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Subject:No more Win 98/SE ???
Posted by: boshev
Date:9/27/2003 7:43:39 AM
Why not supporting Windows 98/SE anymore??? This is not the way to force people moving to XP or something... ....toooooooooooo bad........ |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: MyST
Date:9/27/2003 8:24:04 AM
You should call customer service about that. I know there were forum users practically begging SoFo to drop 98SE support and concentrate on XP, but, I also remember SoFo replying that they weren't dropping it anytime soon. M |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: Chienworks
Date:9/27/2003 8:44:31 AM
One of the major reasons is that the new versions now support Unicode. 98SE doesn't do Unicode, so it can no longer host the newer software. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: JJKizak
Date:9/27/2003 10:50:50 AM
Dropping it and phasing it out are two different things. They are phasing it out which means they are going to drop it when you least espect. They really want you to use XP and if you don't they will force you to. They will slowly grind away on 98 until it is useless with all the new stuff. XP is the new video application replacing 98. If you don't believe me ask Microsoft. JJK |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: discdude
Date:9/27/2003 12:07:46 PM
I was under the impression that Unicode support could be added to Windows 98SE. Check out this link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=73BA7BD7-ED06-4F0D-80A4-2A7EEAEE17E2&displaylang=en Of course, I don't know how complete that support is - maybe it doesn't work well. I'm not upgrading to Windows 2000 or XP since neither OS has impressed me that much. They seem incredibly virus prone - I've had machines infected in minutes (stupid RPC exploits). Plus they require much higher system specs compared to 9x. They are better in mulit-user environments (i.e., offices) but for home users, I don't see why any one should pony up the $$$ for upgrades. I'll go to 2000, XP or Longhorn eventually, probably when it comes with new machines. But I'm definetely not upgrading now, and never for full retail price. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: philsayer
Date:9/27/2003 2:01:22 PM
Hmmm - surely the wider picture is simpler. Why should a commercial organisation continue to spend money servicing a product which has been superseded several years ago? When we buy s/ware, is it fair to expect free upgrades/patches forever, or, realistically, should we recognise that it has a limited life? Arguably, resources should be allocated to the more recent products, for the benefit of those who are prepared to buy them. I'm pretty sure Ford no longer stock spares for the Model T. Or the Edsel. The "resource hunger" issue you raise is quite true, but then a new 7-seater MPV will certainly cost more to buy, and probably use more fuel, than an 8 year old 4-seat sedan. It'll also perform more functions, and (theoretically) be more efficient in many aspects. I'm not a great fan of Microsoft, but surely we have to accept that they are a for-profit business, not an arm of Social Services or a charity. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: discdude
Date:9/27/2003 5:44:45 PM
Yes, Windows 98 is old. I also understand that Sony, in order to make money, can't make products for OSes that nobody uses. However, Windows 98 is still quite popular. In fact, according to PC Pitstop (http://www.pcpitstop.com/research/OS.asp) the number of people using 98 exceeds the number of people using Windows 2000 and ME combined! Yes, Windows 98 usage is steadily declining if for no other reason than it is no longer sold. But it ain't dead yet. As you point out, MS is a for profit business. That is why older products are superseded, not necessarily because the newer products are that much better, but to make money. That is Microsoft's right as a company. It is equally my right as a consumer to tell them to stuff it. I'll upgrade on my own schedule. Bottom line, Windows 98 is still widely used. I'd like to see Sony continue development for that platform for at least a year more. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: drbam
Date:9/27/2003 7:06:47 PM
SoFo (Sony) has made it clear that 98 and 98se has an inherent design flaw that has always required "workarounds" for audio software developers. At some point it simply doesn't make sense to continue doing this. Users demand new features that will eventually force the developer to drop 98se support. Obviously Sound Forge has arrived at that place. drbam |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: keether
Date:9/28/2003 12:50:35 AM
How hard can it be to wait one year to upgrade to WinXP (coupla posts back)? Especially since Sound Forge 6, which works fine with Win98SE, will also be available. If both Win98 AND SF6 were being "disappeared" at the same time, there'd be real reason for outrage. I didn't get WinXP till it had been out for a good year, happy to let other people suffer through the new-driver searches, etc. Why jump into SF 7, especially since some experienced users aren't that pleased with what they see in it. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: Goldenears
Date:9/28/2003 1:42:53 AM
Perhaps......... when all is said and done, IF W98SE with updates from Microsoft AND the current version of SoundForge you are using does what you need it to, why spend money upgrading? I know that I'd rather spend a few hundred dollars on more RAM and perhaps a faster CPU ( to allow faster saves on huge .wav files) than going through the "exhilarations" of new software plus flaws and endless patches. Its OK if you are using the products for business and can claim taxation benefits against expenditure, but in the real world who can justify endless expenditure when you are using the system as a hobby. Well, at least until the hard drive dies and you have to start from scratch anyway. Touch wood that's a long time away! Have a good one, Goldenears |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: CERTEGY
Date:10/27/2003 3:36:35 PM
