Windows 98 Features Not So Much New

Just what is Windows 98 and why has there been such a fuss over its release?

Microsoft’s flagship product, its Windows operating systems software, provides the basic appearance of the computer to the user. It also communicates between the computer hardware and software applications, such as word processors and spreadsheets.

Windows 98 is the successor to Windows 95, the operating system used on more than 90% of the world’s computers.

Windows 98’s most significant change--integration of the Internet Explorer Web browser and the adoption of a browser-like interface for all kinds of operations, online or off--has been available as a Windows 95 option since last year.

The new software also provides corrections to a number of Windows 95 bugs--software errors that cause headaches for users. But many of those fixes have long been available piecemeal for free and have been integrated into the latest version of Windows 95.

“This is not a must-have upgrade for anyone,” said Steve Fox, editor of PC World magazine. “If it’s delayed, it’s hard to see any particular effect on consumers or businesses.”

Businesses typically upgrade after a new operating system has been on the market for months or longer, so those purchase plans would not likely be affected by a minor delay after the scheduled June 25 release date.

Some consumers may be tempted to forestall purchases of new PCs until the Windows 98 confusion is resolved. But those who don’t wait would probably not pay any penalty. According to Fox, most PC vendors would provide a free Windows 98 upgrade coupon with machines affected by a short delay in the release of the product.

Eventually, most users would probably want Windows 98 for its other advantages, says Aaron Goldberg, an analyst with San Diego-based ZD Market Intelligence. Those include enhanced support for the universal serial bus--a key standard for connecting printers and other peripheral devices. Windows 98 also adds the ability to display images simultaneously on more than one monitor--a boon to well-heeled game enthusiasts, financial analysts and desktop publishing professionals.

If Microsoft is forced to radically alter its design strategy--the gradual integration of features into Windows that had previously been handled by separate software programs--the effects could be dramatic.

“A long delay or big changes might hurt software development in general,” Fox said, pointing out that many software companies have adapted their programs to Microsoft’s strategy.

Any fundamental changes to Windows 98 could extend to Windows NT, Microsoft’s operating system for server computers and highly sophisticated users. NT offers more power and stability and stronger security features than Windows 98. Many businesses plan to bypass Windows 98, instead upgrading to a new version of NT due late this year or early in 1999.