Windows casts familiar reflection

In spite of the fuss and bother surrounding the planned launch of Windows 98, some PC industry commentators argue that it represents little more than a collection of "bug fixes" that Microsoft should have supplied free."I don't see any compelling reason to buy Windows 98 except for the bug fixes and the USB (Universal Serial Bus, a faster and more convenient way to connect peripherals) support," says Mr John Dvorak, one expert.Having run a succession of "beta" or test versions of Windows 98 on my PC for the past five months, I sympathise but think the critics are being a little harsh. That said, it is indeed debatable whether it is worth forking out £85.50 sterling (£98) for the upgrade ( £161.50 sterling for the full version). That is, of course, unless you want particular features not available in Windows 95.Windows 98, as one beta tester noted, "is the same, but different" from Windows 95. This is particularly true for PC users who are already running Microsoft's Internet Explorer 4 web browser which is embedded in Windows 98 (the main cause of the antitrust investigation by the US Justice Department).Netscape Navigator fans can, of course, continue to use that browser, and keep it as the default, ensuring that it opens when you click on an Internet link. But while you can remove the IE4 icon from the screen "desktop", it is risky to try to remove the program entirely.In common with IE4, Windows 98 enables users to customise the information that appears on their screens and sign up for TV-style "channels" which feed information over the Internet to the users' systems automatically. Like most early users of so-called "push technology", I disabled this annoying function immediately.However, Windows 98 incorporates the familiar browser interface with its forward and backwards arrows, "favourites" button and links. Adopting this makes Windows 98 easier to use and means that there is no distinction drawn between a file or programme stored on a local hard drive and one sitting on the opposite side of the world on an Internet server.In general Windows 98 is smoother, faster and more reliable than its predecessor - but nowhere near as big a leap in terms of look, feel and performance as Windows 95 was.Among the most notable improvements are: faster start-up and shut-down times, particularly on new PCs; improved support for multimedia and games; in-built support for new peripherals including digital versatile disc drives, advanced graphics port video cards and devices like scanners and printers. The latter are expected to migrate towards use of the USB.In terms of hardware requirements, Microsoft claims Windows 98 will run on a machine fitted with an Intel 486/66Mhz microprocessor with 16Mb of memory, a CD-Rom drive and about 200Mb of free hard disk space. In reality, however, unless you have at least a Pentium 133Mhz machine it might be better to consider replacing the PC.Some of the other features in Windows 98, many of them hidden beneath the surface, which could make an upgrade worth considering, include:Bug fixes: The final version of Windows 98 will incorporate all the bug fixes, "patches" and updated "drivers" for other devices that have been released for Windows 95. In addition, Windows 98 includes an update feature that connects over the Internet to a Microsoft site to collect future bug fixes and updates.Performance: Microsoft claims applications will start up more quickly compared with Windows 95 and run a bit faster.Problem Handling: Even in its beta form Windows 98 is more stable than its predecessor and less liable to "crash" or "hang". The new software also includes features that make it easier to diagnose problems and is more helpful if things do go wrong.Plug-and-Play: In Windows 95 the feature designed automatically to configure new devices attached to a PC was widely known as "plug-and-pray". In Windows 98 it is still not perfect, but is a lot better. Portable PC users, in particular, will value its improved handling of modem communications devices.Internet access: Aside from integrating the IE4 web browser, the software also includes multilink channel aggregation that allows users to combine multiple modems and phone lines for faster internet access.Overall, Windows 98 does represent an improvement on Windows 95. But it is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary product.