Sunday, March 21, 2010

Crap Operating System Alert!

It's looking possible that I may be able to release a version of DirectQ 1.8.2 that will run on Windows 98.

Now, to call Windows 98 an operating system is much the same as calling the Wright brothers plane an F16. Sure enough Windows 98 will run applications and browse the web, just as the Wright brothers will get you into the air. Some of the bits are even similar, but the comparison ends there. Windows 98 in other words is not really suitable for general modern OS use.

So this is by way of saying that even if such a version does materialise, it might not run on your Windows 98 box. Firstly there are going to be a whole heap of prerequisites; including the Visual C++ 2003 runtimes, GDI+, a 2005 version of Direct3D and so forth. Without those DirectQ just cannot run. I know it sucks mightily, but these components are actually quite important for DirectQ.

Even if you cut the mustard on software, you will still need the hardware. DirectQ is somewhat more GPU and CPU intensive than GLQuake (although it does use less memory). At a bare minimum a Direct3D 7 class device is an absolute requirement, and I honestly have no idea if even that will be enough - it's a theoretical minimum imposed by the code. This means something like a GeForce 3 will get you entry-level performance, and you'll need to go to a GeForce FX or GeForce 6 class device for the full D3D9 effect.

So if your hypothetical Windows 98 box can meet those requirements then I guess you might be able to run it inbetween the BSODs, rampant page file access, Active Desktop updates, reboots every time you so much as look at it sideways, and constant virus attacks.

4 comments:

Coranth said...

"So if your hypothetical Windows 98 box can meet those requirements then I guess you might be able to run it in between the BSODs, rampant page file access, Active Desktop updates, reboots every time you so much as look at it sideways, and constant virus attacks."

1. "BSODs" - can be caused by any number of software or hardware problems. Use the address/number it throws at you to diagnose the problem.

2. "Rampant Pagefile Access" - DO NOT LET WIN98 MANAGE THE PAGEFILE. Set it to a minimum and maximum size of, say, 512MB or something.

3. "Active Desktop Updates" - use IERadicator to wipe out Internet Explorer, ASAP.

4. "Reboots every times you look at it sideways" - usually happens when you update drivers, or software; it ASKS you to reboot. If it's rebooting on its own, then you have a serious problem and it's not the O/S.

5. "Constant Virus Attacks" - come on, this is a no-brainer; get any and all patches via Windows Update if they still exist, and for god's sake, get yourself a decent Anti-Virus Program!

DrLabman said...

People are still using 98?

I take it this feature is for the technical challenge of getting a version working rather than anyone actually wanting win98/directx7 support...

mhquake said...

@Labman - nail on the head.

@Coranth - of course I exaggerate. ;)

xaGe said...

..That's HAS to be the case I would imagine. Win98?! seriously? I would sooner want to run it from wine in linux then that option.