Does Windows 98 run faster than Windows 95 on 486?


There are still quite a number of 486 systems using in the campus. This test is to see whether Windows 98 can bring any advantage to these systems.

Result of some brief tests are listed below:

 

Win95 on 486DX-33 16MB Ram

Win 98 486DX2-66 16MB Ram Win98 486DX2-66 32MB Ram
Boot up Time (to logon screen 40-50 sec ~50 sec ~50 sec
Time Lap from logon to Office tool bar loaded ~ 25 sec ~45 sec ~45 sec
Time to start Word 95 10~25 sec ~24 sec ~24 sec
Time to start Excel 95 ~10 sec ~10 sec ~10 sec
Time to start Netscape Communicator 4.04 40~50 sec ~50 sec ~50 sec
Time to start Netscape Messenger (IMAP) ~36 sec ~46 sec ~46 sec

Observation:

  • The performance of Windows 98 in running office tools and internet applications under 486DX2-66 PC is even poorer than that of Windows 95 under slower 486DX-33 PC.

Conclusion:

  • With only minor feature enhancement and significant system degradation, upgrade from Windows 95 to Windows 98 seems doesn't pay off on 486 system.

 

Article number:Q98S006