Microsoft, 1998. Windows.
Windows 98 was released to manufacturing on 15 May 1998 and reached shops on 25 June 1998, as the successor to Windows 95 and the second release in the Windows 9x line. It was developed under the codename Memphis. Like Windows 95, it combines 16-bit and 32-bit code and starts up through MS-DOS. Microsoft marketed it as a “tune-up” for Windows 95 rather than a new generation.
Most of its changes improved the look and ease of use, and it built the web into the interface. It also improved USB support and accessibility, supported DVD players, was the first Windows to use the Windows Driver Model, and introduced Disk Cleanup, Windows Update, support for several monitors, and Internet Connection Sharing.
At a press demonstration in April 1998, a release candidate crashed with a Blue Screen of Death when a USB scanner was plugged in, and Bill Gates remarked, “That must be why we’re not shipping Windows 98 yet.” Reviews praised its interface and ease of use, and in 2003 it had about 58 million users. Windows 98 Second Edition followed on 10 June 1999, and extended support ended on 11 July 2006.
This exhibit resumes from a state saved on copy.sh, at a desktop with icons for Internet Explorer, Outlook Express and Network Neighborhood, and a networking.bat file.