The End Is Nigh?

If you're unsure which version of Windows you're using, either read the "splash" screen next time you start the computer, it may appear on the "Start" menu or click: Start | Settings | Control Panel | System.
Information from Microsoft regarding the end of support is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx.

What Does This Mean?

The good news: you don't have to worry that your computer will stop working -- Microsoft will not and without access could not disable Windows 98. Your system will continue to operate as it currently does, as will other software you have installed. It doesn't mean you need to rush out and spend $1000 on a new system either, although if you've been hankering after an LCD monitor don't let me stop you -- this might be just the excuse you've been looking for! Most of my suggestions are aimed at doing things as cheaply as reasonably possible.

What Is Computer Security?

In simple terms it means preventing other people accessing your computer and being able to do such things as read, write and delete files, sending Spam and e-mail worms or using your Internet connection as a stepping stone to other computers. It means everything from setting a password on your Windows account thus preventing the neighbour’s kids from wandering in and wreaking havoc, to stopping a malicious user taking control of your system via the Internet. This article will focus on the Internet side of things as that’s where the biggest risk lies.
So when phrases such as "security issue" are used it means something that affects the security of your system, potentially allowing a malicious user access to your

The bad news: it makes using the Internet and e-mail riskier activities. Flaws are discovered in software all the time and while most of them are fairly insignificant, occasionally they are not. The worst flaws, the critical security issues, can enable your computer to be controlled by another user over the Internet, giving them full access to your hard drive or letting them use it for spamming or launching attacks on other computers (known as "cracking" but commonly incorrectly referred to as "hacking"). Potentially all from simply visiting a Web site, viewing a picture sent in e-mail or even by just connecting to the Internet if you don't use a firewall.

Microsoft will not be issuing any further patches for Windows 98 and associated software such as the Windows 98 versions of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. While you'll be as safe on July 11th as you are today, as time goes by the odds are well and truly in favour of a serious security issue being discovered that will affect your system. It’s not a matter of "if" but "when" your system becomes vulnerable.

Have I scared you? Just a little maybe? Hopefully I have because it’s a serious issue and you shouldn't just bury your head in the sand and hope nothing bad happens. Ignoring it won't make the hackers go away.

"What Can I Do About My Windows 98 System?" I hear you ask!

There are a number of options open to you ranging from replacing your computer, to upgrading software and hardware, to continuing largely as you are. Which you choose is up to you -- it will mainly depend on what you are willing to spend, the specifications of your current hardware and how badly you want to continue using Windows 98.

Please note that while I’m vigorously encouraging you to upgrade your operating system I’m not doing so just for the sake of having the "latest and greatest". My only concern here is the security of your system. There are certainly other advantages in my opinion, in having Windows XP but security is the main one.

There is nothing wrong with using older software provided that it doesn't put your system at risk. As of 11 July Windows 98 can no longer promise to meet that requirement. It’s that simple. If you can afford to change, do so.

If you can't or won't change it isn't the end of the world but you will need to change the way you do a few things and avoid activities such as Internet banking. This doesn't just risk the data on your computer but could also compromise your bank account.

Option 1: Upgrade to Windows XP

For most users this is the preferred option, by far, but of course it comes at a price and you need hardware capable of running it. Realistic minimum requirements for running Windows XP, and these cover only basic activities such as word processing, Internet and e-mail, are: