Windows 98, that is.
When Microsoft announced that the might-have-been Windows 4.0 was going to carry the Windows 95 name, for many it seemed too reminiscent of the US auto makers annual model changes. Some of the press promised exclusive coverage of Windows 96 and Windows 97, products that never were.
Windows 95 didn’t stay still, however, and while the retail package stayed at the August 1995 release, bug fixes and new features being made available over the Web and to Original Equipment Manufacturers for release with new hardware.
Since late 1996, for example, OEMs have been using OEM-Service Release 2 (aka Win95b) which included the FAT32 and Internet Explorer. Even that was updated, to OEM-SR2.1, with Universal Serial Bus support, and OWM-SR2.5 with Internet Explorer 4.0.
At the same time, Microsoft, was developing its next generation product behind the scenes, and eventually came public enough to promise a replacement for Windows 95. Early in 1998, they felt confident enough to offer Win98 Beta 3 for wider distribution to media and customers wanting to get a head-start on working with the upcoming release. By the end of February, they sent out the first of a series of potential Release Candidates to the 30,000 ‘official’ beta test sites. Initial reports is that baring unforeseen problems (either with the software itself, or with the US Justice Department), Win 98 seems pretty much ready.
And within days of the distribution of this issue, on April 4th, they’ve booked theaters in major North American cities for a presentation of the product. With all this activity, an official release sometime in May is widely expected.
The fabled Microsoft hype machine, however, is running at a much lower pitch than in 1995. Partly, this is a response to the 1995 Windows event. Despite spending an estimated $100 million, public response was only luke-warm. A Rolling Stones jingle and an athlete climbing Toronto’s CN Tower weren’t enough when the public was really focused on the Internet.
Windows 95 sales were good, but two and a half years later, an estimated 70 million users are still working with 1992’s Win 3.1.
I’m writing this, running Win98 Beta 3… it feels stable, fast, and ready for the general public. But if Windows 95 was really Win 4.0, this isn’t Win 5.0… think of it as Windows 4.1. A real set of improvement over Win 95, but still, a basically modest upgrade, more like the Windows 3.0 to 3.1 transition of the early 1990s than the more recent Win 3.1 to Win 95 transition.
While it installs happily over Win95 and Win 3.1 systems, many current Win95 users really needn’t bother upgrading… purchasers of recent computers who already have OSR-SR2 may already be using the upgraded FAT32 file system for large hard disk support. If they’ve downloaded Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, they have most of the user interface changes (and like me, may have turned off Active Desktop, and returned to the ‘classic’ Win 95 double-click interface). Users of earlier versions of Win95 may want to upgrade if they’ve added newer, large hard drives—just to get FAT32 along with the ability to convert to that file system without destroying their current setup.
Windows 98 isn’t aimed at the existing user base, however. It’s real sales will be to purchasers of new hardware.
Along with FAT32 support for large hard drives, Win98 includes built-in support for the whole collection of new hardware… all those three-letter acronyms that have had often-disappointing sales over the past year. Support for: • DVD drives, the next generation replacement for today’s CD-ROM • AGP video overcoming the performance bottleneck on the PCI bus • USB—Universal Serial Bus promising easy connection of cameras, scanners, modems, speakers, and more • Firewire (IEEE 1394) promising even higher performance than USB, aiming at video cameras and more • 1200 new drivers for modems, printers, and other hardware peripherals.
Other improvements, in areas like boot-up speed, On Now suspend mode, and power management require new system-level support. Expect best performance on systems with at least 22 megs of RAM—think of 32 megs as the new standard for new systems.
There has been support for USB, DVD, and the like prior to Win98, but it has tended to be patchwork, after the fact add-ons, often with disappointing performance. Having an operating system designed to support this generation of hardware will make it easier to bundle these devices into new computers, and should help with after-market sales and upgrades.
Some corporate sites are thinking of skipping Win98; they’re planning to wait for its big sibling, NT 5.0, due late in 1998 or early 1999, and offering much the same hardware support and interface, along with NT’s security, stability, and network features. NT 5.0 will be able to use the same new drivers as Win98, and as a result, will benefit from a wider range of hardware support than earlier NT versions. Unlike Win98, however, NT 5.0 systems will not be able to use existing Win95 drivers.
(This presents a dilemma for smaller hardware add-on manufacturers; if they can only afford to develop one set of drivers, should they develop a Win95-style driver package, usable by the tens of millions of existing Win95 users as well as the new Win98 customers, or should they develop a future-looking Win98 driver-set, allowing NT 5.0 users to become customers, while dropping support for the Win95 crowd? To a large extent, their choice may depend on their target market—devices aimed at corporate customers may want to ensure NT 5.0 support, while products aimed at the home-consumer market shouldn’t abandon the large Win95 customer-base just yet).
Like its predecessor Win95, however, Win98 continues to offer better backwards compatibility to DOS and Win 3.1 software, and better support for game players. Continued support for Win95 drivers is also a plus. As a result, Win98 will be the operating system choice for most home and small business users.
Expect the upcoming release of Windows 98 to help jump-start sales, both of new, consumer-oriented computer systems, and of a wide range of hardware devices.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Win95/98 Tips & Tricks
Confused About Windows 2000?—Join the Club
Math majors would say it this way: Win95 + upgrade = Win98; Win98 + upgrade = Millenium; WinNT + upgrade = Win2000. You must remember - Win2000 is NOT an upgrade to Win98. Win98 is still the best operating system for most home users.
Windows 2000 was originally to be named Windows NT 5.0; as it is really the upgrade from Windows NT 4.x. It is the next version of the server-based networked terminals operating system designed for business use in those environments.
Windows 98 was upgraded to Win98 SE (Second Edition) and the next upgrade is to be named Win98 Millennium. It is still designed for personal home use and is due out later this year.
Even vendors and resellers are confused. Many are shipping new PCs with Win2000 loaded when the customer (YOU) would probably be better off with Win98 SE. If you are buying new PC do your homework and decide which best fits your needs. Then make sure the proper OS (operating system) is loaded on your new PC.
The differences between Win98 and Win2000 are not near so great as between Win95 and WinNT 4.0. The gap is narrowing but there are still significant differences. Win2000 may require a BIOS upgrade to your current PC; and your vendor may not supply one. Win2000 may require more memory and a higher MHz Pentium CPU than you now have. For those with older DOS applications, start obtaining replacements now. Win2000 and the new Windows Millenium are ever decreasingly DOS friendly.
Before you decide which is best for you, take a look at this web site: www.microsoft.com/insider/mi/pfwinwhich.htm. You can even download a Readiness Analyzer to see if your PC can handle Win2000, and learn of further upgrade issues at: www.microsoft.com/insider/mi/pfwin2kall.htm.
As Win2000 is not a successor to our beloved Win95/98 operating systems, we will not address it in this column. We will add Windows Millenium to the mix when it is released.
Windows Updates - a Way of Life (W98)
Win98 provides a convenient means to keep itself current; but it needs a little help from you. As you are working, you may find a Windows Update box popping up on your screen, informing you of the need to update it. You have the option to do it then or later. If you choose Later (and who wants to stop in the middle their work to do it then?) you will need to CLICK on START, SETTINGS, WINDOWS UPDATE (or START, WINDOWS UPDATE above PROGRAMS). Either will take you to a MS web site and ask you to wait while it looks at your PC to see what MS products may need upgrading. This is harmless so let it run. Then follow the instructions to pick which upgrades you want. Not all are necessary if you don't use various applications etc. They will install automatically upon completion of the download. Just read the provided information. It is unfortunate that these upgrades are necessary on a routine basis - but MS has made it pretty painless and as automatic as possible.
FAX Utility Free (W98)
Most of us don't do a lot of faxing.; but may have an occasional need. If so, you don't have to run out and spend a bunch of money on faxing software. Win98 CD (full version, not the upgrade) has a file awfax.exe. Select and run it to install the free fax utility. It will allow you to send a fax from any MS Office application or from Windows Explorer. You will select MS FAX as your printer and need to make sure MS Outlook is running before sending the FAX. Before doing this - check to see if it is already installed by CLICK on START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES and look in the list for FAX.
Windows 98 Basic (and Advanced) Training
If you are just not quite as up to speed as you would like; or if you want to move to the next level, take a look at the Win98 home page at: www.microsoft.com/windows98/usingwindows/communicating/default.asp. It has goodies for all levels of expertise and you may find some fascinating tips there.
Add Shortcuts to Favorites (W98)
When you CLICK on START you see that your Internet Explorer FAVORITES are right there for you to select. However, your Favorites can consist of more than just the items from your browser's Favorites list. Shortcuts to files and folders may be added there also. Merely open C:\windows\favorites folder and drag and drop your shortcuts into that window.
Pane Options in Explorer Bar (W98)
Internet Explorer offers you four options as to what you want to see in the left-hand pane of its window. CLICK on VIEW, EXPLORER BAR and select from SEARCH (MS's web search page), FAVORITES (your marked sites), HISTORY (where you've been recently on the web), and FOLDERS (ala Windows Explorer). If you don't have choices - you don't have Jack!
