Microsoft has confirmed it will ship an upgrade to Windows 98 early next year -- over six months after the OS was originally released.

Since that time, Windows 98 users have consistently slammed the product for a wide range of bugs and problems. Some vendors have even offered the OS alongside its predecessor, allowing users to try Windows 98 without sacrificing Windows 95.

According to Microsoft, the update will fix some key Windows 98 glitches, including problems encountered upgraded existing installations of Windows 95 and power management troubles on notebooks.

The service pack will also add support for modular device bays, increased support for USB modems, Wake on LAN functionality, ATM-based dial-up connectivity and will bundle recent security updates to free applications like Outlook Express.