Later versions add many improvements, including support for force feedback controllers, multi-monitor support (in Windows 98) and better MMX support.

This latest version of DirectX offers updated graphics, faster frame rates, and support for massively multiplayer games. It also offers more immersive audio when running and displaying programs rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation, and surround sound.

Update Notice: Users of video capture devices should install the Video capture update after installing the DirectX 8.0 or 8.0a runtime files. Affected video capture devices include:

• TV tuner and video capture cards/peripherals (AGP, PCI, USB, or IEEE 1394)
• Digital Video (DV) devices connected to OHCI-compliant IEEE 1394 ports, also called called FireWire or i-link

Products known to benefit from the update:

• ATI All-In-Wonder, VIVO, or TV tuner cards using MMC 7.1 or higher
• All OHCI-compliant IEEE 1394 interfaces
• Adobe Premiere 6.0
• Ulead VideoStudio 5.0

The Video Capture Update for DirectX 8.0 installation process requires approximately 2.5 megabytes (MB) of free space on your hard drive. After installation, the DirectX download takes approximately 1 MB of hard drive space.

Important Notice: After installation, the Video Capture Update for DirectX 8.0 run time cannot be uninstalled. The installation process changes system components and makes registry changes within your operating system. Microsoft does not support uninstallation.

For Windows 95 Users:

Users of Windows 95 should continue using DirectX 8.0a. DirectX 8.0a supports the majority of games which run effectively on Windows 95. Applications designed for DirectX 8.1 take advantage of advanced features in computers running more recent versions of Windows, including Windows 98 and later versions.

Note: The NT download is for version 6.0.