Windows 98 Companion - Introduction

Windows 98 Companion Introduction

Welcome to the Windows 98 Companion CD from PC Plus. This CD has been written by the PC Plus team to introduce you to all the new features of Microsoft's Windows 98 operating system. In broad terms it covers the entire OS, but assumes that you have some understanding of using Windows 95 - it does not, for example, cover drag and drop, context (right mouse button) menus (as a concept) or tell you how to create Shortcuts! However, where useful, such as in the Accessories guide, we have covered everything that the Operating System now offers, so you will find a brief mention of Paint, for example. In these cases we have concentrated on the new additions, but given mention of the existing ones for the sake of completeness or for the non-Windows 95 users who are considering upgrading.

This CD has been written to be viewed in a browser (more specifically IE3, IE4 or Win98, for technical reasons - see Help), but because not everyone has a browser installed, there is a compiled version available. In order to use this SuperCD, especially if you have not used recent PC Plus SuperCDs, please refer to the Help guide before continuing so that you understand how to open programs, movies and other files that are included.

Windows 98 represents an evolution of the 32-bit Windows 95 operating system. As an introduction we have included a brief history of Windows on this SuperCD, where we also reveal the plans already in hand for future enhancements to Windows 98. The rest of the SuperCD has two elements. The first is the Companion content which is the full tutorial consisting of text, pictures and movies. To make sure you know how to launch and view the movies, read the Help guide. The Help guide also explains what the different icons mean so you will understand the features better.

	Introduction This brief guide to the SuperCD with details of what it contains, the sections of the Companion, and links to all the software on the SuperCD
	Interface This is the guide to the front end of the operating system - the part used for housekeeping tasks, and covers invisible improvements (boot time, application loading) and visible ones as well as the main addition of the local disk and Internet browser (IE4.01).
	Start menu Fairly self explanatory, this section deals with the improvements made to the Start menu and taskbar. Covers the new QuickLinks bars.
	Control Panel Many of the Control Panel items from Windows 95 have been overhauled so even if you are a Windows 95 user, you should still check out this section which deals with all the Control Panel options.
	Accessories The Accessories menu items are the bundled software programs that make up the OS. This section introduces all the new programs, including the System Information and Maintenance Wizard.
	Hardware Since the release of Windows 95, a host of new technology, like DVD and Infrared devices, have arrived. This section gives you an overview of new hardware supported and hardware support that has been updated.
	Tweaking Windows 98 Believe it or not, we're already here to help you get more out of the new OS. There are add-ons and improvements you can use to improve both Windows 95 and Windows 98.
	Help Guide This should be your first port of call. Skip this at your peril. If you have problems using this SuperCD, read this before calling Technical Support!
	PC Plus WWW site Your favourite PC magazine has branched out onto the Web. On-line you'll find extra reviews and over £1,000 of software available for free download. Requires modem, network or other Internet connection.

Full Software

This SuperCD contains a selection of full software that has been included to help you get the most out of your current operating system, and some to help you get more out of the new one. NOTE: Before clicking on any of these links, ensure that you have read the Help Guide that tells you how run or install programs.

	Internet Explorer 4.01 - much of the visual interface enhancement of Windows 95 comes from this full browser suite you can install today on Windows 95/NT4
	Windows 95 PowerToys - this suite of utilities remains as useful for Windows 98 users as it is under Windows 95
	TweakUI for Windows 98 - brand new version of the GUI customisation utility with new features for Windows 98
	FAT 32 Conversion Information - Finds out how much extra space you could have on your drive if you upgraded to Windows 98 and FAT32
	Internet Explorer 4 PowerToys - these tools add features to IE4 both under Windows 95 and Windows 98

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