Businesses left using the aging operating system face challenges.
By: Sherree DeCovny
Nothing goes out of date faster than computer hardware and software. No sooner do you buy it, take it home or back to the office and a newer, faster version with more functionality hits the market.
The rule of thumb is buy more machine than you need because that way you can protect your investment for as long as possible but you can only avoid upgrading for so long.
In computer terms, Windows 98 is a dinosaur. The operating system will continue to function as long as it’s in good condition, but users are increasingly facing backward compatibility issues.
For instance, programs like Microsoft Office 2003 will not run on Windows 98, so users cannot open an Office 2003 file unless it is saved in an older format.
Viruses and spyware are more of a problem for those who have not upgraded because common security packages, like Norton Anti-Virus 2005, do not run properly on older operating systems.
"It’s hogging a lot of resources and it’s really slowing down some of those older Windows 98 machines," says Georgina Hricak, CEO of Digital Pathway Consulting, which provides IT support for small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Those who are using a dial-up connection to the Internet are at an even greater disadvantage because it takes so long to download tools to remove viruses and malware. It may end up costing more to hire a computer professional to fix the problem than buying a new machine, she cautions.
Windows 98 also does not meet the minimum requirements for hooking up devices like iPods. "Microsoft says that the minimum processing speed is 300 megahertz," says Ms. Hricak. "That’s nowhere near adequate because it runs so dog slow you can barely even use it."
In fact, Microsoft was scheduled to end support for Windows 98 in January 2004. It extended that deadline through June 2006 to give customers in the smaller and emerging markets additional time to upgrade their product.
As part of this extended support, Microsoft will provide information about whether critical issues affect these operating systems, and it will provide security updates on the operating systems that are affected. Incident support, critical security updates, noncritical security fixes and downloads for existing security issues will continue to be available for a fee. Online self-help support will be available until at least June 2007.
"They want to push their new line, which is Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional, and also their newest server-based operating system, which is Windows 2003," explains Jim Hearny, president of Rapid Response Computer Service in Hamilton, which services small to mid-sized companies with 10 to 100 employees.
According to David Walsh, CTO of Digital Pathway Consulting, most small businesses in the area have already upgraded to Windows 2000 or newer operating systems, but home office users may be affected once support is phased out.
Jeffrey Gorman, president of Creative Computing in Princeton agrees. He says the move does not affect a significant percentage of his company’s customers, most of which are small firms that operate on mixed platforms (Macintosh and Windows machines).
"We rarely encounter Windows 98," Mr. Gorman said. But some of the school districts with lower budgets still operate on Windows 98, he said.
Since fixes and patches will no longer be available, these organizations will be vulnerable to computer viruses contracted over the Internet. If they do not have the budget to upgrade their systems, Mr. Gorman recommends they can take preventative measures by installing very good firewalls, but even then the odds of being compromised are extremely high.
A tip for those looking to upgrade: Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows Longhorn, will be available in 2006. According to Microsoft, Longhorn will offer improved productivity as well as new capabilities for software developers and significant advancements in security, deployment and reliability.
But there is a downside to migrating to Longhorn. "It’s going to be completely incompatible with all current software on the market," says Mr. Hearny. "Everything that is compatible with Windows XP and Windows XP Professional, Windows 98 and Windows Millennium will no longer work with Windows Longhorn. You’ll have to buy all new software from the ground up."
In addition, the cost is not insignificant. Microsoft offers bulk licensing at a discount of between 8 and 15 percent, but the price tag is still $250 to $500 per license.
Still, some will have to upgrade to the latest technology simply to stay in business. For instance, health-care professionals may find it difficult to comply with privacy regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) if their systems are not up to date. The law requires them to store and transmit data securely, and that is more challenging using older operating systems.