AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – U.S. software maker Microsoft said on Tuesday it would continue to offer support to customers who still own versions of its Windows 98 operating system, in a move aimed to soothe developing countries.
Extended Support for Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE had been scheduled to come to an end on Friday, January 16, while Windows Me support had been scheduled to end December 31, 2004.
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Microsoft has come under pressure in recent years, particularly by authorities in developing countries, for its attempts to push customers into buying or subscribing to newer, expensive Windows and Office software versions.
Many countries have started to buy computers that run on the freely available Linux system, while others hang onto older Windows versions that have been paid for and still do the job.
Microsoft has responded in a variety of ways, such as cutting prices for groups of big customers and opening up some of the source code to address security concerns.
Hmm, uptake of 2000, ME, XP, et al not as robust as hoped?