Thanks for your comments discdude! They are, in my opinion, right on track. It amazes me how many times users think upgrading is the better choice. I use Windows 98se (and some DOS app's for THAT matter!) that work Great! I will use what I want for how long I want. All of these "upgrades" in time, will REMOVE that choice for you consumers! You don't believe me? Explain the "activation" feature that Microsoft, Symantec and many others are now toiting as "features" to make sure you are getting the software from the actual company. Gee, If I buy software from a local Computer Store one would "think" I was buying a legit product! Activation codes will "cause" issues down the road. Who is to say how long a manufacture has to support the product? I purchased software in the past that used this activation crap and I can no longer use the software I paid for. I paid for it, I should be able to use it as I see fit for as long as I want! I use what works for ME. If you want to upgrade to XP, go ahead! Sony should bring Windows 98se & ME support back for Sound Forge. I have no need to use XP features like "Spyware, and the constant attempts to access the Internet for those "updates/patches"." My 2 cents! |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: beetle1
Date:10/27/2003 4:16:48 PM
The time is coming where almost no software or hardware will support Win98/98SE/ME. One thing to consider is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for programmers to make software cross-platform compatible. Many have decided that the benifits of supporting 2000/XP and beyond is the way to go. And, why support an OS that not even it's maker no longer supports? I recently made the jump from Win98 to XP and i'm not looking back! |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: sk
Date:10/27/2003 4:37:18 PM
That's a good point, Beetle. I originally went with XP also, but then jumped back one level to W2K. I felt it offered the same performance engine without some of the "phone home" elements of XP that I didn't like or want. And comparing W2K professional to XP home I felt W2K offered some definite configurability advantages. And even though I loved 98SE and thought it was the most stable platform at the time, I have to admit that W2K is much more stable and is a better performer as well, being built on a true 32 bit platform, vs. the 16 bit of 98SE. But by the same token, it's a lot easier for one individual upgrading one computer, vs. a business that has to take into consideration the cost/gain benefit of upgrading a lot of computers. sk |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: discdude
Date:10/27/2003 9:43:36 PM
I hear you. 2000/XP Pro are a lot more expensive than Win9x. Everything in the computer industry is dropping in price except for the OS. I miss the days when I could by a retail package of DOS for well under $100. The retail cost of XP Pro is a heart stopping $300. XP Home is about the same price as 9x was but is neutered, so where is the value? Personally, I wish MS would adopt Mac OSX's "family pack" pricing (5 licenses for $199). Sounds a lot better than $1500. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: Geoff_Wood
Date:10/27/2003 10:08:23 PM
Discdude, there have been very few new PCs bundled with anything other than XP for over a year now. Also your assertions that XP requires heaps more power, and is more virus-prone, are flawed. Get with it - drag yourself into the second millenium. geoff |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: Chienworks
Date:10/28/2003 3:54:32 AM
Geoff, second? Did XP even exist in the second millenium? I know computers didn't exist for about 99.4% of the second millenium. ;) |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: beetle1
Date:10/28/2003 11:04:28 AM
Kind of interesting you would say that, because wherever I go, WinXP is the same price as Win2000 or even WinME. I don't see 98 on the shelves anymore. Not that it matters here, but even the new Mac OS Panther is at the same price point as Windows. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: beetle1
Date:10/28/2003 11:11:51 AM
XP does require considerable horsepower, compared to the other Windows OSs, but the only reason it is more prone to viruses is because more viruses are written to affect XP/2000. XP has a LOT of security issues, but if one installs all the patches and used a third-party firewall and keeps up the antivirus, and even installs some kind of spyware guard, there should be no problem. I had Win2000 as well, but moved to XP because I wanted to get with the future. "Longhorn" will be out in a year or two, and Users of XP will be ready for the upgrade. I like XP. There are some things I think Microhell shouldn't have done, like hide important features, and they should have made it more secure out of the box, but it is very stable, and fun. It took a bit of time for me to get over all the hand-holding it does, but once you get there, it's all good. I was running SF 6.0 on Win98 FE without any issues. Surprised the heck out of me! |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: MJPollard
Date:10/28/2003 1:38:15 PM
Neither Sony nor any other software vendor is obligated to support your choice of operating system until The End Of Time. Would you put a halt to any and all progress just because *you* aren't willing or able to keep up the pace? Well, maybe you would, but asking *us* to do so is pretty darn selfish. How many Windows 3.x programs do you see nowadays? Windows 9x/ME users are now in the same boat, airing the same complaints that have been heard over and over again throughout history by people who think that time should stand still. The fact remains that as MS slowly drops all support for the Windows 9x operating systems, so too will many third-party software vendors (particularly those who offer high-end software, packages which would benefit most from the stability and features of NT/2000/XP). Like the shift away from Windows 3.x, this isn't a trend that's going to reverse itself. Time marches on. It's your choice to sit idly by the side of the road, but by doing so, you must accept the consequences of your actions (a concept that, I realize, has become more an exception than the rule these days). Don't insist that the rest of the world stop and wait along with you, because it's not going to happen. |
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Subject:RE: No more Win 98/SE ???
Reply by: MyST
Date:10/28/2003 8:07:16 PM
This isn't just a Sony or even audio/video editing software only thing. My CAD/CAM software at work is XP/2000 compatible only. Get ready to miss out on alot of great software if you refuse to move forward. M |