If it comes as a surprise to anyone, it shouldn't. Microsoft is now discontinuing its support for Windows 98 and Windows ME. According to their Web site, "June 30, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me as part of the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support, including security updates, by this date."

The Redmond software company will however continue providing documented support for its customers for at least a year. "Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to, Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need self-service."

Since the products themselves are a bit old and outdated, Microsoft wants to end the support because they can pose a security risk to their customers, but this is another chance to force some users to upgrade to their next version of Windows Vista. If not Vista, then they do hope that customers at least upgrade to Windows XP. "Customers who upgrade to Windows XP report improved security, richer functionality, and increased productivity."

Users have been prepared for some time now to consider their options; to upgrade completely to Vista when it comes out, or to do a medium-hefty sized upload to XP. The choice is a tricky one to make since people have to take in consideration the problems most new Operating Systems will have. There are typically a lot of fixes and bugs with new operating systems no matter now many times it was tested pre-release. The advantage to directly going to Windows XP (and upgrading down the line) is that users will have themselves a worthwhile upgrade, a system that works and that gets support and something that's been on the market for some time, so there's plenty of information to research about. Also, get some more information on Tuesday's Patch Release. More support information (or the lack of it) here.