Rename Files Shortcut (W98)
Most of us probably rename files by single clicking twice on them then typing the new name. This can be problematic, as it is easy to double-click instead of two single clicks (allow a time interval between them). If you don't use the Active Desktop then CLICK on the filename then press F2 and type the new name. If you do use the Active Desktop then hover the cursor atop the filename to highlight it then press F2 and type the name. A third way (yes Virginia - there is almost always at least three ways to do something in Windows) is to RIGHT-CLICK on the filename and select RENAME and type the new nam
Math majors would say it this way: Win95 + upgrade = Win98; Win98 + upgrade = Millenium; WinNT + upgrade = Win2000. You must remember - Win2000 is NOT an upgrade to Win98. Win98 is still the best operating system for most home users.
Windows 2000 was originally to be named Windows NT 5.0; as it is really the upgrade from Windows NT 4.x. It is the next version of the server-based networked terminals operating system designed for business use in those environments.
Windows 98 was upgraded to Win98 SE (Second Edition) and the next upgrade is to be named Win98 Millennium. It is still designed for personal home use and is due out later this year.
Even vendors and resellers are confused. Many are shipping new PCs with Win2000 loaded when the customer (YOU) would probably be better off with Win98 SE. If you are buying new PC do your homework and decide which best fits your needs. Then make sure the proper OS (operating system) is loaded on your new PC.
The differences between Win98 and Win2000 are not near so great as between Win95 and WinNT 4.0. The gap is narrowing but there are still significant differences. Win2000 may require a BIOS upgrade to your current PC; and your vendor may not supply one. Win2000 may require more memory and a higher MHz Pentium CPU than you now have. For those with older DOS applications, start obtaining replacements now. Win2000 and the new Windows Millenium are ever decreasingly DOS friendly.
Before you decide which is best for you, take a look at this web site: www.microsoft.com/insider/mi/pfwinwhich.htm. You can even download a Readiness Analyzer to see if your PC can handle Win2000, and learn of further upgrade issues at: www.microsoft.com/insider/mi/pfwin2kall.htm.
As Win2000 is not a successor to our beloved Win95/98 operating systems, we will not address it in this column. We will add Windows Millenium to the mix when it is released.
Windows Updates - a Way of Life (W98)
Win98 provides a convenient means to keep itself current; but it needs a little help from you. As you are working, you may find a Windows Update box popping up on your screen, informing you of the need to update it. You have the option to do it then or later. If you choose Later (and who wants to stop in the middle their work to do it then?) you will need to CLICK on START, SETTINGS, WINDOWS UPDATE (or START, WINDOWS UPDATE above PROGRAMS). Either will take you to a MS web site and ask you to wait while it looks at your PC to see what MS products may need upgrading. This is harmless so let it run. Then follow the instructions to pick which upgrades you want. Not all are necessary if you don't use various applications etc. They will install automatically upon completion of the download. Just read the provided information. It is unfortunate that these upgrades are necessary on a routine basis - but MS has made it pretty painless and as automatic as possible.
FAX Utility Free (W98)
Most of us don't do a lot of faxing.; but may have an occasional need. If so, you don't have to run out and spend a bunch of money on faxing software. Win98 CD (full version, not the upgrade) has a file awfax.exe. Select and run it to install the free fax utility. It will allow you to send a fax from any MS Office application or from Windows Explorer. You will select MS FAX as your printer and need to make sure MS Outlook is running before sending the FAX. Before doing this - check to see if it is already installed by CLICK on START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES and look in the list for FAX.
Windows 98 Basic (and Advanced) Training
If you are just not quite as up to speed as you would like; or if you want to move to the next level, take a look at the Win98 home page at: www.microsoft.com/windows98/usingwindows/communicating/default.asp. It has goodies for all levels of expertise and you may find some fascinating tips there.
Add Shortcuts to Favorites (W98)
When you CLICK on START you see that your Internet Explorer FAVORITES are right there for you to select. However, your Favorites can consist of more than just the items from your browser's Favorites list. Shortcuts to files and folders may be added there also. Merely open C:\windows\favorites folder and drag and drop your shortcuts into that window.
Pane Options in Explorer Bar (W98)
Internet Explorer offers you four options as to what you want to see in the left-hand pane of its window. CLICK on VIEW, EXPLORER BAR and select from SEARCH (MS's web search page), FAVORITES (your marked sites), HISTORY (where you've been recently on the web), and FOLDERS (ala Windows Explorer). If you don't have choices - you don't have Jack!
Rename Files Shortcut (W98)
Most of us probably rename files by single clicking twice on them then typing the new name. This can be problematic, as it is easy to double-click instead of two single clicks (allow a time interval between them). If you don't use the Active Desktop then CLICK on the filename then press F2 and type the new name. If you do use the Active Desktop then hover the cursor atop the filename to highlight it then press F2 and type the name. A third way (yes Virginia - there is almost always at least three ways to do something in Windows) is to RIGHT-CLICK on the filename and select RENAME and type the new nam
DOS COMMANDS
Added 1/8/00
There are two additional switches that can be used when doing a DIR
/B - Shows only the long filename, no details
/Z - Shows the short filename, with details
/B /Z - Shows only short filename, with no details
DOS Command History
Added 12/21/99
If you use DOSKEY in either your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or as part of the properties of your DOS Window,you can show and recall the history of commands you enter and the DOS prompt.
· To recall previous commands, use the up arrow key.
· A complete list of previous commands can be shown if you press the F7 key
· To use one, press F9 and the number of the command you want to use
· To clear the cache, press Alt+F7
Changing a File's Date and Time Stamp
Added 12/21/99
You can change the Date and Time stamp of a file to the current setting.
Type:COPY filename /B + ,, /Y
Removing the Microsoft Copyright from a DOS Prompt
Added 10/16/98
By default, when you open a DOS window, the Microsoft Copyright notice shows.To disable it, add the /K switch in the Program tab
For example: C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM /k
Setting the Number of Lines in a DOS Window
Submitted 9/19/98
To set the number of lines displayed when you open up a DOS window:
Create a shortcut for the MS-DOS Prompt
Right click on it
Select Properties
Click on the Program tab
In the Batch file:, line enter mode con: lines=xx (where xx is the number of lines you want displayed)
Valid numbers for xx are 25 or 43
Submitted by John Karwoski
Starting DOS Fast
Want to start DOS fast outside of the START button? Drag it to your desktop.
Want to start it even FASTER without the mouse?
Change the shortcut properties of the DOS icon to something unique, like Ctrl-Alt-Z.
Then to start DOS from within Win95/98?/NT just enter C-A-Z and poof! it's there.
If you toggle away, and hit the shortcut sequence again, you'll get the "old" DOS box, not a new one.
Submitted by Carra Bussa
Long Filenames in a DOS Box
Submitted 4/12/98
More long filenames in DOS paths...
You don't need the close double quote when entering long folder names in DOS.
CD "\program filesworks as well asCD "\program files"
Submitted by Patrick Knoll
Submitted 2/19/96
You can use long file names in a MS DOS Box.All you have to do is pu the long file name in quotes.
Example: cd "program files"
Submitted by Simon Storystory@interlog.com
Expanding Full Path or File Name
NT 4.0 Only
Submitted 8/30/97
Expand full path/file name with defined char using Command Prompt in Win NT 4.0
You can expand the full name of a file or directory using a character of your choice.
Close all Command Prompts
Start the Registry Editor
Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor
If not present, add Key: CompletionChar
If you like to use TAB-Key for expand: set value (REG_SZ): "9"
You can test it:
Open up a DOS window
Type: CD (followed by TAB)
The first available directory will appear
Press TAB again, the next one will appear
The same can be done with the DIR command
Submitted by Uwe Beierlein
Adding DOSKEY to your DOS Window
Added 4/6/97
One way to have DOSKEY available when you open a DOS window would be to have it in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.This takes away conventional memory, even when you don't have a DOS window open.To only use DOSKEY when you open a DOS window:
· Right click on your DOS shortcut
· Select Properties
· Click on the Program tab
· Add DOSKEY > NUL to the Batch File field
· You can also add /INSERT if you prefer
Showing DOS Error Codes
Added 4/6/97
If you want to see what error codes are being generated by DOS programs,start your DOS session with the addition of a /Z parameter to the COMMAND.COM program.
Changing Directories in DOS
Added 1/26/97
Normally, you can move up one directory level by typing CD ..The DOS with Windows95 allows you to continue moving up beyond the first directory by simply adding more periodsFor example, to move up two levels, type CD ...
Entering Long Paths in a DOS Window
Added 1/26/97
If you have to enter a long path and program name in a DOS window,
Open up the Explorer
Go to the folder you want
Drag it to the DOS window
The path will be inserted into the window
This can come is useful with the long path names and all the ~'s you would normally need to type.If you need to change directories, type in the CD before you drag the directory.
Having DOS Programs Prompt for Input
Added 1/26/97
When you normally create a shortcut for a DOS program, it does not prompt you for any input and just runs the programTo change that, simply add a ? after the program name in the CMD field.
