Microsoft Retires Windows 98

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Microsoft Retires Windows 98 697

Posted by michael on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:17PM from the porch-and-rocking-chair dept.

prostoalex writes "Complying with the court requirement related to Sun-Microsoft lawsuit over Java, Microsoft is retiring Windows 98, SQL Server 7, Office XP Developer Edition and some other products."

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Microsoft Retires Windows 98

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ding, dong... (Score:3, Funny)

by rokzy ( 687636 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:17PM (#7672674)

...the witch is dead

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Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:19PM (#7672700)

Did you just refer to Win98 as "stable?" Good god, you're delusional.

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hurrah! (Score:5, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:19PM (#7672704)

Best news since 1998!!!

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Here's to hoping... (Score:1, Funny)

by KirkH ( 148427 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:20PM (#7672714)

...it retires to a nice warm spot in Hell!

Maybe that was a little harsh.

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Dys damnlexia (Score:5, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:21PM (#7672725)

I read that as "Microsoft Retries Windows 98" and I thought, "Didn't they learn the first time around?"

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Fact: Windows 98 is dying (Score:5, Funny)

by cpeterso ( 19082 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:21PM (#7672738) Homepage

Fact: Windows 98 is dying

It is common knowledge that Windows 98 is dying. Everyone knows that ever hapless Windows 98 is mired in an irrecoverable and mortifying tangle of fatal trouble. It is perhaps anybody's guess as to which Windows 98 is the worst off of an admittedly suffering Windows 98 community. The numbers continue to decline for Windows but Windows 98 may be hurting the most. Look at the numbers. The erosion of user base for FreeBSD continues in a head spinning downward spiral.

All major marketing surveys show that Windows 98 has steadily declined in market share. Windows 98 is very sick and its long term survival prospects are very dim. If Windows 98 is to survive at all it will be among hobbyist dilettante dabblers. In truth, for all practical purposes Windows 98 is already dead. It is a dead man walking.

Fact: Windows 98 is dying

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Why is this news? (Score:5, Funny)

by Lane.exe ( 672783 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:22PM (#7672751) Homepage

In other news, Windows 3.1, long the holdout of solitaire, minesweeper and QBASIC enthusiasts the world over, has been retired by Microsoft.

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Just wait... (Score:5, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:22PM (#7672761)

...one day they'll be back. Trying to coax 98 out of retirement for 1 more mission. At first, 98 will be adament that he is retired. But then, they will tell him about an evil so great...

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Heh.. you left a 'FreeBSD' in there ;) (Score:5, Funny)

by Shalome ( 566988 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:24PM (#7672785) Homepage

;) Proofreading is your friend.

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Damn (Score:1, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:24PM (#7672787)

At first I only read the first two words in the title.
Oh well, too good to be true.

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Uhh.... (Score:5, Funny)

by jetkust ( 596906 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:25PM (#7672806)

Let's look on the bright side, Windows ME is still in circulation.

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Long life to win98 (Score:5, Funny)

by armando_wall ( 714879 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:26PM (#7672818) Homepage

Long life to an OS which filled my life with the joy of rebooting, freezing and hardware failure blue screens (since the day of its presentation [cnn.com]).
It will be missed! :'-(

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Retirement? (Score:2, Funny)

by MandoSKippy ( 708601 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:27PM (#7672846)

Retirement? Windows 98? doesn't the word "retirement" indicate that that which is retiring worked? ... hmm

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Re:Hollow victory (Score:2, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:31PM (#7672903)

Lunix? [sic]

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Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

by Boing ( 111813 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:31PM (#7672915)

I got windows 98 to run for weeks at a time

I guess your screensaver was pretty busy...
Wait, what the hell am I saying, Windows 98 wouldn't be able to run a screensaver without crashing for weeks at a time.

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Noooo... (Score:5, Funny)

by bunhed ( 208100 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:32PM (#7672921)

Who are we going to call for support of our office machi... oh... right... we never did get any support did we...

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Re:Uhh.... (Score:5, Funny)

by irokitt ( 663593 ) writes: <archimandrites-iaur@@@yahoo...com> on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:35PM (#7672977)

Either you have never tried your hand at tech support (formal or informal) or you have a sick sense of humor. Don't joke about 'ME, man.

