Windows 98 and the Future of the Internet: A Quantum Leap Forward

Microsoft Corp's Windows 98 operating system, set to release on June 25, promises significant improvements over its predecessor, with a focus on seamlessly integrating the Internet into the desktop experience. This major upgrade is designed to accommodate new computer hardware, especially television and multi-media equipment, rather than making a dramatic change like Windows 95. The new operating system also enables users to run high-capacity digital video disks, use two monitors at once, and more easily hook up peripherals. Meanwhile, three high-tech communications companies have contributed £300 million to develop the next generation of the Internet, promising ultra-fast data transmission and new ways of using computers.

Key Takeaways:

• Windows 98 will be released on June 25, with an estimated price of £75 for the upgrade and an additional £60 for computers without Windows 95.
• The new operating system weaves Microsoft's Internet browser into the desktop, turning the computer screen into a viewfinder for both the World Wide Web and information stored in a PC.
• Key new features include faster loading of software, a trouble-shooting guide for common computer problems, and the ability to run high-capacity digital video disks.
• The operating system is designed to accommodate new computer hardware, especially television and multi-media equipment.
• Three high-tech communications companies, Qwest Communications International, and two other companies, are contributing £300 million to develop the next generation of the Internet.
• The new Internet will be capable of transmitting the contents of the 30-volume Encyclopedia Brittanica in one second, making it incredibly fast.
• The new network will enable new ways of using computers, including long-distance learning and remote diagnosis of medical conditions.
• Vice-President Al Gore described the significance of the new network as "comparable, perhaps exceeding" the invention of the printing press and written language.

Statistics:

• The transition to Windows 98 will cost an estimated £35 for computers without the Windows 95 operating system (£75 + £60).
• The new Internet will be capable of transmitting the contents of the 30-volume Encyclopedia Brittanica in one second.
• The new network will make it possible to connect at least 100 universities at speeds 100 times faster than current connections allow and a smaller group of schools at speeds 1,000 times faster.
• The £300 million contribution from the three high-tech communications companies represents a significant investment in the next generation of the Internet.

Sources:

• Rob Bennett, group product manager for Windows 98
• US Vice-President Al Gore
• Microsoft Corp
• Qwest Communications International
• 30-volume Encyclopedia Brittanica
• "The revolution in multimedia communications has the potential to change our way of life, just as the printing press did." - Vice-President Al Gore