Windows 98

Windows 98 (originally code-named Memphis) is a hybrid 16-bi/32-bit graphical operating system released on June 25, 1998 by the Microsoft Corporation.

The new operating system was built upon Windows 95, and had improved support for hardware standards such as USB, MMX and AGP. Other features included support for the FAT32 file system, multiple monitors, WebTV support, and the integration of Internet Explorer into the Windows GUI, called Active Desktop.

Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) was released on June 10, 1999. It included a number of further improvements on the original, such as Internet Explorer 5, Windows Netmeeting 3, Internet Connection Sharing, and support for DVD-ROM.

Windows 98 was criticised for not being innovative enough. Despite this criticism it went on to be a successful product. The second edition was criticised for not being a free upgrade for those who already had the first edition.

Windows 98 has been succeeded by Windows Me and Windows XP (Microsoft's first consumer desktop operating-system based on the technologically superior Windows NT kernel).

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See also: History of Microsoft Windows, Blue screen of death.