|
|
Why You Shouldn't Upgrade to Windows 98
All you hear about nowadays is the question - should you upgrade to Windows 98. Should you stay with what works (or what kind of works), or should you go into the unknown and change your computer? Should you heed the warnings many computer makers say about Windows 98, or should you throw caution to the wind and pop in the CD? Well, here are five scenarios where you should *not* upgrade to Windows 98.
1. It's 4:00 PM at the office.
Upgrading a 100-computer network near closing time is not the thing to do. No matter how many times you've read the instructions about setting up batch installs, something will go wrong. Perhaps you ought to go home and try the upgrade tomorrow, unless you really love spending extra time at the job. Or, if you really just don't want to see your family for a while - a LONG while, that is, such as a few days or a week - go ahead and upgrade the network
2. Your Apple ][e needs a facelift.
Nope; sorry, no can do. If your computer was made when disco was all the rage, you really shouldn't try putting it through the rigorous upgrade. Of course, I don't know how you plan on inserting a CD-ROM into a computer made in the 70s, but that's your computer you are messing with, not mine. It definitely would be a long Saturday night if you tried upgrading that machine.
3. You can choose to eat this month or upgrade to Windows 98.
Hmm... if you don't have $90.00 to spend, maybe it's not a good idea to upgrade. Upgrading on an empty stomach can be a very hard experience. Unfortunately, Windows for Microwave Ovens isn't out yet, and Windows for Grocery Shopping hasn't gotten out of beta testing yet. Something about squeezing the tomatoes too much to see if they're ripe - who knows.
4. You haven't quite figured out how to get that Start Menu Doohickey to appear.
I'm not saying you have to be an advanced computer administrator to install Windows 98 - although it sure doesn't hurt. Please, though, wait to upgrade to Windows 98 until you've figured out how to use your mouse. Knowing what the right mouse-button does would be a big plus. If you're still using your mouse for a foot pedal then maybe you ought to hold off the install.
5. You expect that after the upgrade your life will be changed forever.
Sorry, Microsoft can't promise that. Windows 98 does have some nice features and plenty of upgrades for Windows 95 that most people did not bother to get and install. Of course, your life may be changed by the fact that you can't use the computer any more due to constant blue-screens.
Are these scenarios ridiculous? You bet. But is there some seriousness to them?
Don't expect to spend only a half hour or so upgrading to Win98 - you may get through the basic install in that period of time, but chances are everything will not work immediately. Don't try upgrading a really old computer to Win98 - but if you must, go with a fresh install of Windows 98 instead of upgrading over Win95 or Win3.1. Of course you shouldn't upgrade to Windows 98 if you don't have the money - see through the hype and figure out if you really NEED the new features. And you shouldn't try upgrading unless you know a little bit about how to use computers - that is obvious, or at least it should be.
As for the life-changing experience scenario, well, I do like the enhanced taskbar at the bottom of my screen. Sure makes accessing applications a lot easier, and I do save quite a bit of time ...
Article copyright 1998 Andrew Malek - All Rights Reserved. This article may not be redistributed without permission of Andrew Malek. All trademarks mentioned in this article are owned by their respective companies.
|
|
|
