After a quick Google (
search not unlike this) I found
this page stating:
DirectX 8.1 was released November 8 by Microsoft. This update is designed ONLY for Win98/Me! It will NOT run on Win95. WinXP includes DirectX 8.1, so those users don't need it.
Microsoft calls it an "an update to the multimedia system services for Windows." The company adds that it "delivers fast performance for DirectX-enabled games and other rich media software and also provides support for the latest generation of 3-D graphics acceleration hardware." Click for more information.
Its installation process requires approximately 55 MB of free space. If you had an earlier version of DirectX installed on your computer, you will see little difference in used space on your hard drive. DirectX 8.1 will overwrite the earlier versions. DirectX 8.1 runtime cannot be removed (uninstalled). The installation process changes core components and makes numerous registry changes within your operating system.
next time I'll have to charge
[ April 22, 2002: Message edited by: David O'Meara ]