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Computer Questions: XP vs. 98SE
Self | 06/27/06 | 50sDad

Posted on 06/28/2006 6:21:19 AM PDT by 50sDad

I am looking at buying, at long last, a better computer. I have the opportunity to buy a bundled WCS 761GX-M754 motherboard and AMD Athlon XP-M processor with 512K of PC-3200 memory. Problem is, my past expertise tops out at the Celron 333, PC-100 memory level, and the system comes without operating system. Can some wizard here tell me if I can install an oldstyle Win98SE installation on this, or will I have to drag my sorry caveman arse into the 21st Century and actually buy XP?

What kind of performance sacrifice would I make if I COULD put 98 on it? Would the onboard motherboard hardware (video, audio, network) demand XP drivers and gag trying to run 98?

Thanks in advance. I always get the best advice in here.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: computer; question
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To: ConservativeChris
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.
41 posted on 06/28/2006 6:57:31 AM PDT by Space Wrangler
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To: Irishguy; 50sDad
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.
42 posted on 06/28/2006 6:59:45 AM PDT by dyed_in_the_wool ("O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends" - Koran 5.51)
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To: Irishguy
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.

43 posted on 06/28/2006 7:01:17 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum (Islam Factoid:After forcing young girls to watch his men execute their fathers, Muhammad raped them.)
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To: TChris
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...)

44 posted on 06/28/2006 7:01:31 AM PDT by 50sDad (ST3d: Real Star Trek 3d Chess: http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~abartmes/tactical.htm)
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To: Fire_on_High

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.


45 posted on 06/28/2006 7:02:46 AM PDT by RightFighter
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To: RightFighter
ME is the WORST operating system Microsoft ever created.

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

46 posted on 06/28/2006 7:04:57 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: Wonder Warthog; 50sDad
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.:-)

47 posted on 06/28/2006 7:06:06 AM PDT by Chuck54
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

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


48 posted on 06/28/2006 7:06:19 AM PDT by arthurus (It was better to fight them OVER THERE than here.)
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To: 50sDad
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

49 posted on 06/28/2006 7:06:40 AM PDT by SERE_DOC ("9 out of the 10 voices in my head told me to go home & clean my weapons!")
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To: 50sDad
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.

50 posted on 06/28/2006 7:09:05 AM PDT by Sen Jack S. Fogbound
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To: 50sDad
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.

51 posted on 06/28/2006 7:09:25 AM PDT by TChris ("Wake up, America. This is serious." - Ben Stein)
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To: 50sDad
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.

52 posted on 06/28/2006 7:11:01 AM PDT by astrodude
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To: ConservativeChris
...So you're saying to go with 98. ...

LOL!

53 posted on 06/28/2006 7:12:36 AM PDT by FReepaholic (Why aren't lawyers ever accused of price gouging?)
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To: 50sDad
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.")

54 posted on 06/28/2006 7:13:36 AM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives On In My Heart Forever)
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To: RightFighter

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.


55 posted on 06/28/2006 7:16:06 AM PDT by Fire_on_High (I am so proud of what we were...)
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To: FReepaholic
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.
56 posted on 06/28/2006 7:17:40 AM PDT by RSmithOpt (Liberalism: Highway to Hell)
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To: Jaxter

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.


57 posted on 06/28/2006 7:19:06 AM PDT by arthurus (It was better to fight them OVER THERE than here.)
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To: 50sDad

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.


58 posted on 06/28/2006 7:21:03 AM PDT by DesScorp
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To: 50sDad

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.


59 posted on 06/28/2006 7:21:55 AM PDT by Mr170IQ
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To: arthurus
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.

60 posted on 06/28/2006 7:23:15 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum (Islam Factoid:After forcing young girls to watch his men execute their fathers, Muhammad raped them.)
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