/ Antivirus Software for Windows 98

Antivirus Software for Windows 98

I use Windows 98. What good antivirus is still available for this operating system? Celeste Stewart

Windows 98 Lifecycle

Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 98 in mid-2006 as the product had reached the end of its lifecycle. Likewise, many software providers also stopped supporting this older operating system. For example, Avira, the maker of the free AntiVir program, provides innovative antivirus solutions and continuously develops its products. In doing so, Avira has opted to put an end to obsolete practices. In other words, no more support for Windows 98. You’ll find that this is the case with most of the major antivirus developers out there.

ClamWin

Very few antivirus products are available for Windows 98. One of the few is an open source antivirus product known as ClamWin. Because it is open source, it is free. The downside to using ClamWin as opposed to some of the higher rated antivirus programs is that it does not provide real time protection. However, since the higher rated antivirus programs are not compatible for your computer, you’ll have to take what you can get. If you use ClamWin, make sure to set it up for frequent virus updates and regular systems scans.

Old Versions of Antivirus Products

Another option is to go to OldVersion.com and download an older version of antivirus protection from a vendor such as Norton. For example, Norton Antivirus 2003 supports Windows 98. Norton provides updated virus definitions for its 2005 and older products on a weekly basis, so the protection isn’t nearly as good as the more modern products. Try Norton 2006 first and see if it works on your computer. If so, update it with the latest antivirus definitions and set it up for regular updates and scans. If not, install Norton Antivirus 2004 or 2003 which do support Windows 98.

The Windows 98 operating system is over ten years old and no longer supported by Microsoft or any of the major antivirus vendors. ClamWin and an older version of Norton or a similar product may be your best bets in securing your computer from viruses, and even then, the protection won’t be as comprehensive as it ought to be.