microsoft windows 98 product code?

[Dan Murphy]

XP, as anything, is a change. But in a short time, I think you will like the improvements.

 

[C.Ann]

C.Ann XP does take more memory to run, and it really depends on just how old yoru computer is, if it will be compatable...but with an older computer, you can go over to a place very near you (if you decide to do that, PM for the directions), and get it very very cheap.
If you get XP, you can set it up to run very much like windows 98. I hardly was able to tell the difference. My old laptop I take on vacation has win 98, and I have no trouble going between them.

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I think I might know the place you're talking about - the same place that I called hoping they would have the printer I wanted.. They didn't, but I snagged it on eBay..

Anyhow - this computer is an IBM - if that tells you anything.. How do I determine how old it is? I got it from someone who takes office computers, does whatever and then sells them.. I think I bought it in 2000, but I'm not sure.. I also see it says "Pentium II" on it..

 

[mtblujeans]

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I am not computer literate at all.. Can XP be installed on older machines or do you need a certain amount ot memory or what? And how is it done? I wanted to keep this computer to take it up to the lake to replace the even older one up there..

If I understand correctly, you also need a hard drive large enough for the larger XP program.

 

[mickman1962]

IMHO, that's an irresponsible stance for a user to take, and one that hackers will count on. As long as there is a possible way to hack it, SOMEONE will do it. Most bugs they find today in XP also are vulnerabilities in Windows 98.

My server logs are not all that big, but I bet a big site could give you good statistics as to how many people are still on Windows 98. Maybe if WebmasterAlex has time.

I beg to differ on this one, do you really think that the Mac OS or any Linux variant is fool proof? Or is it because less than 5% of the worlds population uses them. Hackers go for the largest user base (XP/2000), if you do some research you will also find that most exploits/viruses that affect XP/2000 will do nothing to a 98 install.

 

[salmoneous]

Not sure I want to go posting a product key, but if you do a groups.google.com search on alt.windows98 and "product code" you should find all sorts of stuff.

I loved my old win98 computer and see nothing wrong with continuing to use it if it still works for you. But when you want to move on to WinXP, I think it's better to just buy a brand new machine given the cost of upgrading vs the dirt cheap prices you can get these days.

 

[jfulcer]

I beg to differ on this one, do you really think that the Mac OS or any Linux variant is fool proof? Or is it because less than 5% of the worlds population uses them. Hackers go for the largest user base (XP/2000), if you do some research you will also find that most exploits/viruses that affect XP/2000 will do nothing to a 98 install.

I didn't say anything about Mac or Linux. They have their flaws too.

Let's talk about Windows 98 exploits:
Jan 2006 - 3 Critical Advisories, 2 affect Windows 98 (the other is for Outlook)

Dec 2005 - 1 Critical Advisories - affects Windows 98

Oct 2005 - 3 Critical Advisories - 2 affects Windows 98

Aug 2005 - 3 Critical Advisories - 1 affects Windows 98

Should I continue? Windows 98 IS EXPLOITABLE. It will continue to be so, even after Microsoft discontinues patches. As of Jan 2006, Approx 9% of computers still run Windows 98. Just think - when Microsoft stops doing patches, hackers will be able to count on those flaws being unpatched on quite a few machines.

Don't let yours be one of them. Choke down the cash and just buy a new OS. And to think if you spend a little more, you can get a whole new PC.

I'm actually buying a new Dell tomorrow as a home machine for my kids. Basic low end PC for $327 including LCD monitor. It almost doesn't even pay to buy the new OS, just get the new computer....

 

[Charade]

Choke down the cash and just buy a new OS. And to think if you spend a little more, you can get a whole new PC.

I'm actually buying a new Dell tomorrow as a home machine for my kids. Basic low end PC for $327 including LCD monitor. It almost doesn't even pay to buy the new OS, just get the new computer....

I agree. Why spend $180 (retail) for an XP Pro upgrade when you can spend about $160 more and get a whole new computer.

 

[mtblujeans]

For me, it's not the $$$, I just don't like XP....and I am stubborn about it!

 

[Imzadi]

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I am not computer literate at all.. Can XP be installed on older machines or do you need a certain amount ot memory or what? And how is it done? I wanted to keep this computer to take it up to the lake to replace the even older one up there..

NO. You cannot simply "just" upgrade as a lot of people here are telling the OP to do. Win XP requires not only a certain amount of hard drive memory, RAM, but it requires the right processor & in some cases the right internal HARDWARE in order to operate XP AT ALL.

If you read the Amazon reviews for XP, MOST of the complaints is that XP simply won't work if you are missing some of the newer hardware. It is NOT backwards compatible for some hardware. It runs a system check, then you get a message to BUY/INSTALL the newer internal hardware before it will operate. (All this AFTER you reformatted your computer to XP, then have to reformat back to what you were using before or spend the money for the new hardware.)

Well, sheesh! If you are going to have to buy new hardware just to run XP, you might as well buy a whole new computer.

I have Win ME. I would have loved to upgrade to XP so I could have bought a newer model MP3 player and download tunes from ITunes (which only works with XP.) Instead, I had to search around & buy an MP3 player that has all the features I want & will work with Win ME. Until I can afford to buy a new computer (with a 17" monitor, ) it is ridiculous to add new expensive hardware for a machine that otherwise isn't worth pouring money into, just for the upgrade. It's like buying fancy new hubcaps for a '68 Pinto. My computer, otherwise, does everything else I need it to do right now with Win ME.

 

[jfulcer]

NO. You cannot simply "just" upgrade as a lot of people here are telling the OP to do. Win XP requires not only a certain amount of hard drive memory, RAM, but it requires the right processor & in some cases the right internal HARDWARE in order to operate XP AT ALL.

Yes, I agree - it will not run on all 'old hardware'.

Well, sheesh! If you are going to have to buy new hardware just to run XP, you might as well buy a whole new computer.

The current base model Dimension Desktop, Windows XP Home included, is on sale now for $$299. There is almost no reason not to upgrade... Especially since:

My computer, otherwise, does everything else I need it to do right now with Win ME.

Windows ME is being discontinued for updates also.

 

[Imzadi]

The current base model Dimension Desktop, Windows XP Home included, is on sale now for $$299.

Ah, I should have mentioned, I'm interested in a laptop only with a large screen (17" ?) for these terribly nearsighted eyes. I need to see things LARGE! Feel free to PM me if you happen across a good deal.

Windows ME is being discontinued for updates also.

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

 

[mtblujeans]

I like looking up the babies' nose, Jeff!