Abstract: Windows 98 was a popular operating system released by Microsoft in June 1998, which was designed for use on personal computers. It was the second operating system in the Windows 9x series and was an upgrade to the earlier version of Windows 95. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the features and impact of Windows 98 on the personal computing industry.

Introduction: The development of personal computers revolutionized the way people work and interact with technology. As a result of this, there was a need for user-friendly operating systems that could manage the hardware and software resources of personal computers. Windows 98 was one of the first operating systems that aimed to meet this need by providing users with a graphical user interface (GUI) and a range of features that made it easier to use personal computers.

Features of Windows 98: Windows 98 was equipped with several new features that made it easier for users to perform common tasks. Some of the most notable features of Windows 98 include:

1. Improved GUI: Windows 98 introduced a new graphical user interface that was more user-friendly and intuitive compared to previous versions of Windows. The start menu, taskbar, and desktop were redesigned to make it easier to access and manage files and applications.
2. Support for Plug and Play: Windows 98 was one of the first operating systems to support plug and play, which made it easier to install new hardware devices. When a new device was connected to the computer, Windows 98 automatically detected it and installed the necessary drivers, without the need for manual configuration.
3. Internet Explorer 4.0: Windows 98 included Internet Explorer 4.0, which was a web browser that made it easier for users to access and browse the internet. This was a significant improvement over previous versions of Internet Explorer, as it supported new web technologies such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and Dynamic HTML (DHTML).
4. Windows Update: Windows 98 introduced the Windows Update feature, which allowed users to easily download and install important updates for their operating system and other Microsoft software. This helped to improve the security and stability of Windows 98, as well as provide users with access to new features and functionality.

Impact of Windows 98: Windows 98 had a significant impact on the personal computing industry, as it was one of the first operating systems to provide users with a graphical user interface and a range of features that made it easier to use personal computers. Some of the key impacts of Windows 98 include:

1. Increased Adoption of Personal Computers: Windows 98 made personal computers more accessible to a wider audience, as it was easier to use and manage than previous versions of Windows. This increased the adoption of personal computers, which helped to drive the growth of the personal computing industry.
2. Improved Productivity: Windows 98 introduced several features that made it easier for users to perform common tasks, such as browsing the internet, accessing and managing files, and installing new hardware devices. This improved productivity for users, as they were able to complete tasks faster and more efficiently.
3. Expansion of the Internet: Windows 98 was one of the first operating systems to include a web browser, which made it easier for users to access and browse the internet. This helped to expand the internet and contributed to its growth as a global network of information and communication.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Windows 98 was a significant operating system that had a major impact on the personal computing industry. Its user-friendly graphical user interface and range of features made it easier for users to perform common tasks and increased the adoption of personal computers. Today, Windows 98 is no longer widely used, as it has been succeeded by newer

Here are some books for reference on Windows 98:

1. “Windows 98 in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference” by Tim O’Reilly and Troy Mott
2. “Windows 98 For Dummies” by Andy Rathbone
3. “Windows 98 for Power Users: Upgrade and Supercharge Your PC” by Paul Thurrott
4. “Windows 98 Bible” by Jonathan Knudsen
5. “Windows 98 Secrets” by Brian Livingston and David Straub
6. “Upgrading and Repairing PCs” by Scott Mueller
7. “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Upgrading and Fixing Your PC” by Joe Kraynak

These books provide a comprehensive overview of the features and capabilities of Windows 98, as well as tips and tricks for using and troubleshooting the operating system. Additionally, they provide detailed information on hardware compatibility, system requirements, and other technical aspects of Windows 98.