For example:C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\EDIT.COM ?will start the DOS editor and prompt you for a file name to edit.
Verbose Directory Listing
Submitted 10/24/96
To see your free memory and other useful info in detail:
Open a DOS box
Go to the directory that you want to get specific info about, or if you just want to see memory info go to any directory (I use the root).
Type DIR /V
The /v argument stands for "verbose".
All sorts of good information comes up.
Submitted by Brian Cohenbcohen@interserv.com
Easy way to open up DOS prompt in a specific directory
Added 6/20/96
With the advent of long directory names, it can be difficult to open up a DOS box and CD to the directory you wantparticularly if it is several layers of long names deep.
An easy way is to:
Open up Explorer and highlight the directory you want to be in
Select Run / Command from the Start Menu
Your DOS prompt will now be in the directory you highlighted in Explorer
There are two additional switches that can be used when doing a DIR
/B - Shows only the long filename, no details
/Z - Shows the short filename, with details
/B /Z - Shows only short filename, with no details
DOS Command History
Added 12/21/99
If you use DOSKEY in either your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or as part of the properties of your DOS Window,you can show and recall the history of commands you enter and the DOS prompt.
· To recall previous commands, use the up arrow key.
· A complete list of previous commands can be shown if you press the F7 key
· To use one, press F9 and the number of the command you want to use
· To clear the cache, press Alt+F7
Changing a File's Date and Time Stamp
Added 12/21/99
You can change the Date and Time stamp of a file to the current setting.
Type:COPY filename /B + ,, /Y
Removing the Microsoft Copyright from a DOS Prompt
Added 10/16/98
By default, when you open a DOS window, the Microsoft Copyright notice shows.To disable it, add the /K switch in the Program tab
For example: C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND.COM /k
Setting the Number of Lines in a DOS Window
Submitted 9/19/98
To set the number of lines displayed when you open up a DOS window:
Create a shortcut for the MS-DOS Prompt
Right click on it
Select Properties
Click on the Program tab
In the Batch file:, line enter mode con: lines=xx (where xx is the number of lines you want displayed)
Valid numbers for xx are 25 or 43
Submitted by John Karwoski
Starting DOS Fast
Want to start DOS fast outside of the START button? Drag it to your desktop.
Want to start it even FASTER without the mouse?
Change the shortcut properties of the DOS icon to something unique, like Ctrl-Alt-Z.
Then to start DOS from within Win95/98?/NT just enter C-A-Z and poof! it's there.
If you toggle away, and hit the shortcut sequence again, you'll get the "old" DOS box, not a new one.
Submitted by Carra Bussa
Long Filenames in a DOS Box
Submitted 4/12/98
More long filenames in DOS paths...
You don't need the close double quote when entering long folder names in DOS.
CD "\program filesworks as well asCD "\program files"
Submitted by Patrick Knoll
Submitted 2/19/96
You can use long file names in a MS DOS Box.All you have to do is pu the long file name in quotes.
Example: cd "program files"
Submitted by Simon Storystory@interlog.com
Expanding Full Path or File Name
NT 4.0 Only
Submitted 8/30/97
Expand full path/file name with defined char using Command Prompt in Win NT 4.0
You can expand the full name of a file or directory using a character of your choice.
Close all Command Prompts
Start the Registry Editor
Open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor
If not present, add Key: CompletionChar
If you like to use TAB-Key for expand: set value (REG_SZ): "9"
You can test it:
Open up a DOS window
Type: CD (followed by TAB)
The first available directory will appear
Press TAB again, the next one will appear
The same can be done with the DIR command
Submitted by Uwe Beierlein
Adding DOSKEY to your DOS Window
Added 4/6/97
One way to have DOSKEY available when you open a DOS window would be to have it in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.This takes away conventional memory, even when you don't have a DOS window open.To only use DOSKEY when you open a DOS window:
· Right click on your DOS shortcut
· Select Properties
· Click on the Program tab
· Add DOSKEY > NUL to the Batch File field
· You can also add /INSERT if you prefer
Showing DOS Error Codes
Added 4/6/97
If you want to see what error codes are being generated by DOS programs,start your DOS session with the addition of a /Z parameter to the COMMAND.COM program.
Changing Directories in DOS
Added 1/26/97
Normally, you can move up one directory level by typing CD ..The DOS with Windows95 allows you to continue moving up beyond the first directory by simply adding more periodsFor example, to move up two levels, type CD ...
Entering Long Paths in a DOS Window
Added 1/26/97
If you have to enter a long path and program name in a DOS window,
Open up the Explorer
Go to the folder you want
Drag it to the DOS window
The path will be inserted into the window
This can come is useful with the long path names and all the ~'s you would normally need to type.If you need to change directories, type in the CD before you drag the directory.
Having DOS Programs Prompt for Input
Added 1/26/97
When you normally create a shortcut for a DOS program, it does not prompt you for any input and just runs the programTo change that, simply add a ? after the program name in the CMD field.
For example:C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\EDIT.COM ?will start the DOS editor and prompt you for a file name to edit.
Verbose Directory Listing
Submitted 10/24/96
To see your free memory and other useful info in detail:
Open a DOS box
Go to the directory that you want to get specific info about, or if you just want to see memory info go to any directory (I use the root).
Type DIR /V
The /v argument stands for "verbose".
All sorts of good information comes up.
Submitted by Brian Cohenbcohen@interserv.com
Easy way to open up DOS prompt in a specific directory
Added 6/20/96
With the advent of long directory names, it can be difficult to open up a DOS box and CD to the directory you wantparticularly if it is several layers of long names deep.
An easy way is to:
Open up Explorer and highlight the directory you want to be in
Select Run / Command from the Start Menu
Your DOS prompt will now be in the directory you highlighted in Explorer
Upgrade or Clean Install
While all things being equal under most circumstances a clean install is the ideal way to install any operating system, the fact is that all things are not equal, and at some points in our lives we may not have the time to do all the work involved in backing up data, wiping the hard drive clean, performing the clean install itself and then reloading third-party software.For those who don't mind sacrificing a wee bit of potential performance gain for the convenience of a simple and painless path to Windows 98 a conventional upgrade of an existing version of Windows 95 is the way to go. All things considered installing the upgrade as designed is extremely simple and for most Aptiva owners has been a relatively problem-free experience.There are a few things that one should do as far as preparing to install Windows 98 which will substantially increase one's chance of a successful upgrade...
Windows 98 Upgrade Checklist:
Data BackupsBackup all your most important files before you start, *just in case*. While few if any users have had serious problems as a result of upgrading to Windows 98 there's no such thing as a "100% safe" upgrade. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
RAM memoryMake sure that you have enough RAM memory to support the increased demands of Win98. 16MB is the stated minimum for the original retail version of Win98 and 24MB is the requirement for the newer SE version, but I'd suggest at least 32MB as optimal in either.
Free Disk SpaceMake sure that you have enough free disk space on Drive C...the default install of Win98 requires about 190MB (205MB for SE), but with all the bells and whistles (and if you choose to backup your Win95 OS so that you can uninstall 98 in the event of any problems) it can use up to about 300MB. As you always want to leave enough free disk space on C for Virtual Memory and other items that use space on C I'd suggest a bare minimum of 350MB free before you start if a full install with the Win95 backup is planned, with 400MB being ideal.
BIOS UpdatesFor those who may be running older BIOS versions just prior to an operating system upgrade is generally considered a good time to flash upgrade the system BIOS to the most current level available. To find out what if any BIOS updates are available for your system click here.
Antivirus Boot ScanIf your system runs a virus scan from the BIOS when you boot up (as many Aptivas do) you want to disable that as anything which interrupts or delays the boot process can be a problem. When you first start the PC and see the IBM logo screen press the F1 key to enter the Setup utility. Antivirus scan options are usually found under "Startup Options" or "Advanced Options", if found set that option to DISABLED.
TSR Background ProgramsAs mentioned above in addition to disabling the BIOS-based antivirus scanner it's a good idea to temporarily disable any and all programs that load automatically when you start your PC, including but not limited to Windows-based antivirus utilities. There are a number of different methods by which one can disable background programs from loading at startup, howrever for users not familiar with them I'd suggest using the small freeware utility Startup Control Panel.
Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95If installed, uninstall Microsoft Plus! through Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Except for Space Cadet Pinball which is installable separately, all of the Plus! for 95 features are already built into the Win98 OS, and there are a few potential issues avoided by uninstalling Plus! prior to loading Win98 .If MS Plus! is not listed in Add/Remove run the Plus! Setup found in the C:\Progam Files\Plus!\Setup folder and Click the Uninstall button
PowerToysIf you have any of the Microsoft Win95 PowerToys (Tweak UI, QuickRes, CabView, SendTo X, etc) installed it's not a bad idea to uninstall them prior to upgrading to Windows 98. A Windows 98 version of Tweak UI can be found on the Win98 CD (details here). As far as 'toys like QuickRes and CabView their functionality is built into Windows 98, and in some cases having some Win95 PowerToys installed under Win98 can be problematic.