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Won't this make Win98 abandonware? -nt- (Score:3, Funny)

by Eudial ( 590661 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:39PM (#7673017)

-nt-

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Comment removed (Score:4, Funny)

by account_deleted ( 4530225 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:39PM (#7673027)

Comment removed based on user account deletion

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Re:Does this include Windows 98 Second Edition? (Score:1, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:39PM (#7673031)

Actually, I stand corrected. They do release drivers for it, only it takes a month or so more :)

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$699 to Sun... (Score:3, Funny)

by 3Suns ( 250606 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:41PM (#7673053) Homepage

Microsoft is retiring Windows 98 because of licensing problems with Sun. Starting June 1, 2003, Sun will begin suing Windows 98 end-users for IP violations, unless they pay $1400 per processor. Act before the date, and Sun will discount the IP license to only $699 per processor.

So upgrading to Windows XP at only $500 a license will be a huge discount, plus you get a better OS! Even bigger savings if you have a multiprocessor!

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Re:Why is this news? (Score:5, Funny)

by nate1138 ( 325593 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:42PM (#7673085)

You forgot about BOB. From the press release:

Microsoft BOB, after many years on top as the premier productivity assistant, is set to be retired. A Microsoft spokesman said: "We deeply regret the decision to end the life of such a successful product. However, a new breed of assistants, led by our popular 'Clippy' mascot will continue our fine tradition of assistive software." In response, user groups the world over have petitioned Microsoft to open-source BOB.

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Re:No, it does not include Win98 SE (Score:2, Funny)

by ad_anderson ( 719732 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:46PM (#7673148)

I find that Windows NT 4.0 being on both lists highly amusing. Somehow they're going to release a java-compliant version and then yank it from the shelves before 12/15/03.

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Re:Win98 Was Still Available??? (Score:2, Funny)

by CoolMoDee ( 683437 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:48PM (#7673168) Homepage Journal

Goto fry's eleectronics, they got shelves and shelves of Win98/ME still at 130 bucks, it dosn't look like it is going anywhere anytime soon, so Fry's Electronics: For all of your Win9x needs.

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Re:Why is this news? (Score:3, Funny)

by R2.0 ( 532027 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @05:53PM (#7673249)

Boss gets a new laptop, has Win2k on it. 1st question: "Where are the games?"

Like an idiot, I find them on his machine and drag them to his desktop.

Now it's either freestyle, porn, or travel reservations - I don't know that he's even opened any other applications, much less done any work.

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Re:So? (Score:2, Funny)

by GrayCalx ( 597428 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:02PM (#7673392)

microsoft: taking a bad ruling and turning it into a cash cow. again.

Sorry but what were they supposed to do? Sit in the corner like the badboy they are and think about what they'd done?

There'll be no dessert for MS either! Bad MS, bad MS.

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Re:Upgrade (Score:5, Funny)

by pizzaman100 ( 588500 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:07PM (#7673469) Journal

...but what about those of us who speak Aramic?
You must really be looking forward to watching "The Passion". :)

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Re:Truly Sad..... (Score:3, Funny)

by AchmedHabib ( 696882 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:11PM (#7673516)

That's just because every attempt to root it, always results in a bluescreen

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Re:Still quite a few WIn 98 boxes out there (Score:1, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:12PM (#7673541)

Windows 89?! Tsk, Tsk, even the 3.1 users have a leg up on you.

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Well it's a good start.... (Score:2, Funny)

by DukeLinux ( 644551 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:12PM (#7673542)

Now if they would just retire Windows 2000 and Windows XP (Windows ME does not count).

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Re:So? (Score:2, Funny)

by Kindaian ( 577374 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:23PM (#7673677) Homepage

Compared with Windows ME... is ROCK SOLID!!!

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Too bad... (Score:3, Funny)

by Beek ( 10414 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:25PM (#7673708) Homepage

It was the best thing to happen to Linux.

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Re:Others Should be able to legally support it the (Score:5, Funny)

by TALlama ( 462873 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:26PM (#7673719) Homepage

Alright, you can go ahead and make your millions supporting Win98. But here's a few less painful ways to make a living:

1) Break your own legs in front of audiences. Every night.
2) Test new versions of salt and its ability to make paper cuts hurt.
3) Test the newest Windows UIs until your eyes bleed. Part time only; no one could do an eight-hour day.
4) Try to get Mobsters to pay protection money.
5) Become a mercenary and invade China. Alone.
6) Do an undercover report on how to get out of a Mexican Prison by doing so first hand.

Good luck!

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Truly an American Icon (Score:5, Funny)

by ENOENT ( 25325 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:30PM (#7673770) Homepage Journal

Specifically, an ugly 2D icon that makes Mac users howl with laughter.

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Re:Upgrade (Score:2, Funny)

by operagost ( 62405 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:32PM (#7673798) Homepage Journal

I don't think XP is $500 even in Canadian.

