70+ million people running one of the Windows 98-era operating systems, you are likely running it on an older computer, probably a Pentium II, III or early Pentium 4. If the cost of buying a new system or upgrading is prohibitive, you might consider simply continuing to use your existing system and take your chances. Not recommended, but if there is no alternative then there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

First, make sure you have up-to-date antivirus that supports your operating system. Go to your antivirus company's web site and make sure that the antivirus software you are using is listed as supporting Windows 98/98SE/ME.

Second, make sure you are connected to the Internet using a firewall - either a software or hardware firewall. It is important to note that the most popular software firewalls, Zonealarm and Kerio, do NOT support these operating systems! With a little digging I discovered Freedom Firewall (98SE/ME but not 98), BlackIce Defender (98/98SE/ME), Outpost Free v1.0.1804 (98/98SE/ME, the newer version does not support ME), and Soft4Ever's Look'n'Stop (98/98SE/ME). Please note that I do not endorse any of these products nor have I tested all of them; I am familiar with Outpost and BlackIce Defender which in the past have been decent products.

Third, make sure you protect yourself against spyware, malware and other threats, especially through email. Regularly use free products such as SpywareBlaster, Spybot, and Ad-Aware - they all support Windows 98/98SE/ME.

Just remember that if you do nothing and continue to use Windows 98/98SE/ME, I leave you with this clip from BBC News:

According to computer security firm Secure Science, at least one hi-tech crime gang based in Eastern Europe specialises in Windows 98 and produces viruses that prey on the software's weaknesses.

This is because users of it tend to have little knowledge of potential dangers - and are older, so are more likely to have substantial financial assets worth stealing.

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