Disk MaintainenceJust prior to an upgrade to Windows 98 is an excellent time to uninstall any unused/unwanted software and purge your hard disk of accumulated debris such as .TMP files and browser cache files. Find details on doing so here. After doing a bit of "PC Spring Cleaning" make sure to run ScanDisk in Thorough Mode and Disk Defragmenter just prior to initiating the Win98 upgrade.
Windows 98 Upgrade Checklist:
Data BackupsBackup all your most important files before you start, *just in case*. While few if any users have had serious problems as a result of upgrading to Windows 98 there's no such thing as a "100% safe" upgrade. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
RAM memoryMake sure that you have enough RAM memory to support the increased demands of Win98. 16MB is the stated minimum for the original retail version of Win98 and 24MB is the requirement for the newer SE version, but I'd suggest at least 32MB as optimal in either.
Free Disk SpaceMake sure that you have enough free disk space on Drive C...the default install of Win98 requires about 190MB (205MB for SE), but with all the bells and whistles (and if you choose to backup your Win95 OS so that you can uninstall 98 in the event of any problems) it can use up to about 300MB. As you always want to leave enough free disk space on C for Virtual Memory and other items that use space on C I'd suggest a bare minimum of 350MB free before you start if a full install with the Win95 backup is planned, with 400MB being ideal.
BIOS UpdatesFor those who may be running older BIOS versions just prior to an operating system upgrade is generally considered a good time to flash upgrade the system BIOS to the most current level available. To find out what if any BIOS updates are available for your system click here.
Antivirus Boot ScanIf your system runs a virus scan from the BIOS when you boot up (as many Aptivas do) you want to disable that as anything which interrupts or delays the boot process can be a problem. When you first start the PC and see the IBM logo screen press the F1 key to enter the Setup utility. Antivirus scan options are usually found under "Startup Options" or "Advanced Options", if found set that option to DISABLED.
TSR Background ProgramsAs mentioned above in addition to disabling the BIOS-based antivirus scanner it's a good idea to temporarily disable any and all programs that load automatically when you start your PC, including but not limited to Windows-based antivirus utilities. There are a number of different methods by which one can disable background programs from loading at startup, howrever for users not familiar with them I'd suggest using the small freeware utility Startup Control Panel.
Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95If installed, uninstall Microsoft Plus! through Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. Except for Space Cadet Pinball which is installable separately, all of the Plus! for 95 features are already built into the Win98 OS, and there are a few potential issues avoided by uninstalling Plus! prior to loading Win98 .If MS Plus! is not listed in Add/Remove run the Plus! Setup found in the C:\Progam Files\Plus!\Setup folder and Click the Uninstall button
PowerToysIf you have any of the Microsoft Win95 PowerToys (Tweak UI, QuickRes, CabView, SendTo X, etc) installed it's not a bad idea to uninstall them prior to upgrading to Windows 98. A Windows 98 version of Tweak UI can be found on the Win98 CD (details here). As far as 'toys like QuickRes and CabView their functionality is built into Windows 98, and in some cases having some Win95 PowerToys installed under Win98 can be problematic.
Disk MaintainenceJust prior to an upgrade to Windows 98 is an excellent time to uninstall any unused/unwanted software and purge your hard disk of accumulated debris such as .TMP files and browser cache files. Find details on doing so here. After doing a bit of "PC Spring Cleaning" make sure to run ScanDisk in Thorough Mode and Disk Defragmenter just prior to initiating the Win98 upgrade.
TIPS AND TRICKS ABOUT WINDOWS
Device Manager Error Codes
If there is a problem with one of your devices, Windows will list the device with 1 of 3 symbols in the Device Manager (Control Panel > System > Device Manager tab):
indicates a disabled device. A disabled device is a device that is physically present in the system, consuming resources, but does not have a protected-mode driver loaded.
· FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT=A blue 'i' on a white field" on a device resource in Computer properties indicates that Use Automatic Settings is not selected for the device and that the was manually selected. It does not indicate a problem or disabled state.
Note: Some sound cards and video adapters do not report all the resources they are using to Windows. This can cause Device Manager to show only one device in conflict, or no conflicts at all. This can be verified by disabling the sound card, or using the standard VGA video driver to see if the conflict is resolved. (This is a known problem with S3 video cards and 16-bit Sound Blaster sound cards, or those sound cards using Sound Blaster emulation for Sound Blaster compatibility).
Error Codes:
Code 1: This code means the system has not had a chance to configure the device. To resolve the problem, follow the instructions in the Device Status box. In addition, you may be able to resolve this issue by removing the device in Device Manager, and then running the Add New Hardware wizard from Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 2: Depending on which device is failing, you may see either of two different messages. This code means that the device loader (DevLoader) did not load a device. When this device is a Root Bus DevLoader (for example, ISAPNP, PCI, or BIOS), the following message is displayed:
Windows could not load the driver for this device because the computer is reporting two bus types. (Code 2)
Contact your computer manufacturer to get an updated BIOS for your computer.
where is ISAPNP, PCI, BIOS, EISA, or ACPI.
Solution button: None
When the device is not a root bus DevLoader, the following message is displayed:
The device loader(s) for this device could not load the device driver. (Code 2)
To fix this, click Update Driver to update the device driver.
where is the DevLoader such as FLOP, ESDI, SCSI, and so on.
Solution button: Update Driver
In addition to following the recommended solution, try removing the device from Device Manager, and then running the Add New Hardware wizard from Control Panel.
Code 3: This code means the driver for this device is bad, system is running low on memory.
Solution button: Update Driver
As an alternative, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Code 4: This code means the .inf file for this device is incorrect or the registry may be damaged. For example, the .inf file specifies a field that should be text, but is binary instead. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, please contact the hardware's manufacturer for an updated .inf file.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 5: This code means there was a device failure due to the lack of an arbitrator. If a device requests a resource type for which there is no arbitrator, you receive this error code. To resolve this error code, update the driver as suggested, or use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 6: This code means there is a conflict between this device and another device. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 7: This code means that no configuration can be performed on the device. If the device works correctly, you do need not to perform any steps to correct the code. If the device does not work correctly, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code and the device does not function properly, check with the hardware's manufacturer or the Microsoft Software Library for an updated driver.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 8: This code means the device loader (DevLoader) for a device could not be found. For example, the .inf file for the device may refer to a missing or invalid file. For most cases, the resolution is to reinstall or update the driver. As an alternative, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, contact the hardware's manufacturer about updated drivers.
When the problem DevLoader is a system DevLoader, Windows should be re-installed because this driver is built into the Vmm32.vxd file.
Note: A system DevLoader is one that is part of Vmm32.vxd, and typically begins with an asterisk (*). If the DevLoader is a system DevLoader, the following text is displayed:
This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the file that loads the drivers for the device. (Code 8)
To fix this problem, run Windows Setup again using your Windows CD-ROM.
where is the system DevLoader that cannot be found.
Code 9: This code means that the information in the registry for this device is invalid. It may be possible to resolve this error by using Device Manager to remove the device and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, contact the hardware's manufacturer for the proper registry settings.
Solution button: None
Code 10: This code means that the device failed to start (for example, it is missing or is not working properly). To resolve this error code, make sure the device is attached to the computer correctly. For example, make sure all cables are plugged in fully and that all adapter cards are plugged into their slots fully. Follow the suggested solution button and update the device driver. It may be possible to remove the device and re-detect it using the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 11: This code means that the device failed. To resolve this error, run the Automatic Skip Driver utility from the System Information tool. If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 12: This code means one of the resource arbitrators failed. This can occur if the device is software configurable and it does not currently have a resource, if the system is out of resources (for example, all the interrupts are in use), or if the device requests a resource and that resource is currently in use by another device that will not release the resource. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 13: This code means the device failed due to a problem in the device driver. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Detect Hardware
Code 14: This code means the device has a problem that may be resolved by restarting your computer. To resolve this error code, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and then turn it back on.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 15: This code means the device's resources are conflicting with another device's resources. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 16: This code means the device was not fully detected. When a device is not fully detected, all of its resources may not be recorded. To resolve this error code, click the Resources tab in the device's properties to manually enter the settings.
Solution button: None
Code 17: This code means the hardware is a multiple-function device and the .inf file for the device is providing invalid information on how to split the device's resources to the child devices. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, please contact the hardware's manufacturer about an updated .inf file.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 18: This code means that an error has occurred and the device needs to be reinstalled. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 19: This code means the registry returned an unknown result. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution, which will run Scanreg.exe. If this does not resolve the issue, type scanreg /restore from a command prompt (more information about ScanReg). Finally, remove the device from Device Manager, and then re-detect it using the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Check Registry
Code 20: This code means VxD Loader (Vxdldr) returned an unknown result. For example, there could a version mismatch between the device driver and the operating system. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 21: This code means the device has a problem that may be resolved by restarting your computer. To resolve this error code, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and then turn it back on.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 22: This code means the device is disabled.
