As we are getting well into 2009, I thought to ask if users of Windows 98, and there are still a few of us around, should be looking for another program for AV protection, or should we be comforted to know that we will still be able to use Avast 5 when available, if only for the basic virus protection.
There are many restrictions in Avast 4 when using such old OSes, so the question is: when do you upgrade your OS?
Another problems: Norwegian fight agains Internet Explorer 6 (german news: http://www.heise.de/netze/Webmaster-Aufstand-gegen-alte-Internet-Explorer--/news/meldung/133204).
Newer browsers are rare in OSes < Windows 2000. So you are not secure in the future in the internet with such old OSes.
We are aware of the security issues and we have been down this path already, but this post is to do with Avast 5 and Windows 98, and if there was any news as to the use of Avast 5 on 98.
The OS works and does what we want it to do, so we don’t want to upgrade, please understand this.
nightshade, maybe I’m wrong… but I feel avast 5 won’t be Windows 98 compatible and maybe they let avast 4 old versions for these users. I’m not sure the virus database will be available in both versions. I’m just guessing.
I think support for Windows 98 is to be dropped by the end of 2009, this was in avast website.
well nightshade why you got windows 98 ? explain us i think in 2009 you really need to buy a new cpu sry for offensed you but its the true 
avast! 5 will not run on Windows 95/98/ME/NT4.
avast! 4.8 (= virus database updates) will be available for some time, of course.
Thanks for the info Igor.
Sorry nightshade.
Nothing to be sorry about really, if Avast 4.8 is available for some time for us 98 users then that is ok.
I am sorry to say, but from reading this forum, and seeing all the trouble the later version’s of windows is causing, If is isn’t broke don’t fix it. Windows 98 and ME is a cake walk. (Gooey, but still gets you there) (only my opinion). ;D
I also am a little upset that 5 will not support me !!
Me too, I just don’t know why they couldn’t just let it update for the virus updates only, as most hackers are trying the newer operating systems and are more than likely to leave 98 alone.
If not, I hope they leave Avast 4.8 for a considerable time, although I would think they would want to ditch 4.8 sooner than of later, how long is a piece of string so to speak.
Following the experience of avast32, I won’t expect that much… If they change the virus database architecture, I won’t expect the support will be vanished for old OS.
Is that a positive note I feel there Tech?
No. I think one year would be a good period…
You mean from 2009 to the end of 2010 perhaps?
You see the thing is there will be users of the older systems that will continue, and therefore may get infected, and they could spread all over which isn’t good.
It’s a pity that Avast just couldn’t leave their update server for those systems for 4.8.
What do users do that just can’t afford upgrading or buying a new computer?
On ebay you can buy Windows XP for £35. Windows XP has support (for microsoft patches) until 2014 and probably also for virus scanner.
You can also shift to a non MS operating system like Linux,*BSD etc. which not really need a virus scanner.
Hi…
I think the only one that will be left after 4.8 is no longer supported, even with virus definition updates, will be Clamwin. My concern here is that it has no real time scanner, except for a plug in that handles attachments in Outlook. 
Unfortunately, I think the “crunch time” for upgrading to newer OS’s is quickly approaching.
May God Bless you!
You see my system would lose loads of software and hardware if I upgraded, but really it’s a nightmare restoring all how I have my system at the moment, and this is what puts me off upgrading or a fresh install.
Hi…
This really depends on system specs and the subsequent abililty of the system to handle these OS’s. Many systems designed for Windows 98 back in the late 90’s using the original hardware would most likely not be able to handle XP well, if at all, without upgrading or replacing the system.
@nightshade: If purchasing a copy of Windows XP is a possible consideration in the future, I would recommend getting a “full retail copy,” not OEM. Here is a listing on ebay for both the Home and Professional version. You can also find copies at other online stores like Royal Discount. However, as I have mentioned above, make sure your hardware can handle the increased resource requirements. 
Feel free, if you would like, to post your hardware specs or “make and model” and we can give you an idea of what you might need to do.
May God Bless you!
nightshade, you do not marry with your motherboard… Really, enjoy the new OS… it’s a good experience. Starting all over again, new software, new hardware… you can learn a lot of things… but, of course, if you can’t afford then the only thing for us is be sorry side by side with you… Maybe David could give his old computer as a gift ;D
To be honest I am slightly fed up about this, especially as I had been told a while back that the Avast 5 would indeed support the older 98 system, but now it all seems to have changed, and it’s a definite no.
I really enjoyed using Avast, and it’s a dam shame that myself and others will have no AV protection any longer.
