The cycle has been greatly stretched over the last few years. There was a
new desktop/workstation OS release coming out almost every year between 95
and 2001, with only two service packs since then (though there's been lots
of activity on the server side.) My guess is that Vista *might* debut this
year, but more likely next. Just based upon history, I probably wouldn't
want it on a production machine before ~2008/09. However, the paradigm may
be changing, and Vista may solve enough of the security issues that are
inherent in WinXP to make it more attractive at an earlier date. Hard for me
to say, since I've not been able to participate in betas (lack of time and
hardware.)

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"Jonny" wrote in message
...
Been watching MS's behavior since 95. The pattern seems to be release the
new OS to the public market. Followed by bug fixes over a 1-2 year period
in general. Jump on the new OS bandwagon around the end of that period
seems smartest thing to do, in my opinion. Especially if a service
pack(s)
which changes some of the base OS system files is involved.
--
Jonny
"Gary S. Terhune" wrote in message
...
Windows 98 is already a bit crippled when it comes to protective
applications -- the ones that keep you safe while surfing the internet.
That
situation is going to get worse as time goes by, and I expect that by
sometime next year very few modern protective applications will support
Win9x systems at all. This is important because the internet and the
associated applications (functional or protective) are where the major
advancements in technology are occurring on a daily or weekly basis, and
as
they outgrow Win9x, you will get less functionality and almost *no*
decent
safety for that platform.

The only real effect the June date has is that any further security
issues
that are subsequently discovered, whether in Windows Media Player,
Internet
Explorer, or in the core operating files, will not be fixed. But the
obsolescence of Win9x is already a fact, one that is only going to get
worse
as the months pass. I strongly recommend that 9x users cease to spend
*any*
more money on their systems and instead buy a new one. And, no, I would
not
recommend waiting until Windows Vista is ready for market. I don't think
that's going to be soon enough. Get a good machine now and then upgrade
to
Vista if and when it becomes attractive.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP Shell/User

"Elizabeth" wrote in message
...
I'm sorry if this has been brought up before, which I'm sure it has.

After June, when Microsoft stops supporting Win98 with security
updates, will I need to stop using Win98 with the Internet? Will I
need a new operating system? Is there any recourse?

Beth