Windows 98

What's new:

If you're hoping that Windows '98 will revolutionize the way your computer runs, you'll have to wait until the next Windows update. If you're looking for a completely new desktop and interface, again, you'll have to wait. But if what you're looking for is a more stable Windows '95 with better compatibility and a familiar interface, then Windows '98 is right up your alley.

One of the biggest things I've noticed from running Windows '98 is that it handles memory much better. Of course, it doesn't even come close to Windows NT, but it is far superior to its granddaddy, Windows '95. What do I mean by handling memory better? Ever seen that application error just before you save your 56-page thesis on bean sprouts that only gives you the option to close the program? Who am I kidding... we all have been sad witnesses to that dialogue of death. Windows '98 does not provide a "Friggin' save before I lose every gawd damn thing!" button, but the possibility of that error occurring is drastically reduced.

If you like Internet Explorer, you will love Windows '98. The browser has been integrated into the operating system. This means you can make your desktop a web page, with links to your favorite sites. For those of you who have, shall we say, "issues" with IE, don't fret. You can turn off the Active Desktop features and install your favorite browser without a hitch. For those users who think IE is the spawn of Satan and that the piece of software will run amok through your system, you're only half right.

Windows '98 looks prettier. It has some nifty menu and window animations, gradient Title Bars, and you can now use JPGs in addition to BMPs as your backgrounds on your desktop. When exploring your hard drives or setting features in the Control Panel, you can select "View as Web page." This means you get a nice little picture and a description of what you're looking at. If its a Windows-specific item like the Control Panel, you even get a web link to Microsoft's technical support site.

In addition to the spoiler on the back and the racing stripes down the sides, Windows '98 had one feature I just love: Quick Launch. You can customize your taskbar and add shortcuts to it for your most used programs. The icons are as small as the ones in your system tray, and it only takes a single click to activate them. I have Outlook '98, Netscape Communicator, and CuteFTP on mine, and its probably my favorite feature in Windows '98. Isn't it funny how something so simple can make such a big difference?

Hardware detection is pretty descent. However, I still had to disable the Plug 'n Play features of my modem in order for Windows '98 to recognize it. A nifty but most likely pointless feature is that you can pull out every peripheral while your computer is running and plug them back in without having to reboot. I'm not sure if Windows '95 supported this feature, but I know from experience that it doesn't work with every peripheral.