As of July 11, 2006 Microsoft will end support for all Windows 98 and Windows Me operating systems. Not being able to reach technical support for these operating systems is no big deal. It was almost impossible to get any support from Microsoft anyway.

What does, however, make a big difference is the fact that Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for these operating systems. As older operating systems, 98 and Me are inherently more susceptible to attacks than newer operating systems, this poses a major problem for users of these older operating systems.  When Microsoft stops support hackers will find new holes and vulnerabilities that they can use over and over again. It will be like hackers driving their 18-wheelers filled with bad antics right into computers with these old operating systems.

Take notice. Once these hackers have a way into your computer they can steal your passwords, your personal information, and any financial data you have on your computer. They can set up keystroke loggers to see every letter and number that you type on your keyboard. They can install spyware, pop ups, and advertising. They can even turn your computer into a “zombie computer”. This means that they can take control of your computer and use it to send out spam and to attack other computers and websites. All of this can be accomplished without your knowledge. In fact, often there are no obvious clues that any of this is happening.

After July 11th, it is only a matter of time until the string of bad starts to affect Windows 98 and Windows Me computers. Microsoft states “Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP , as soon as possible.”

Although Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows XP, that upgrade will cost $100 or more. Also, most computers that are running Windows 98 are not good candidates for upgrading as they do not have hardware that can support Windows XP. Even Windows Me users may find the upgrade path to XP a difficult one to follow.

To make matters worse, Microsoft’s declaration that Windows 98 and Windows Me are dead, will have a ripple affect as other manufacturers start to discontinue their Windows 98 and Windows Me versions. Zone Alarm, the free firewall software, and others have already made announcements to that affect.

So what’s a person to do? Bite the bullet and buy a new computer! The price of some new computers is now under $500 and that is a better investment than purchasing a copy of Windows XP for your old computer.

If you are mad at Microsoft, buy an Apple. Their new Intel-based machines are more expensive, but are great little computers. These new Apples can even run Windows XP right along side the Mac OS. Yes, you will then have to purchase a copy of Windows XP, but this will allow you to use of all your Windows software on the Mac.

If you don’t want to learn an entirely new operating system, buy a Windows XP computer. You will find that prices are reasonable and Windows XP is infinitely better than 98 or Me. You may even find that a speedy new computer with a large hard drive will allow you to play music, watch videos, and do other things that your trusty old machine couldn’t handle.

 Out with the old and in with the new. Get ready. It’s time to say good-by to Trusty!