To resolve this error code, enable the device. To do so, follow these steps:
Select Start > Setting > Control Panel, then double-click System
Select the Device Manager tab
Double-click the category for the device you want to enable, and then double-click the device
In the Device Usage box, select the check box for the configuration in which you want to enable the device
Click OK, and then click Close
Shut down Windows, and restart your computer
If this doesn't work, try removing the device in Device Manager, then re-detecting it using the Add New Hardware wizard. If the problem persists, try a clean boot to rule out software interference. If the error persists, contact the hardware manufacturer.
Code 23: This code means the device loader delayed the start of a device and then failed to inform Windows when it was ready to start the device. To resolve this error code, verify the settings for the primary display adapter in Display properties. Try removing the primary and secondary display adapters from Device Manager, and then rebooting to allow Windows to re-enumerate these devices. Verify that the drivers are current and installed correctly.
For devices other than display adapters, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and using the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect the device.
Code 24: This code means that the device was not found (for example, it is missing or is not working properly). To resolve this error code, follow the recommended solutions. If the device still does not work, make sure the device is connected to your computer correctly. For example, make sure all cables are correctly installed, or that the adapter cards are properly seated in their slots.
If this happens after plugging in an USB Mouse, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q257514: Error Code 24 in Device Manager After Plugging in USB Mouse.
Code 25: This problem typically exists only during the first and second boots after Windows Setup copies all the files. As such, if this code is identified, it is likely an incomplete installation.
To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. Reinstalling Windows may be required, depending on whether or not the reboot resolves the issue.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 26: This code means a device did not load. There may be a problem in the device driver or not all the drivers were installed.
To resolve this error code, follow the recommended solution. If this does not work, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware tool in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, check with the hardware's manufacturer or the Microsoft Software Library for an updated driver.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 27: This code means the portion of the registry describing possible resources for a device does not contain valid entries. For example, the device is marked as configurable, but the configuration information in the .inf file is set to hardwired.
To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If the device still does not work, consult the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers or further assistance.
Solution button: None
Code 28: This code means the device was not installed completely.
To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and using the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect it. You may need to obtain updated drivers if the error still occurs.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 29: This code means the device has been disabled because the device does not work properly and cannot be made to work properly with Windows.
You may be able to resolve this error code by enabling or disabling the device in the computer's CMOS settings. Windows cannot override this setting. Please contact the computer's manufacturer for assistance with using the computer's CMOS setup program.
Solution button: None
Code 30: This code means that an IRQ cannot be shared. This may occur when a PCI/EISA SCSI controller is sharing an IRQ that is also in use by a real-mode device driver that Windows can't change.
To resolve this error code, remove the real-mode driver that is using the same IRQ as this device. The real-mode driver may be loading in the Config.sys or Autoexec.bat file.
Solution button: None
Code 31: This code appears when a device is dependent on another device to be functioning correctly. This does not include devices that are enumerated by the parent device.
The Properties button displays the properties for the other device. More than likely, the other device will also have one of these Device Manager error codes. Follow all the recommended solutions. If the devices still do not work, remove them from Device Manager and use the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect them. Finally, consult with the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers.
Solution button: Properties
Code 32: This code indicates that the installation disk or CD-ROM was not available to install the drivers. For example, the CD-ROM drive or network connection is not available. This error typically occurs during the first or second reboot after all the files are copied during Setup.
To resolve this issue, first attempt to restart as suggested. If this does not resolve the problem, determine why the installation disk or CD-ROM is not available. Typically, these devices also have Device Manager codes (such as the CD-ROM controller or network adapter). Resolve the issue to gain access to the installation disk or CD-ROM prior to resolving this conflict.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 33: This code typically is displayed when the hardware has failed. Consult with the manufacturer of the affected hardware.
Solution button: None
If you believe that a protected-mode driver should be controlling a device, but the device appears with a real-mode driver in the Device Manager in Control Panel, you can check entries in Ios.log. The Ios.log file in the Windows directory is created when a protected-mode driver is not available or the operating system detects that an unknown device driver is controlling a device.
In most cases, the first line in Ios.log states why the protected-mode driver was not loaded. If the first line mentions Mbrint13.sys, the problem most likely is a virus (unless you are using a driver that replaces the master boot record).
·
If there is a problem with one of your devices, Windows will list the device with 1 of 3 symbols in the Device Manager (Control Panel > System > Device Manager tab):
indicates a disabled device. A disabled device is a device that is physically present in the system, consuming resources, but does not have a protected-mode driver loaded.
· FPRIVATE "TYPE=PICT;ALT=A blue 'i' on a white field" on a device resource in Computer properties indicates that Use Automatic Settings is not selected for the device and that the was manually selected. It does not indicate a problem or disabled state.
Note: Some sound cards and video adapters do not report all the resources they are using to Windows. This can cause Device Manager to show only one device in conflict, or no conflicts at all. This can be verified by disabling the sound card, or using the standard VGA video driver to see if the conflict is resolved. (This is a known problem with S3 video cards and 16-bit Sound Blaster sound cards, or those sound cards using Sound Blaster emulation for Sound Blaster compatibility).
Error Codes:
Code 1: This code means the system has not had a chance to configure the device. To resolve the problem, follow the instructions in the Device Status box. In addition, you may be able to resolve this issue by removing the device in Device Manager, and then running the Add New Hardware wizard from Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 2: Depending on which device is failing, you may see either of two different messages. This code means that the device loader (DevLoader) did not load a device. When this device is a Root Bus DevLoader (for example, ISAPNP, PCI, or BIOS), the following message is displayed:
Windows could not load the driver for this device because the computer is reporting two
Contact your computer manufacturer to get an updated BIOS for your computer.
where
Solution button: None
When the device is not a root bus DevLoader, the following message is displayed:
The
To fix this, click Update Driver to update the device driver.
where
Solution button: Update Driver
In addition to following the recommended solution, try removing the device from Device Manager, and then running the Add New Hardware wizard from Control Panel.
Code 3: This code means the driver for this device is bad, system is running low on memory.
Solution button: Update Driver
As an alternative, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Code 4: This code means the .inf file for this device is incorrect or the registry may be damaged. For example, the .inf file specifies a field that should be text, but is binary instead. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, please contact the hardware's manufacturer for an updated .inf file.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 5: This code means there was a device failure due to the lack of an arbitrator. If a device requests a resource type for which there is no arbitrator, you receive this error code. To resolve this error code, update the driver as suggested, or use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 6: This code means there is a conflict between this device and another device. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 7: This code means that no configuration can be performed on the device. If the device works correctly, you do need not to perform any steps to correct the code. If the device does not work correctly, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code and the device does not function properly, check with the hardware's manufacturer or the Microsoft Software Library for an updated driver.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 8: This code means the device loader (DevLoader) for a device could not be found. For example, the .inf file for the device may refer to a missing or invalid file. For most cases, the resolution is to reinstall or update the driver. As an alternative, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, contact the hardware's manufacturer about updated drivers.
When the problem DevLoader is a system DevLoader, Windows should be re-installed because this driver is built into the Vmm32.vxd file.
Note: A system DevLoader is one that is part of Vmm32.vxd, and typically begins with an asterisk (*). If the DevLoader is a system DevLoader, the following text is displayed:
This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the file
To fix this problem, run Windows Setup again using your Windows CD-ROM.
where
Code 9: This code means that the information in the registry for this device is invalid. It may be possible to resolve this error by using Device Manager to remove the device and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, contact the hardware's manufacturer for the proper registry settings.
Solution button: None
Code 10: This code means that the device failed to start (for example, it is missing or is not working properly). To resolve this error code, make sure the device is attached to the computer correctly. For example, make sure all cables are plugged in fully and that all adapter cards are plugged into their slots fully. Follow the suggested solution button and update the device driver. It may be possible to remove the device and re-detect it using the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 11: This code means that the device failed. To resolve this error, run the Automatic Skip Driver utility from the System Information tool. If the problem persists, contact the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 12: This code means one of the resource arbitrators failed. This can occur if the device is software configurable and it does not currently have a resource, if the system is out of resources (for example, all the interrupts are in use), or if the device requests a resource and that resource is currently in use by another device that will not release the resource. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 13: This code means the device failed due to a problem in the device driver. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Detect Hardware
Code 14: This code means the device has a problem that may be resolved by restarting your computer. To resolve this error code, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and then turn it back on.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 15: This code means the device's resources are conflicting with another device's resources. To resolve this error code, see the "Troubleshooting Conflicting Hardware" topic in Windows Help, or see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q133240: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager.
Solution button: Hardware Troubleshooter
Code 16: This code means the device was not fully detected. When a device is not fully detected, all of its resources may not be recorded. To resolve this error code, click the Resources tab in the device's properties to manually enter the settings.
Solution button: None
Code 17: This code means the hardware is a multiple-function device and the .inf file for the device is providing invalid information on how to split the device's resources to the child devices. To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, please contact the hardware's manufacturer about an updated .inf file.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 18: This code means that an error has occurred and the device needs to be reinstalled. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 19: This code means the registry returned an unknown result. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution, which will run Scanreg.exe. If this does not resolve the issue, type scanreg /restore from a command prompt (more information about ScanReg). Finally, remove the device from Device Manager, and then re-detect it using the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Check Registry
Code 20: This code means VxD Loader (Vxdldr) returned an unknown result. For example, there could a version mismatch between the device driver and the operating system. To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and then running the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel.
