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Hi everyone, this is Leo Notenboom with news, commentary and answers to some of the many questions I get at askleo.info.
Recent news reports are that Microsoft is explicitly not going to fix a recently discovered vulnerability in Windows 98 and Windows Me. Their reasons are twofold: One, it would be too much work, and two, support for these versions of Windows ends on July 11 anyway.
As you can imagine, this has caused a bit of controversy. I've even heard the phrase "class action lawsuit" thrown around.
The problem is that there are two very practical realities that are totally at odds with each other.
On one hand, it's unreasonable to expect Microsoft to fix bugs in every version of Windows for all time. Not only does it not make financial sense for Microsoft to continue to support a steadily diminishing client base, but it also doesn't make practical sense. As Microsoft has stated about this particular fix, the fundamental components were radically redesigned for later versions of the operating system. In a sense the "fix" is, in fact, the newer versions of the operating system.
And let's face it, you wouldn't expect Ford to issue a recall if a design flaw was found today in, say, the Pinto of the 1970's.
On the other hand, it's equally unreasonable to expect all users to upgrade. It's often an expensive proposition requiring new hardware to support the new systems, and simply beyond the reach of many people. While the numbers continue to decrease, there are still a fair number of people running Windows ME, Windows 98 and even earlier versions.
Or to put it another way, there are still some Pintos on the road.
So what to do?
While I don't believe that they have an obligation to do it, it'd certainly be nice, and really really great PR, if Microsoft were to invest the resources to deal with Windows 98 and Me. But let's face it, that's not bloodily likely.
The practical reality is, like the owner of an aging Pinto, Windows 9x and Me users should be aware of what it is they're driving. End of support for Windows 98 and Me is not new - there's been lots of warning. The world is passing them by, and they simply aren't as safe on the road as more modern operating systems. They need to take a few extra precautions, as Microsoft even outlines, to avoid the threat posed by these vulnerabilities.
And yes, if at all feasible, they should really consider upgrading. Or even consider switching, if so inclined.
But a class action lawsuit? That's just silly, and only benefits the lawyers.
I'd love to hear what you think. Visit ask leo dot info, and enter 10411 in the go to article number box. Leave a comment, I read them all.
This is a presentation of askleo.info, a free on-line technical question and answer service. Hundreds of questions and answers are online and ready to help solve your computer problems.
That's askleo.info.
Article C2690 - June 15, 2006
I've been using Ubuntu for a while due to the fact XP locked me out when I tried to reinstall because I've reactivated the license key to many times. It's the same computer and all that. MS just wants to squeese money out of people.
Unfortunetly, I'm going to have to buy a new license key for XP because Ubuntu doesn't have everything I need, and quite frankly I'm tired of taking the time to configure everything by hand.
All MS wants to do is squeeze more money out of already locked in customer base and it isn't fair!
Posted by: Dan at June 17, 2006 10:35 AMMicrosoft has to have planned obsolescence or it
Posted by: Dale at June 17, 2006 11:43 AMwill cease to exist as an entity. Having said
that, people would like for their computers to
last longer than they do. Who wants to upgrade
every 2-5 years? Not me. Windows XP is now old.
Windows should continue supporting older systems
until their new OS comes out. If they wanted to
be a better PR company they could provide better
financial incentives for people to upgrade. Many
companies this big today seem to not care.
Well, basically what Microsoft does is forcing one the buy their new product.
And I will not bend from my opinion. If Microsoft made a proper product to begin with, there would not be any need for this contiuous update rally.
I currently use Win 2000 Pro. I will not buy another Windows. For many reasons.
1) I do not have the resources to do it.
2) I will not have them in the future.
3) I do not like an OS that comes with spyware
as an built in part. The "Black Box" that is supposed to be a part of Vista.
Vista is a good name by the way:
(V)iruses
(I)ntruders
(S)pyware
(T)rojans
(A)dware
New opportunities for all of these.
I.F.
Posted by: Ingmar at June 18, 2006 10:11 AMExcellent article Leo. All of these people who are demanding that Microsoft support 95/ME forever are simply not living in reality. It is not commercially viable for any software company to support their products indefinately. Microsoft was very generous in their support of Windows 95/ME. It's an obsolete platform. Windows is NOT a free product. If you cannot afford to upgrade, then switch to a "free" alternative. Ask Apple if they still provide software updates for MacOS 8.0?
Posted by: Mike at June 20, 2006 6:20 PMGreat minds journalise alike LOL! I was remarking on the same thing "Oh no, not Wndows 98 again" - http://bleedingedge.com.au/blog/archives/2006/06/oh_no_not_windows_98_again.html
Posted by: Ananda Sim at June 22, 2006 2:27 AMJust like those vintage / veteran cars, there will be fans who should congregate and support themselves. Until such time as there is no one on this earth who will want to run it anymore.