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Understanding How Windows 98
Runs Applications


Windows applications fall into one of two general categories: 32-bit applications (designed for Windows NT, Windows 95, and Windows 98) and 16-bit applications (designed for Windows 3.x and lower versions).

Support for 32-bit Windows Applications

Many of the benefits of using Windows 98 result from its support for 32-bit applications The following list outlines the benefits of Windows 98:

Support for MS-DOS and 16-bit Windows Applications

Windows 98 can run applications designed specifically for Windows 95 and Windows 98, as well as most older 16-bit Windows 3.xapplications, and DOS-based applications. Windows 98 does not require the traditional CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and INI files for configuration information. However, for backward-compatibility, Windows 98 can use settings from INI files and can maintain its own versions of CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT in order to support loading real-mode device drivers.

Caution
Beware of software that claims to be "Windows compatible" and that displays a logo to this effect. Be sure your applications have the genuine "Designed for Windows NT and Windows 98" logo.