As previously reported in this column, Windows 98 was to have its life support system turned off on 16 January of this year. However, Microsoft announced on 12 January that the Extended Support phase for Windows 98 and 98SE would carry on until 30 June 2006. Windows Millennium (ME), slated for the chop at the end of this year, will also get Extended Support up to the same date. During this period Microsoft, in its own words, 'will continue to offer paid phone support and review any critical security issues and take appropriate steps'. You can find full details at http://support.microsoft.com/default. aspx?pr=LifeAn1. Microsoft has taken this step to 'accommodate customers worldwide who are still dependent upon these operating systems and to provide Microsoft more time to communicate its product lifecycle support guidelines in a handful of markets - particularly smaller and emerging markets'.
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