Solution button: Update Driver
Code 21: This code means the device has a problem that may be resolved by restarting your computer. To resolve this error code, shut down Windows, turn off your computer, and then turn it back on.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 22: This code means the device is disabled.
To resolve this error code, enable the device. To do so, follow these steps:
Select Start > Setting > Control Panel, then double-click System
Select the Device Manager tab
Double-click the category for the device you want to enable, and then double-click the device
In the Device Usage box, select the check box for the configuration in which you want to enable the device
Click OK, and then click Close
Shut down Windows, and restart your computer
If this doesn't work, try removing the device in Device Manager, then re-detecting it using the Add New Hardware wizard. If the problem persists, try a clean boot to rule out software interference. If the error persists, contact the hardware manufacturer.
Code 23: This code means the device loader delayed the start of a device and then failed to inform Windows when it was ready to start the device. To resolve this error code, verify the settings for the primary display adapter in Display properties. Try removing the primary and secondary display adapters from Device Manager, and then rebooting to allow Windows to re-enumerate these devices. Verify that the drivers are current and installed correctly.
For devices other than display adapters, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and using the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect the device.
Code 24: This code means that the device was not found (for example, it is missing or is not working properly). To resolve this error code, follow the recommended solutions. If the device still does not work, make sure the device is connected to your computer correctly. For example, make sure all cables are correctly installed, or that the adapter cards are properly seated in their slots.
If this happens after plugging in an USB Mouse, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article Q257514: Error Code 24 in Device Manager After Plugging in USB Mouse.
Code 25: This problem typically exists only during the first and second boots after Windows Setup copies all the files. As such, if this code is identified, it is likely an incomplete installation.
To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. Reinstalling Windows may be required, depending on whether or not the reboot resolves the issue.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 26: This code means a device did not load. There may be a problem in the device driver or not all the drivers were installed.
To resolve this error code, follow the recommended solution. If this does not work, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware tool in Control Panel. If you continue to receive this error code, check with the hardware's manufacturer or the Microsoft Software Library for an updated driver.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 27: This code means the portion of the registry describing possible resources for a device does not contain valid entries. For example, the device is marked as configurable, but the configuration information in the .inf file is set to hardwired.
To resolve this error code, use Device Manager to remove the device and then run the Add New Hardware wizard in Control Panel. If the device still does not work, consult the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers or further assistance.
Solution button: None
Code 28: This code means the device was not installed completely.
To resolve this issue, follow the recommended solution. If that does not work, try removing the device from Device Manager and using the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect it. You may need to obtain updated drivers if the error still occurs.
Solution button: Reinstall Driver
Code 29: This code means the device has been disabled because the device does not work properly and cannot be made to work properly with Windows.
You may be able to resolve this error code by enabling or disabling the device in the computer's CMOS settings. Windows cannot override this setting. Please contact the computer's manufacturer for assistance with using the computer's CMOS setup program.
Solution button: None
Code 30: This code means that an IRQ cannot be shared. This may occur when a PCI/EISA SCSI controller is sharing an IRQ that is also in use by a real-mode device driver that Windows can't change.
To resolve this error code, remove the real-mode driver that is using the same IRQ as this device. The real-mode driver may be loading in the Config.sys or Autoexec.bat file.
Solution button: None
Code 31: This code appears when a device is dependent on another device to be functioning correctly. This does not include devices that are enumerated by the parent device.
The Properties button displays the properties for the other device. More than likely, the other device will also have one of these Device Manager error codes. Follow all the recommended solutions. If the devices still do not work, remove them from Device Manager and use the Add New Hardware wizard to re-detect them. Finally, consult with the hardware manufacturer for updated drivers.
Solution button: Properties
Code 32: This code indicates that the installation disk or CD-ROM was not available to install the drivers. For example, the CD-ROM drive or network connection is not available. This error typically occurs during the first or second reboot after all the files are copied during Setup.
To resolve this issue, first attempt to restart as suggested. If this does not resolve the problem, determine why the installation disk or CD-ROM is not available. Typically, these devices also have Device Manager codes (such as the CD-ROM controller or network adapter). Resolve the issue to gain access to the installation disk or CD-ROM prior to resolving this conflict.
Solution button: Restart Computer
Code 33: This code typically is displayed when the hardware has failed. Consult with the manufacturer of the affected hardware.
Solution button: None
If you believe that a protected-mode driver should be controlling a device, but the device appears with a real-mode driver in the Device Manager in Control Panel, you can check entries in Ios.log. The Ios.log file in the Windows directory is created when a protected-mode driver is not available or the operating system detects that an unknown device driver is controlling a device.
In most cases, the first line in Ios.log states why the protected-mode driver was not loaded. If the first line mentions Mbrint13.sys, the problem most likely is a virus (unless you are using a driver that replaces the master boot record).
·
Java
Java A programming language developed by Sun Microsystems to support widespread software distribution, particularly over the Web. It is a slimmed down and more secure version of the C++ programming language. Originally developed for use with set-top boxes (which see in the hard copy dictionary), Java runs on Web servers and downloads small application programs, called applets (which see), to Web browsers on an as needed basis. Because of strict built-in controls over software distribution the Java design protects against the delivery of incompatible software or viruses. (See Hot Java. See virus in the hard copy dictionary.)
JavaBeans A software component model associated with the Java programming language. A JavaBean component is an object which can be used repeatedly by visually manipulating it into larger solutions. JavaBeans can range from low-level components, such as a scroll bar, to complete products like Corel's Office for Java.
JavaScript A cross-platform, Web-based scripting language that will allow a lay person to author HTML pages that use Java applets, objects, and classes without having to know how to program in Java. It can also be used to build stand-alone applications that can run on either clients or servers. JavaScript is being developed by Netscape and Sun Microsystems and is supported by approximately twenty-five other companies in competition with Microsoft's OLE and OCX's optimized for the Internet. See Java, applet, OLE, OCX and Blackbird. See Web, HTML, and application in the hard copy dictionary.
JDBC Java Database Connectivity. A Java-enabled version of the Open Database Connectivity data-access specification. (See OBDC in the hard copy dictionary.) JDBC provides an API for developing data-access applets (which see). The applets can then be downloaded from a Web browser to any database server with a JDBC driver. The specification was developed by Sun Microsystems and is supported by Oracle, Sybase, and Informix.
JTAPI Java Telephony API A set of application programming interfaces (which see in the hard copy dictionary) that support interoperation between telephone switching equipment and a computer. JTAPI's principal advantage over TAPI developed by Microsoft is that JTAPI runs on a wide variety of processors.
key library A set of encrypted keys that belong to one person or that can be shared by a defined group of people. Access to a key library requires a separate key. (See key and key management in the hard copy dictionary.)
key recovery While sometimes simply the process by which a key is retrieved from key escrow (which see in the hard copy dictionary) key recovery also refers to a substitute for the failed Clipper chip/Capstone initiative (which see in the hard copy dictionary). In this scheme a copy of the key, in a separately encrypted key recovery field, is always sent along with the data which it encrypts. A predetermined private sector "Key Recover Center" can decrypt the key recovery field when requested by an authorized party (e.g. a government agency with a court order). A new cryptography export policy which took effect in late 1996 allows companies in the United States to export cryptographic algorithms using up to 56 bit keys if they agree to add a method for key recovery within their product within the next two years. Also see recovery key and TACDFIPSFKMI.
L2F See Layer-2 Forwarding.
L2PT See Layer Two Tunneling Protocol.
L2PT Access Concentrator (LAC) A device connected to one or more Public Switched Telephone Network or ISDN lines that supports both the PPP protocol and the L2PT protocol. It may tunnel any protocol carried within PPP and communicate with one or more L2PT Network Servers. (See ISDN and PPP in the hard copy dictionary.)
L2PT Network Server (LNS) A device that communicates with one or more L2PT Access Concentrators using the L2PT protocol and with only one LAN or WAN.
LAC See L2PT Access Concentrator.
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2PT) A protocol that enables the tunneling of the data link layer of Point-to-Point Protocol between a remote access server that interfaces with dialup or ISDN circuits and a network access server that interfaces with a LAN or WAN. The L2PT protocol makes it possible to provide virtual dialup or support single user Virtual Private Networks over the Internet. L2PT does not provide encryption but will often be used in conjunction with encryption. (See protocol, Point-to-Point Protocol, dialup, ISDN, LAN, WAN, Internet, and encryption in the hard copy dictionary.)
Layer-2 Forwarding (L2F) A capability developed by Cisco which is used in combination with the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol to provide the Layer-2 Tunneling Protocol. (See Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol in the hard copy dictionary.)
LEC local exchange carrier. A company which provides local telephone service to homes and businesses within a given area (e.g. a Regional Bell Operating Company such as Pacific Bell).
LMDS See Local Multipoint Distribution Service.
loading The transfer of funds from a demand deposit account in a bank to an online account (e.g. a CyberCash demand deposit account) so that the funds can be sent over the net to another company or individual.
Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) A broadband wireless network that uses high frequencies (28 to 38 gigaherz) to transmit video and data to residences at less than a few miles distance. See broadband, network, and Multichannel MultiPoint Distribution System (MMDS) in the hard copy dictionary.
JavaBeans A software component model associated with the Java programming language. A JavaBean component is an object which can be used repeatedly by visually manipulating it into larger solutions. JavaBeans can range from low-level components, such as a scroll bar, to complete products like Corel's Office for Java.
JavaScript A cross-platform, Web-based scripting language that will allow a lay person to author HTML pages that use Java applets, objects, and classes without having to know how to program in Java. It can also be used to build stand-alone applications that can run on either clients or servers. JavaScript is being developed by Netscape and Sun Microsystems and is supported by approximately twenty-five other companies in competition with Microsoft's OLE and OCX's optimized for the Internet. See Java, applet, OLE, OCX and Blackbird. See Web, HTML, and application in the hard copy dictionary.
JDBC Java Database Connectivity. A Java-enabled version of the Open Database Connectivity data-access specification. (See OBDC in the hard copy dictionary.) JDBC provides an API for developing data-access applets (which see). The applets can then be downloaded from a Web browser to any database server with a JDBC driver. The specification was developed by Sun Microsystems and is supported by Oracle, Sybase, and Informix.
JTAPI Java Telephony API A set of application programming interfaces (which see in the hard copy dictionary) that support interoperation between telephone switching equipment and a computer. JTAPI's principal advantage over TAPI developed by Microsoft is that JTAPI runs on a wide variety of processors.
key library A set of encrypted keys that belong to one person or that can be shared by a defined group of people. Access to a key library requires a separate key. (See key and key management in the hard copy dictionary.)
key recovery While sometimes simply the process by which a key is retrieved from key escrow (which see in the hard copy dictionary) key recovery also refers to a substitute for the failed Clipper chip/Capstone initiative (which see in the hard copy dictionary). In this scheme a copy of the key, in a separately encrypted key recovery field, is always sent along with the data which it encrypts. A predetermined private sector "Key Recover Center" can decrypt the key recovery field when requested by an authorized party (e.g. a government agency with a court order). A new cryptography export policy which took effect in late 1996 allows companies in the United States to export cryptographic algorithms using up to 56 bit keys if they agree to add a method for key recovery within their product within the next two years. Also see recovery key and TACDFIPSFKMI.
L2F See Layer-2 Forwarding.
L2PT See Layer Two Tunneling Protocol.
L2PT Access Concentrator (LAC) A device connected to one or more Public Switched Telephone Network or ISDN lines that supports both the PPP protocol and the L2PT protocol. It may tunnel any protocol carried within PPP and communicate with one or more L2PT Network Servers. (See ISDN and PPP in the hard copy dictionary.)
L2PT Network Server (LNS) A device that communicates with one or more L2PT Access Concentrators using the L2PT protocol and with only one LAN or WAN.
LAC See L2PT Access Concentrator.
Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2PT) A protocol that enables the tunneling of the data link layer of Point-to-Point Protocol between a remote access server that interfaces with dialup or ISDN circuits and a network access server that interfaces with a LAN or WAN. The L2PT protocol makes it possible to provide virtual dialup or support single user Virtual Private Networks over the Internet. L2PT does not provide encryption but will often be used in conjunction with encryption. (See protocol, Point-to-Point Protocol, dialup, ISDN, LAN, WAN, Internet, and encryption in the hard copy dictionary.)
Layer-2 Forwarding (L2F) A capability developed by Cisco which is used in combination with the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol to provide the Layer-2 Tunneling Protocol. (See Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol in the hard copy dictionary.)
LEC local exchange carrier. A company which provides local telephone service to homes and businesses within a given area (e.g. a Regional Bell Operating Company such as Pacific Bell).
LMDS See Local Multipoint Distribution Service.
loading The transfer of funds from a demand deposit account in a bank to an online account (e.g. a CyberCash demand deposit account) so that the funds can be sent over the net to another company or individual.
Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) A broadband wireless network that uses high frequencies (28 to 38 gigaherz) to transmit video and data to residences at less than a few miles distance. See broadband, network, and Multichannel MultiPoint Distribution System (MMDS) in the hard copy dictionary.
Libraries with The Electronic Commerce Dictionary in their Collection
· Jackson Library, Stanford University Graduate School of Business
· Baker Library, Dartmouth College
· Alexandria Library
· Aurora Public Library
· Columbia University Library
· The Donald O. Rod Library at the University of Northern Iowa
· Findlay-Hancock Public Library
· City of Philadelphia
· Clemson University - R.M. Cooper Library
· Cleveland-University Heights. Public Library
· Cuyahoga County Public Library
· Fort Worth Public Library
· GMU Fenwick Library at George Mason University.
· Industry Canada Library
· Kalamazoo Public Library
· Kitsap Regional Library
· Marquette University Library
· Milwaukee Public Library
· Rockridge Regional Library
· St. Louis Community College
· St. Louis County Library
· Schaumberg Township District Library
· Skokie Public Library
· The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
· Tuck/Thayer Library The University of Hawaii Library
· Baker Library, Dartmouth College
· Alexandria Library
· Aurora Public Library
· Columbia University Library
· The Donald O. Rod Library at the University of Northern Iowa
· Findlay-Hancock Public Library
· City of Philadelphia
· Clemson University - R.M. Cooper Library
· Cleveland-University Heights. Public Library
· Cuyahoga County Public Library
· Fort Worth Public Library
· GMU Fenwick Library at George Mason University.
· Industry Canada Library
· Kalamazoo Public Library
· Kitsap Regional Library
· Marquette University Library
· Milwaukee Public Library
· Rockridge Regional Library
· St. Louis Community College
· St. Louis County Library
· Schaumberg Township District Library
· Skokie Public Library
· The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
· Tuck/Thayer Library The University of Hawaii Library
INDEX
AAA server A server that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting security services. Standards for such servers include RADIUS and TACACS+. (See authentication and authorization in the hard copy dictionary.)
above the fold The top portion of a Web page which can be seen without scrolling. The term is adopted from newspapers where it refers to the top half of the front page.
acceptable use policy A policy established for a computing resource (e.g. a Web site) that describes how users may access and use the facility. Among other issues, an acceptable use policy typically addresses who may use the resource, the purposes for which the resource may be used, how much of the resource (memory, computing capacity) may be used, copying and publication of content, security requirements, and privacy requirements.
access profile The information maintained by an AAA server for each user. It includes information needed for authentication and accounting. It also specifies the user's access privileges for authorization by the AAA server. (See authentication and authorization in the hard copy dictionary.)
access URL A URL used by a payment switch (which see) to enable delivery of a purchased product. The access URL contains the name of the server which can provide the product, the identification of the product, an identification of the buyer (e.g. the buyer's IP address), an expiration date for the access URL, and a digital signature for the access URL.
active attack An attempt to break security by altering information. An active attack may or may not require decrypting the information attacked. See passive attack and replay attack.
ad See advertisement.
ad auction A service that allows Web publishers to sell previously unsold ad space at the last minute for whatever the market will bear. Advertisers are able to buy space at exceptionally low cost-per-thousand. See advertisement.
ad inventory All the advertising space available for sale on a given Web site. See advertisement.
ad management service bureau A company that serves Web publishers by delivering advertisements (See ad serving system) on the publisher's Web site and reporting on the ads that were served (See impressions) and how many times user's clicked on them (See click-through rate). Also see third-party ad management.
ad network A company that contracts with a number of Web sites to sell advertising space on the sites. See advertisement and run of network.
ad request The request to an ad server to display an advertisement within a Web page. For many possible reasons the ad may fail to display. See ad serving system.
ad serving system A system which inserts ads (usually banners) into Web pages when the pages are accessed by a user. The Web page and the ad may be served (i.e. delivered) by entirely different companies using geographically separated servers. The system requires that the designated Web pages have links embedded in them that correspond to certain sizes of ads and to certain categories of products or services. Often the company delivering the Web page receives compensation for attracting users who view the advertising but has little or no control or interest in the specific advertising messages delivered. Often the company operating the ad serving system is not advertising any of its own products or services but is acting as a middleman between the advertiser and the company that supplies the Web pages. See impression. See link in the hard copy dictionary.
ADC Automatic Data Capture. The general capability of gathering status, location, and identifying information without human intervention. ADC reduces the need for manually keying in data and the risk of inaccuracies. Technologies used in ADC include bar coding, magnetic stripes, smart cards, machine vision, biometric identification, voice recognition, optical character recognition, and Radio Frequency Identification.
address locator A type of service available from a number of Web sites that provides the addresses and phone numbers of individuals and businesses input by the user.
