Microsoft sweetens deal for Win98 SE buyers

Microsoft Corporation is offering a free Play Pack CD with retail purchases of Windows 98 Second Edition, in a bid to raise sales figures for the upcoming holiday season. In a press release issued this week, the company announced that the CD bundle, which will included in all retail editions of Windows 98 SE, is the "software equivalent of a home entertainment center." Bundled on the CD is digital music by some of today's hottest stars, 12 new 3D games, and a month of free Internet access from MSN.

"If you're thinking of updating your current PC with Windows 98 Second Edition, the Play Pack is like rewarding yourself with a digital entertainment CD at the same time," said Shawn Sanford, group product manager of the Consumer Windows Division. "And if you're thinking of buying the software as a holiday gift for someone else, it's like giving two gifts for the price of one."

The Play Pack features CD quality music in Windows Media format by Sara McLachlan, David Bowie, the Eurythmics, Brooks and Dunne, and other artists