Windows 98 to ME - Titane73/IT115-wiki-project GitHub Wiki

Contributed by Ti Hall

Windows 98

Windows 98 (Win98) was the follow up for Windows 95, initially called it’s codename “Memphis”. Even with legal issues over Internet Explorer 4.0, Win98 was released to the public in June 1998. This version saw the advent of the internet, and included web integration. Win98 enhanced hardware support by introducing Window Driver Model, featuring more robust USB support, enhancements for audio applications, and broader support for IDE and drive controllers. Enhanced networking allowed for better performance with high-speed bandwidths. Support ended in June 2004.

Windows 2000

The release of Windows 2000 (Win2000) saw much more success than the home version (Window ME) release. Win2000 was the successor to Windows NT Workstation 4.0. With this release, features from Windows 98/SE were incorporated into the NT series. Originally released in four versions, each serving a different level of need:

  • Professional - intended as the client version of the OS
  • Server - small to medium business, similar to Professional, included server functions and run infrastructure
  • Advanced Server - Server for medium to large businesses
  • Datacenter Server - Advanced Server for larger businesses working with confidential/sensitive data.

Win2000 introduced many features including Windows Script Host 2.0, Active Directory, and new capability called Windows File Protection. WFP protects critical files by allowing only the MS OS to access them. The lifecycle for Windows 2000 ended July 2010.

Windows ME

Released seven months after Windows 2000 in September 2000, Windows ME (WinME) was specifically designed for home users. It sported an updated user interface utilizing features such as customizable menus and toolbars inherited from Win2000. While WinME contained many of the improvements of Win2000, it was not received well by the public, nicknamed by PCWorld as “Windows Mistake Edition”. Many users opted to stay with Win98 or switch to Win2000. WinME was replaced only a year later by Windows XP. Support for Windows ME ended in July 2006.

Previous Topic --- HOME PAGE --- Next Topic