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One of the key features is Internet integration. With the Integrated Internet Shell included in Windows 98, Internet access becomes a seamless part of the user interface. Users will no longer have to learn multiple applications, one to look at their local information, another to look at their local hard drive or network, and unquestionably another to use the Internet or intranet. With the Integrated Internet Shell, Windows 98 unifies this process into one utility to universally view local, network, intranet, and Internet data, so you can get to the information you need faster and easier. Windows 98's advanced Internet browsing functionality provides the easiest, fastest, and most entertaining way to browse the Web. This is done via advanced browsing capabilities such as AutoComplete, enhanced Web searching, improved favorites, navigation history on the Forward/Back buttons, and improved printing. Support for all major Internet standards including HTML, Java, ActiveX™, JavaScript, Visual Basic® Scripting, and major security standards. You get improved performance with Dynamic HTML, a just-in-time Java compiler, and basic code "tuning." Correa stressed that Microsoft used extensive focus group research to determine what was important to users. When users are asked the biggest problem they have with the World Wide Web, the Number 1 response is getting the information they need. Windows 98 addresses this problem by providing a mechanism to automatically select and schedule downloads of the information you care about. This enables you to see what has changed on a Web site without physically visiting the site and even allows you to view the site when you are not connected to the Web. Windows 98 also contains lots of tools for online communication. Outlook™ Express is a full featured e-mail and news-reading client. Microsoft NetMeeting™, a complete Internet conferencing solution providing standards-based audio, data, and videoconferencing functionality. Personal Web Server (and the Web Publishing Wizard) provides an easy way to publish Web pages on intranets or the Internet. Microsoft FrontPad is a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) HTML editor based on the editing tools in Microsoft FrontPage. Another groundbreaking feature is the Troubleshooting Wizards. These Wizards can help you quickly diagnose and solve technical problems with Windows 98. Troubleshooters are scenario-based walk-throughs that the user can customize to their situation by choosing the answer that fits their situation. The Troubleshooting Wizards included in Windows 98 address the following areas: Network, Modem, Startup Shutdown, Print, DriveSpace 3, Memory, MS-DOS Programs, Display, DirectX, Sound, The Microsoft Network, Hardware Conflict, Dial-Up Networking, Direct Cable Connection, and PC Card. Because Correa spent a lot of time taking questions during the main part of his presentation, he ran out of time. However, he was able to show us so many glimpses of what Windows 98 has to offer, he really whetted the appetite of most of the people in attendance. Windows 98 is slated to hit the stores in June of this year. In the meantime, you can check out Microsoft's Web site at www.microsoft.com for more information on Windows 98, including how to take part in the public beta testing program. |
| Wally David is a member of the Board of Directors of DACS and also a member of the dacs.doc editorial committee. He is a System Support Specialist for Labatt USA, at their U.S. headquarters in Norwalk. Contact Wally via e-mail at wallydavid@myself.com. |
IF YOU ATTENDED the March General Meeting
of the Danbury Area Computer Society, you got a glimpse into
the future. And the future is improvements in the key areas of
overall product quality, Internet functionality, entertainment
features, and support for the latest hardware.