Windows 98 is coming, but what's next?

By Richard Morochove

First published May 28, 1998

It appears the scheduled launch of Windows 98 won't be held up, after all, by the legal proceedings launched last week by the U.S. Department of Justice and 20 U.S. states.

The government's request for a preliminary injunction before Windows 98 ships was denied. Microsoft requested a seven-month delay, but a trial date has been set for Sept. 8.

That means Windows 98 upgrades will be available to the public in retail stores on June 25, as scheduled. Computer makers may start selling PCs loaded with the new operating system as early as June 15.

Microsoft Canada plans to hold Windows 98 launch celebrations on the evening of June 25 that will be open to the public. The ceremonies will be broadcast via satellite TV to seven locations in Canada, including Toronto. You'll be able to register for the event on Microsoft's Web site, at a URL that will soon be announced.

Yet Microsoft may still be concerned about changes in Windows that could be required by the September trial.

I don't know if Bill Gates and his Windows development team have discussed a new version, Windows 98.1, that's designed to satisfy the legal demands of the Justice Department. If they have, I imagine the following conversation might have taken place.

Windows 98.1 team leader: Bill, we've worked very hard on this new Windows and would like to give you a demonstration and get your reaction to our changes.

Bill Gates: I already see something I don't like. That looks like the icon for Netscape's browser on my Windows desktop!

Team leader: Yes, that's what it is. And we've also loaded Netscape's software along with Windows.

Gates: (sputtering) Guys, guys, that's exactly what I don't want to do! It's like asking Hormel to ship three cans of ham with every six-pack of Spam.

Leader: Justice has demanded that we include Netscape's software with Windows. And in Windows 98.1 we obey their legal demands, to the letter. Why don't you start up Netscape's browser?

Gates: (moving his mouse) Hey, what's this? The icon moved. Lemme try again. It jumped clear across the screen!

Leader: As your cursor closes in, the icon shoots off to a far corner of the display. You can never actually click on the Netscape icon to start up the software.

It's an unfortunate bug in Windows that developed after we folded in Netscape's software. Thankfully it's not serious enough to hold up the release of Windows 98.1 as it affects only the Netscape icon. I want you to know we've got a team of software engineers working right now on resolving this bug. I predict we'll fix it within, oh, 10 or 12 months.

Gates: (beaming) Brilliant! This is just brilliant, guys. This is a prime example of the innovative software that has led Microsoft to the top!

Leader: Justice also wants us to allow computer makers more flexibility in customizing the opening desktop of Windows. We've added all sorts of new Windows colour schemes, from Redmond Rose to Netscape Sunset.

You can also customize the startup icons on the desktop. For example, you can have the Recycle Bin, the Microsoft Network and Internet Explorer icons. Or you can select Internet Explorer, Microsoft Network and Internet Explorer. Or you can choose my personal favourite: Internet Explorer, Internet Explorer and Internet Explorer.

Gates: (nodding) That's all the choice anybody really needs.

Leader: We've gone even further and will allow PC makers to add certain new icons. We've provided some examples.

Gates: What's this icon do, the one with the picture of a scantily-clad woman? She looks familiar.

Leader: That's Pamela Anderson, the woman who put the silicone into Silicon Valley.

Gates: Interesting... let's click on her icon and see what happens. Nothing. I'll click again. I don't think this one is working, guys. Nothing happened.

Leader: Oh yes, it did! When you clicked on Pamela Anderson's icon, you activated our special Internet banking software. On each click, it transfers $10 from your personal bank account to the Microsoft Legal Defense Fund for Freedom and Software Innovation. You clicked twice, so you contributed $20.

Gates: You mean if I click it another 4.6 billion times, I'd be flat broke? This shows why the integration of Internet software is such an important part of Windows 98. But isn't something this blatant going to upset some Windows users?

Leader: Got it covered Bill. Our legal advisor insisted we also include a Leonardo DiCaprio icon. CW