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A technology for providing high transmissions speeds for video and voice to homes over ordinary copper telephone wire. It will be most cost- effective in areas with low market penetration of "cable" TV. In areas with higher penetration coax is expected to be more cost-effective.
advertisement A message from a company (the advertiser) to potential customers that attempts to influence or reinforce the customers' attitudes and/or behavior toward purchasing the advertiser's products or services, or towards obtaining more information, including further marketing messages, from the advertiser. Advertising is usually not requested by the user but is embedded within information or entertainment that the user has chosen to see or listen to. Traditional media for delivering advertising include newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. On the Internet, advertising is most commonly delivered by E-mail or in the form of banners embedded in Web pages. Advertisers almost always pay the media or content providers for "space" or "placement" within the content that attracts customers.
advertising The planning for, development of, and placement of advertisements. Also, the set of advertisements placed by a merchant in a given campaign.
advertorial An advertisement that appears to be editorial content. In printed media advertorials are generally labeled as advertising but on the Web their purpose is often disguised.
Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce A group set up by the U.S. Congress under the Internet Tax Freedom Act of 1998 to recommend a plan for taxing sales made over the Internet.
AEI Automatic Equipment Identification. The general capability of identifying movable equipment without human intervention. See Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the hard copy dictionary.
affiliate program A marketing program, usually automated, in which a Web merchant recruits other Web sites to place the merchant's banners and buttons on their sites in return for commissions on sales to customers who click on the ads.
affinity card A type of credit card, first marketed in 1985, which ties into a special consumer interest. Affinity cards include product benefit cards which provide bonuses for usage, lifestyle cards which usually contribute a portion of each transaction to a specific charity, and personality cards which feature images on the card associated with a particular celebrity.
AH See IP authentication header.
applet An application written in Java (which see) and inserted in an HTML program.
application-centric EDI An update to traditional electronic data interchange (EDI) that uses secure transmission methods to facilitate the exchange of information between secure applications, typically residing at different companies (e.g. vendor and customer). Deployment of such secured applications over their intranets and Internets is faster, less costly, and more effective than traditional EDI. See electronic data interchange, information security, transmission, application, intranet, and Internet in the hard copy dictionary.
Application Service Provider (ASP) A company that hosts an application and data for one or more customers, providing the hardware, software, infrastructure, and basic maintenance. The provider supports remote access to the application by the customer, usually over the Internet. The provider usually has expertise in the specific application hosted and may provide enhancements to it. Advantages to the customer, versus running the application in-house, include guaranteed performance, a robust data center, in-depth support from a skilled staff, and better economics. See application and Internet in the hard copy dictionary.
ASP See Application Service Provider
audit trail Information on the significant steps in the progress of a transaction which allows an auditor to determine that there are no errors in the reporting of the transaction. In electronic commerce a good audit trail can help resolve programming errors and discrepancies in the how a transaction is recorded by the parties to the transaction.
automated crime The use of a software program to invade a system, commit a crime (e.g. illegal transfer of funds) and erase all traces of the crime, usually within a small fraction of a second.
automated fuel terminal (AFT) Allows purchasers of gasoline to "pay at the pump" with a thermal printer installed at every pump.
above the fold The top portion of a Web page which can be seen without scrolling. The term is adopted from newspapers where it refers to the top half of the front page.
acceptable use policy A policy established for a computing resource (e.g. a Web site) that describes how users may access and use the facility. Among other issues, an acceptable use policy typically addresses who may use the resource, the purposes for which the resource may be used, how much of the resource (memory, computing capacity) may be used, copying and publication of content, security requirements, and privacy requirements.
access profile The information maintained by an AAA server for each user. It includes information needed for authentication and accounting. It also specifies the user's access privileges for authorization by the AAA server. (See authentication and authorization in the hard copy dictionary.)
access URL A URL used by a payment switch (which see) to enable delivery of a purchased product. The access URL contains the name of the server which can provide the product, the identification of the product, an identification of the buyer (e.g. the buyer's IP address), an expiration date for the access URL, and a digital signature for the access URL.
active attack An attempt to break security by altering information. An active attack may or may not require decrypting the information attacked. See passive attack and replay attack.
ad See advertisement.
ad auction A service that allows Web publishers to sell previously unsold ad space at the last minute for whatever the market will bear. Advertisers are able to buy space at exceptionally low cost-per-thousand. See advertisement.
ad inventory All the advertising space available for sale on a given Web site. See advertisement.
ad management service bureau A company that serves Web publishers by delivering advertisements (See ad serving system) on the publisher's Web site and reporting on the ads that were served (See impressions) and how many times user's clicked on them (See click-through rate). Also see third-party ad management.
ad network A company that contracts with a number of Web sites to sell advertising space on the sites. See advertisement and run of network.
ad request The request to an ad server to display an advertisement within a Web page. For many possible reasons the ad may fail to display. See ad serving system.
ad serving system A system which inserts ads (usually banners) into Web pages when the pages are accessed by a user. The Web page and the ad may be served (i.e. delivered) by entirely different companies using geographically separated servers. The system requires that the designated Web pages have links embedded in them that correspond to certain sizes of ads and to certain categories of products or services. Often the company delivering the Web page receives compensation for attracting users who view the advertising but has little or no control or interest in the specific advertising messages delivered. Often the company operating the ad serving system is not advertising any of its own products or services but is acting as a middleman between the advertiser and the company that supplies the Web pages. See impression. See link in the hard copy dictionary.
ADC Automatic Data Capture. The general capability of gathering status, location, and identifying information without human intervention. ADC reduces the need for manually keying in data and the risk of inaccuracies. Technologies used in ADC include bar coding, magnetic stripes, smart cards, machine vision, biometric identification, voice recognition, optical character recognition, and Radio Frequency Identification.
address locator A type of service available from a number of Web sites that provides the addresses and phone numbers of individuals and businesses input by the user.
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A technology for providing high transmissions speeds for video and voice to homes over ordinary copper telephone wire. It will be most cost- effective in areas with low market penetration of "cable" TV. In areas with higher penetration coax is expected to be more cost-effective.
advertisement A message from a company (the advertiser) to potential customers that attempts to influence or reinforce the customers' attitudes and/or behavior toward purchasing the advertiser's products or services, or towards obtaining more information, including further marketing messages, from the advertiser. Advertising is usually not requested by the user but is embedded within information or entertainment that the user has chosen to see or listen to. Traditional media for delivering advertising include newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. On the Internet, advertising is most commonly delivered by E-mail or in the form of banners embedded in Web pages. Advertisers almost always pay the media or content providers for "space" or "placement" within the content that attracts customers.
advertising The planning for, development of, and placement of advertisements. Also, the set of advertisements placed by a merchant in a given campaign.
advertorial An advertisement that appears to be editorial content. In printed media advertorials are generally labeled as advertising but on the Web their purpose is often disguised.
Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce A group set up by the U.S. Congress under the Internet Tax Freedom Act of 1998 to recommend a plan for taxing sales made over the Internet.
AEI Automatic Equipment Identification. The general capability of identifying movable equipment without human intervention. See Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the hard copy dictionary.
affiliate program A marketing program, usually automated, in which a Web merchant recruits other Web sites to place the merchant's banners and buttons on their sites in return for commissions on sales to customers who click on the ads.
affinity card A type of credit card, first marketed in 1985, which ties into a special consumer interest. Affinity cards include product benefit cards which provide bonuses for usage, lifestyle cards which usually contribute a portion of each transaction to a specific charity, and personality cards which feature images on the card associated with a particular celebrity.
AH See IP authentication header.
applet An application written in Java (which see) and inserted in an HTML program.
application-centric EDI An update to traditional electronic data interchange (EDI) that uses secure transmission methods to facilitate the exchange of information between secure applications, typically residing at different companies (e.g. vendor and customer). Deployment of such secured applications over their intranets and Internets is faster, less costly, and more effective than traditional EDI. See electronic data interchange, information security, transmission, application, intranet, and Internet in the hard copy dictionary.
Application Service Provider (ASP) A company that hosts an application and data for one or more customers, providing the hardware, software, infrastructure, and basic maintenance. The provider supports remote access to the application by the customer, usually over the Internet. The provider usually has expertise in the specific application hosted and may provide enhancements to it. Advantages to the customer, versus running the application in-house, include guaranteed performance, a robust data center, in-depth support from a skilled staff, and better economics. See application and Internet in the hard copy dictionary.
ASP See Application Service Provider
audit trail Information on the significant steps in the progress of a transaction which allows an auditor to determine that there are no errors in the reporting of the transaction. In electronic commerce a good audit trail can help resolve programming errors and discrepancies in the how a transaction is recorded by the parties to the transaction.
automated crime The use of a software program to invade a system, commit a crime (e.g. illegal transfer of funds) and erase all traces of the crime, usually within a small fraction of a second.
automated fuel terminal (AFT) Allows purchasers of gasoline to "pay at the pump" with a thermal printer installed at every pump.
INTRODUCTION
Ramesh Dangol is a business consultant with Ramesh & company whose clients include leading high tech companies. His experience includes nine years in telecommunications, seven years in data communications, seven years in consumer marketing, and four years marketing PC's. He holds a graduate degree in business from Stanford University. Mr. Haynes is a member of the Professional and Technical Consultants Association (PATCA) and Smart Valley Inc. Ted can be reached at T_Haynes@ix.netcom.com.
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