by Arie Slob

Dear Windows-Help.NET Subscriber, Microsoft this week released a Year 2000 (Y2K) update for the Windows 95 operating system. Previously there were only some small fixes available for the DATE & DIR commands (Command.com), but this update fixes many small problems. Complete information can be found in the Readme file (If you have trouble getting it from Microsoft's site, we have a copy on our site. For installation instructions see Microsoft's site, or follow the instructions outlined in this document on our Web site. Microsoft has finally released some Windows 98 drivers on the Windows Update Web site. The reason it takes so long to get drivers on that site is that manufacturers have to submit their drivers to Microsoft, which then tests them, before releasing them via Windows Update. So it is quite possible that a driver listed there is already superseded by a new version available on the specific companies Web site. For more information on the specific drivers available, visit this InfiniSource news page. BetaNews.Com alerted us to an incredible offer from Microsoft, you can order Windows 2000 Server for $125 (USD). Yes! You read it correctly. If you are a resident of the US or Canada, you can order the Microsoft Direct Access Hands-On Training (HOT) Kit. This Kit includes over $2,500 worth of software, training and sales tools. The kit contains: Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 with Service Pack 4 Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Option Pack Microsoft Services for NetWare A copy of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server beta 3 when available - automatically sent to you free of charge A copy of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Final product when it releases to customers - automatically sent to you free of charge This is an unbelievable deal, don't miss it! Full details are on the Microsoft Web site, you can order your copy here (last time we checked the product was on backorder, but they were still accepting new orders). According to an article in PC Week, several computer vendors including IBM, Unisys Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. are planning to preload systems with Windows 2000 Beta 3. As noted in the article "According to sources, users who buy machines preloaded with the beta will receive coupons for a free upgrade once Windows 2000 ships. Microsoft hopes the final product will debut in October" (red. don't hold your breath on an October release!).

Windows Mobile Processor Update
Microsoft recently released this Windows 98 update that resolves issues with some laptops which report invalid results when queried for a processor serial number. This update prevents the affected laptops from returning an invalid parameter while Windows is running. This update is recommended for laptop users only.

This update is available on the Windows Update Web site.

ShutdownPlus
"The proper way to shutdown Windows"
ShutdownPlus runs Microsoft disk utilities (MS-Backup, defrag, scandisk, delete temporary files, anti-virus, etc.) when you close Windows instead of at startup by replacing the standard Windows shutdown/logoff dialog boxes. All utilities are fully customisable.

Windows 95 / 98 / NT
Shareware $34.95
Download | Web site

Windows 98 Tip:
Maintenance Wizard
The Maintenance Wizard helps you get the best performance from your system. You can run Maintenance Wizard to make your programs run faster, check your hard disk for problems, and free hard disk space. By scheduling these utilities to run on a regular basis, you can make sure that your computer is performing at its best.

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Ask your Windows 95 / 98 / NT questions here!