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Re:Harsh assessment? (Score:3, Funny)

by EpsCylonB ( 307640 ) writes: <eps AT epscylonb DOT com> on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:33PM (#7673815) Homepage

Tin foil, get your tin foil!

If you are not already wearing your tin foil hat then you have already been compromised...

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Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

by jonfelder ( 669529 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @06:44PM (#7673949)

Uptime typically refers to how long the machine can stay on without rebooting, not how long you keep the operating system on there without reinstalling.

Granted keeping 98 on there for weeks without a reinstall is an admirable feat.

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Woo Hoo! Safe again! (Score:4, Funny)

by Zygote-IC- ( 512412 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @07:22PM (#7674421) Homepage

I was reading down the list, scared to death that I would have to upgrade, but I don't see Microsoft BOB anywhere on there.
SAFE AGAIN!!

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Microsoft "retries"? (Score:3, Funny)

by siskbc ( 598067 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @07:23PM (#7674434) Homepage

I read that as "Microsoft Retries Windows 98" and I thought, "Didn't they learn the first time around?"
No, the first time around they used "abort" and "fail."

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Re:Just wait... (Score:2, Funny)

by GnomeAttic ( 97126 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @07:27PM (#7674477) Homepage

I think its more likely that 98 will be killed in action on its last day before retirement. In light of this tragedy, Windows XP will avenge 98's death and save the world in the process.

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Re:hurrah! (Score:1, Funny)

by Anonymous Coward writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @08:18PM (#7675080)

And what was the good news back then?

Clinton could not be reelected to a third term.

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Re:Fact: Windows 98 is dying (Score:3, Funny)

by Compact Dick ( 518888 ) writes: on Tuesday December 09, 2003 @08:48PM (#7675399) Homepage

I sucked on day one...

Missing your childhood, aye?

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Re:So? (Score:4, Funny)

by The Clockwork Troll ( 655321 ) writes: on Wednesday December 10, 2003 @12:27AM (#7677078) Journal

Apparently Microsoft has succeeded in making people feel their systems are stable as long as they don't need to be reformatted frequently?

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Re:So? (Score:4, Funny)

by Stephen Samuel ( 106962 ) writes: <samuel@bcgre e n . com> on Wednesday December 10, 2003 @03:00AM (#7677888) Homepage Journal

You are full of crap. I was able to run Win98 for 2 years without a reformat,
Oh, sorry. My mistake.
I thought you were talking about running Win-98 for weeks without a reboot.
silly comment of the minute:
"I've been booting my Linux box daily for the last year. The computer's fine, but my shoe's starting to wear out."

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There may be more comments in this discussion. Without JavaScript enabled, you might want to turn on Classic Discussion System in your preferences instead.

ding, dong... (Score:3, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

hurrah! (Score:5, Funny)

Here's to hoping... (Score:1, Funny)

Dys damnlexia (Score:5, Funny)

Fact: Windows 98 is dying (Score:5, Funny)

Why is this news? (Score:5, Funny)

Just wait... (Score:5, Funny)

Heh.. you left a 'FreeBSD' in there ;) (Score:5, Funny)

Damn (Score:1, Funny)

Uhh.... (Score:5, Funny)

Long life to win98 (Score:5, Funny)

Retirement? (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Hollow victory (Score:2, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

Noooo... (Score:5, Funny)

Re:Uhh.... (Score:5, Funny)

Won't this make Win98 abandonware? -nt- (Score:3, Funny)

Comment removed (Score:4, Funny)

Re:Does this include Windows 98 Second Edition? (Score:1, Funny)

$699 to Sun... (Score:3, Funny)

Re:Why is this news? (Score:5, Funny)

Re:No, it does not include Win98 SE (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Win98 Was Still Available??? (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Why is this news? (Score:3, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Upgrade (Score:5, Funny)

Re:Truly Sad..... (Score:3, Funny)

Re:Still quite a few WIn 98 boxes out there (Score:1, Funny)

Well it's a good start.... (Score:2, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:2, Funny)

Too bad... (Score:3, Funny)

Re:Others Should be able to legally support it the (Score:5, Funny)

Truly an American Icon (Score:5, Funny)

Re:Upgrade (Score:2, Funny)

Re:Harsh assessment? (Score:3, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:5, Funny)

Woo Hoo! Safe again! (Score:4, Funny)

Microsoft "retries"? (Score:3, Funny)

Re:Just wait... (Score:2, Funny)

Re:hurrah! (Score:1, Funny)

Re:Fact: Windows 98 is dying (Score:3, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:4, Funny)

Re:So? (Score:4, Funny)

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