Microsoft to Retire Windows 98

Effective mid-January 2004, Microsoft Corporation will retire the Windows 98 operating system and will discontinue posting security fixes.

The problem with Windows 98 stems from Microsoft's product lifecycle. As of January 16, 2004, Microsoft will shift Windows 98 into what it dubs the 'non-supported phase,' which means that although online help for the operating system will continue, the company is not obligated to release security 'hotfixes' for uncovered vulnerabilities.

This action by Microsoft will create a significant vulnerability in Window 95 and 98 machines if a mischievous individual develops a worm or virus after the date of retirement.

A recent survey of 670 companies conducted by AssetMetrix Research Labs found that 27 percent of the businesses had at least one machine with an older operating system. These machines need to be disconnected from the Internet to avoid being infected after January.