The operating system has been going for 8 years now, and Microsoft is encouraging anyone still running it to switch to Windows XP! Of course, if your machine isn't quite fast enough for XP, you're a bit stuck.

The switch-off means no more telephone support, and no security fixes - meaning that the internet is about to become a very dangerous place for Windows 98 users. With no updates for the numerous security issues and viruses that arrive each week, a box is sure to be hosed before long.

The switch-off was originally due to happen in 2003, but Microsoft delayed it because a number of developing countries are still using Windows 98.