Computer Questions: XP vs. 98SE

Self | 06/27/06 | 50sDad

[Space Wrangler]

I'd go with Linux before I went with 98. Some of the newest distros are almost as easy as XP to set up. I have had pretty good luck with Gentoo.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

jeeze i think i will try that kubuntu...looks way better then i expected...

Both kubuntu and ubuntu (only difference is one uses KDE and the other uses the GNOME desktop manager) are both real nice operating systems that support all kinds of architectures. If you go with a ubuntu based system, I recommend running Automatix to get everything 'tweaked' up front. A big issue is installing codecs for media. Since you own a copy of Win98, you've payed the licensing fee already. Good luck.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

jeeze i think i will try that kubuntu...looks way better then i expected...

In case you didn't see it, they will send you a Kubuntu CD for free, in case you don't have access to broadband to download the ISO image.

[50sDad]

Considering that this would be another system for me, that is, not replacing the old one right away, I think I may try XP. (I can still use the main one for day-to-day, and set this up as a stand alone until I get the hang of the new OS.)

Do I understand that my OS will be calling Bill Gates and reporting what software I own? Can this be turned off?

I'm really only considering the jump to XP because I inherited a complete system for free that is supposedly crashed on a bad MB. (Hot vidcard, soundcard, memory, 450W power supply, DVDr and CDROMr are all supposed to be good. We'll see...)

[RightFighter]

ME is the WORST operating system Microsoft ever created. What a buggy piece of crap! Every computer professional I know that tried ME ended up going back to 98SE and couldn't wait for XP to come along. XP Pro is great - the Home version is junk.

[ShadowAce]

ME is the WORST operating system Microsoft ever created.

Even MS sales reps called it the "Mistake Edition."

[Chuck54]

I agree. I had rapidly read the post and had Windows ME on the brain.

98SE was a non issue and I mis-posted my dislike. I also ran 98SE before my XP and liked it. I was brain-fried witth ME and have never gotten over it.:-)

[arthurus]

I have tried to install Kubuntu but could never get it to run my video. I just get a scrambled screen.

[SERE_DOC]

If you want a system that will shame anything that Microsoft puts out by a Mac from Apple, Powerbook, Macbook, mini, Imac with the MacBook you can run MS apps or get VirtualPC and load that on your mac to run MS apps, (use Windows2000 as the OS).

I used Windows for 15+ years and all the pain associated with a substandard OS.I now have 3 Macs and find that the OSX is superior without the associated junk that comes with Windows.

It is worth the effort and cost in the long run.

Sere_Doc out

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

Not only Microsoft is not providing support for WIN98SE (also WIN98, WINMe), they will pull the plug on downloading fixes, security updates via WINDOWS Updates.

I understand the cutoff date for WINDOWS Update for WIN89 series is June 30, 2006.

[TChris]

Do I understand that my OS will be calling Bill Gates and reporting what software I own? Can this be turned off?

It can only be disabled by wearing your tin-foil hat when you use it. ;-)

No, XP doesn't "phone home" to tell Redmond what you're running. It does have an "activation" requirement, which is a form of registration, but that doesn't tell them anything about your programs either. All it does is keep you from installing the same copy of XP on multiple machines.

When you first install XP, you either have to activate it over an internet connection or by calling a toll-free number to get an activation code that you type in. Either way, they don't have to know anything about you except the machine-generated code that identifies your specific computer.

[astrodude]

I'd strongly suggest that you use WinXP over 98SE. While 98SE was solid for me, and I still have it on one of my older laptops, I've been running XP on all my newer h/w and would never look back.

If you can't get an oem version of XP from your dealer you can get XP Home SP2 Upgrade from Office Depot until July 1st for only $40 if you don't mind waiting on a mail in rebate of $60.

[FReepaholic]

...So you're saying to go with 98. ...

LOL!

[goldstategop]

Stick with XP or put Linux on it. You want a stable OS that you don't have to reboot every day.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[Fire_on_High]

Eh, I'm no pro by any means...but 3 of the 4 machines in our house are running ME and thus far it's been very stable. It's not for everyone, or every puter, but I like it.

[RSmithOpt]

I agree with your LOL! CChris's comment reminded of the Left and its politicians, LMS (Lame Steam Media) anchors, 'experts', etc. responses when they hear/see something (usually fact and truth) they don't like. Almost like ones involuntary reflex to blink or gag in certain situations.

[arthurus]

I would not consider buying a MSFT product ntil it has been out for at least a year and sone of the major bugs are fixed or at least known.

[DesScorp]

I strongly recommend XP if you want Windows. An upgrade version of XP is under $100 dollars, and you can get OEM versions of XP Home on Ebay for under $70, compeletly legal and legit.

[Mr170IQ]

Check out the Dell outlet at

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

You can usually find deals like

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=DDA55THA&~lt=popup&c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22

Which is a 512MB/80GB/2.53GHz Cel D with XP Home and Wordperfect - for $219

Unless your other system is free and your budget is near zero, a refurb Dell is a better bet than building it yourself.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I have tried to install Kubuntu but could never get it to run my video. I just get a scrambled screen.

This might help, if it describes your problem. If not, tell me what happens when you boot up.