Should I upgrade Windows?

J

jackz4000

New Member
I have an old desktop with Windows 98SE which I don't use much anymore. An Emachine 533ir, 192 MB RAM, 15GB HD etc. I now have some simple uses for it using its scanner and printer for some biz stuff. I picked up an ethernet card for it and while I'm at it I thought upgrading to Windows 2000 would help and be inexpensive, especially for finding software Firewall and anti-virus. Not much out there for Windows 98SE that I could find. I have a BEC NAT modem/router and ADSL+2 and I expect to use the internet occasionally with this desktop and at biz sites...no surfing.

Is it better to buy the 2K upgrade or to get the full version?

Or should I stick with Windows 98SE for the limited internet use this unit will see?

Thanks for input, Cheers, JK
 
jackz4000 said:
Or should I stick with Windows 98SE for the limited internet use this unit will see?

Thanks for input, Cheers, JK
Click to expand...

FWIW, Win98SE was the last Windows OS I really liked :) Simple, clean, crisp. If it still suits your needs, I'd say stick with it.
 
Yeah, for what I'd use this desktop for 98SE is fine. I like the simplicity of 98SE. Scan this, print that, check email, Ebay, biz, word proc etc. The only problem I may encounter is no firewall software or anti-virus. I'm feeling kinda vulnurable there.

I'm told my NAT modem/router should keep me safe but...I dunno? Thanks. Appreciate good input, Cheers, JK
 
True about a router. Most have built-in firewalls. If not, there's software out there to help out. McAfee is a great firewall utility.
 
Id go with Windows 2000 if you already have it on disk, or XP Professional, however, XP would struggle to run on 192 Megabytes of RAM.
 
Thanks for the ideas. Checked with my ISP's Tech and my NAT Modem/Router also has a hardware firewall which will work out fine. So I'll stick with 98 for awhile.

Probably when I get a W2000 upgrade disk on the cheap I may upgrade it, no rush, Cheers, JK
 
See if you can find a copy of Windows Me!



.....just kidding. Though I was one of the few people who didn't have any problems with Windows Me.
 
EEK! No no he doesn't need Linux man.
He says he just needs it for a job, what would he do with Linux it requires time to settle on it. I still suggest you to upgrade to 2000 NT.
 
well win2k + all the service packs won't run all that well on that system. I was talking about minimal install OSes that might actually run with some speed on older hardware.

Its not hard to install Linux and use it for office work (open office) and surf the web. In fact, a lot of distros come that exact way right out of the install.

However, you are correct on the learning process. I mean the GUI is similar to windows and you just double click stuff to open it, but there would be some what of a learning curve.
 
Yeah, I had not used this old Emachine in 2 1/2 years (got it in 2000) and then I suddenly had to scan and print a few things and it went right to work. I use my notebook for most things but I'll keep this desktop around for some simple stuff I need to do from time to time. Within a year or so I'll probably replace it.

I'm kinda digitally dumb so I'll forgo the Linux learning curve. And although its got ACIP power management it will probably be much slower with the larger Windows 2000 than 98. Right now with 98 its pretty zippy for an old box. I'll keep it lean with the routers firewall and zero AV.

Thanks again, Cheers, JK
 
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