From June 30th, Microsoft will no longer be supporting Windows 98 and Windows ME. As Microsoft regards these products as outdated and a security risk, they will no longer provide security and virus updates for computers running these versions of Windows. You will be left vulnerable to any future viruses or security holes that have not been 'patched' by this date.

It is essential that you upgrade your version of Windows to Windows XP or higher. This could be as easy as a simple software upgrade, or you may need to look at upgrading your equipment.

Some Benefits of Upgrading to Windows XP

The Windows Security Center helps protect your computer from dangers on the internet. Automatic Updates - When Microsoft fix a bug or security flaw in XP, it can be automatically downloaded and installed on your PC. Microsoft are committed to keeping XP secure and bug-free for years to come. Reliable - At least 10 times more reliable than earlier versions of Windows.* Improved Interface with many new features

* Based on results from eTesting Labs Windows XP Reliability Study 2001.

Your Questions Answered ...

Please click here to contact us for help and advice regarding upgrading Windows.

Which versions of Windows will Microsoft cease supporting from the end of June 2006 ?
Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows ME. In addition, Microsoft have not been supporting earlier versions of Windows like Windows 95 for some time. For more information direct from Microsoft, click here

How do I know which version of Windows I am running ?
The loading screen in Windows states the version of Windows you are running. To view this, just restart your PC.

How will this change affect me ?
At the minimum, if your computer uses Windows Update, you will no longer be able to download updates to protect Windows from security threats and bugs. You will also find that fewer future software products will be compatible with the older version of Windows. If your computers running earlier versions of Windows are supported by an external support company, you will need to check that this will continue and for how long.

How much will it cost to upgrade ?
There are a number of options available to you dependent on your hardware and business requirements.  Please click here to contact us for a clearer indication of the costs involved.

Do I need technical assistance to upgrade my PC ?
Although you can upgrade Windows yourself, we would recommend you seek expert advice. You may require a review of your current hardware and software for compatibility before the upgrade. We always back up a system before performing an upgrade, so if you choose to to perform the upgrade yourself we strongly recommend you do the same.

Will my current programs and settings be kept after the upgrade ?
If you perform a standard upgrade, then generally yes. If you perform a complete re-installation, this will wipe the contents of your computer entirely, so definitely not. Be aware that some of the software and applications that you currently use in Windows 98/ME may not be compatible with XP or may require a free upgrade or additional purchase. If you choose to have IT Fusion perform the upgrade for you, we will review these software requirements with you and ensure that any disruption and cost is kept to a minimum.

How can I tell if I am running a genuine version of Windows ?
Visit http://www.microsoft.com/genuine where you can validate that the copy of Windows you are running is a legal version that belongs to you.

I have more questions or would like to discuss upgrading.
Click here to contact us and discuss your requirements. We will do our best to answer your questions (and not confuse you with too much technical jargon!). Dependent on your needs, we can usually have you upgraded within a week.