What is Windows 98?

Windows 98, like Windows 95, is a software program known as an operating system. It enables you to communicate with your computer hardware and to use other software programs. Operating systems serve as translators between people and computers. Windows 98 communicates with you through windows, pictures, and text written in your language. It communicates your commands – delivered by typing on the keyboard and clicking the mouse buttons – to the computer in a language that it understands.

Software manufacturers often improve programs, including operating systems, and release new versions. Windows 98 is the new version of Windows 95.

When would I use Windows 98?

Everything you do on your computer uses Windows 98, if that is the operating system you have on your computer. Other software you use must be compatible with the operating system. Read the requirements and specifications when you consider purchasing new software. If the software does not show Windows 95 or Windows 98, it might not work on your computer. When you buy new software, read the package carefully to determine whether it works on your version of Windows.

How is Windows 98 different from Windows 95?

Windows 98 is similar to Windows 95 in how it looks and feels when you use it. There are several new features, and several previously existing features have been enhanced.

Windows 98 incorporates much of the flavor of Internet browsing. For example, you can now type Internet addresses on the taskbar and in Windows Explorer the same way you do in a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Easier Access to the Internet

Double-click the "Connect to the Internet" icon to run the Internet Connection Wizard. This program can help you choose an Internet service provider.

Internet service providers act like utility companies by providing you with a connection to the Internet. The service is similar to that provided by the phone company or cable company. Many phone and cable companies also offer Internet service.

You can open a web page in your Internet browser by typing a web site address into the taskbar. First, add the Address toolbar to the taskbar

You can open a web page in your Windows Explorer the same way you can in an Internet browser. First, add the Address toolbar to Windows Explorer if it is not already displayed. Next, type a web site address into the taskbar.

1.     Click the View menu at the top of Windows Explorer.

2.     Point to "Toolbars" on the menu

3.     Click "Address Bar" on the sub-menu, but only if there is not already a check mark.         The check mark shows that the Address Bar is already displayed in the window.

Type Internet addresses in Windows Explorer

1.     Be sure you are connected to the Internet.

2.     Click the address field to place the cursor

3.     Type an Internet address, and "Enter."

TIP for entering Internet addresses previously visited:

1.     Instead of typing Internet addresses, click the small black triangle button at the right         end of the Address Bar.

2.     Click an address on the list

Browsing the Internet offline (disconnected) is useful if you share a phone line between your telephone and computer modem. It also saves money if you pay for your Internet connection by the amount of time spent online.

If you have a permanent connection to the Internet, such as a cable modem, it is not necessary to work offline.

Browse the Web Offline (Disconnected):

1.     Preview a web page while online (connected to the Internet.)

2.     Click the Favorites menu button in Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer.

3.     Click "Add to Favorites…"

4.     Click the white box by "Make available offline."

5.     You can now click "Customize…" to access the Offline Favorite Wizard. The wizard         allows you to decide which feature of a web page you would like to view offline and         how often you would like to synchronize the version on your computer with the         original page on the Internet.

6.     Repeat the previous steps for other web pages you would like to view offline.

7.     Click the File menu in Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer

8.     Click "Work Offline."

9.     Go offline. (Disconnect your computer from the Internet. For example, "hang up" the         modem.)

Synchronize – Download the latest versions of web pages to be viewed offline

1.     Go online. (Connect to the Internet.)

2.     Using Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu button.

3.     Click "Synchronize…"

4.     The Items to Synchronize window allows you to update any pages you wish to
        browse while not connected to the Internet.

5.     After synchronizing, view the selected web pages offline.

Web Integration

Windows 98 allows you to browse your computer the same way you browse the Internet. Each window has a toolbar similar to web browsers, including "Back" and "Forward" buttons. You can also single-click to open items, similar to clicking links on a web page.

View folders in Windows Explorer Web-style:

1.     In Windows Explorer, click the View menu

2.     Click "Folder Options…"

3.     Click "Web style."

4.     Click "OK."

New Desktop Shortcuts

Add toolbars to the Windows 98 taskbar, similar to toolbars in other programs. Add one of the default toolbars or create your own. The Quick Launch toolbar allows you to place program shortcuts as single-click buttons on the taskbar.

Use the Quick Launch Toolbar:

1.     Click the RIGHT mouse button on an empty area of the taskbar

2.     Click "Toolbars" (LEFT mouse button) on the sub-menu.

3.     Only if there is not already a check mark, click "Quick Launch" on the sub-menu with         the LEFT mouse button. The check mark shows that the Quick Launch toolbar         is already displayed on the taskbar. The extra toolbar contains default buttons,         but you can add your own shortcuts.

4.     Click a button (icon) on the Quick Launch toolbar to start the program represented by         that icon.

Use the Explorer Bar in a window:

1.     Start Windows Explorer or My Computer.

2.     Click the View menu; point to "Explorer Bar."

3.     Click an option on the "Explorer Bar" sub-menu to display different search panes on         the left side of the window

4.     Click "Search" to for a general Internet search.

5.     Click "Favorites" to display a personal list of folders or web sites.

6.     Click "History" to display a list of previously visited web sites. s

7.     Click "Folders" to display the directories on your computer

Use the "Search" Explorer Window to search the Internet:

1.     Connect to the Internet

2.     Start Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer

3.     Click the View menu, point to "Explorer Bar," and click "Search." A "Search" window         pane appears on the left.

4.     Click "New" on the Search pane

5.     Click the round button next to the desired search.

6.     Enter the information you would like to find; click the Search button.

Multi-media and Entertainment

Windows 98 supports DVD technology for watching movies and TV tuner cards for watching TV on your monitor. Receive live media including radio and broadcast events using the Windows Media Player.

Windows 98 Troubleshooter

Windows and Windows programs offer an increasing amount of assistance available on the computer when you need help immediately. If you are ever in doubt, try pressing the "F1" key on the keyboard to open Help files.

Access Windows Help:

1.     Click the "Start" button on the taskbar

2.     Click "Help" on the Start menu

3.     Click the "Index" tab.

4.     Type text in the field to see similar topics.

5.     Click "Display" to get assistance on that topic.

Use the Windows 98 Troubleshooter:

1.     Press the "F1" key on the keyboard. (Or click "Help" on the Start menu.)

2.     Click the "Contents" tab.

3.     Click "Troubleshooting."

4.     Click "Windows 98 troubleshooters."

5.     Click a topic (one of the pages with a question mark.

6.     Click the circle next to the problem you are having in the right side of the window.

7.     Click "Next."

8.     Continue answers questions by clicking the appropriate circle, and then clicking         "Next." Follow any instructions given by the troubleshooter to solve the problem.

Getting help with the troubleshooter:

1.     Click "Help" on the Start menu.

2.     Click "Troubleshooting."

3.     Click "Using Windows 98 troubleshooters" to get tips on how to use the         troubleshooters more easily.