On Sunday I upgraded my operating system from Windows 98 (Second Edition) to Windows XP (Home Edition).  Did it all myself with no help (if I can, anybody can).  Extremely easy conversion (about 2 hours), no hassles, and a pretty inexpensive fix for your lockup problem ($99 at Best Buys).  As a helper I'd recommend also buying Ed Bott's orange and green book titled Faster Smarter Microsoft Woindows XP.

 

What You Need:  You need a Pentium III processor with at least 300 MHz clock speed, 64MB RAM Memory (128 recommended), minimum of 1.5GB Hard Drive space (although 20GB will make it hum), CD ROM or DVD Drive and operating on Windows 98 or 98 SE.  If you have or can, go to Best Buys, buy more RAM and install it as XP will work that much faster with it. I already had 256MB of RAM and a 27GB Hard Drive.  If you want all the bells and whistles to function you'll need pretty good video and sound cards too.  Check out the Microsoft packaging.

 

Why do it?:  The main issue is reliability; I'll list other advantages below under "Conveniences."  BigDaddy is absolutely right about Windows 98 being a terrible system.  There's an issue concerning the inefficient use of memory with 98 which causes the lockup, which is why I had to continually perform maintenance (a bandaid at best).  Of course, Microsoft will never come out and admit this, but in their own XP literature touts "a new level of reliability" and "virtually eliminates system problems" etc, their way of saying "98 sucks, sorry 'bout that."  No longer will you have to be as concerned about programs "running in the background" that lock up your computer.

 

How Much Time Does It Take?:  About two hours!  Extremely easy-to-understand instructions.

 

Compatability Issues: Common compatability issues are Digital Cameras and Scanners.  Your Printer should work fine, my 3-year old printer did (HP Deskjet 895 Cse).  I've got an HP C200 Digital Camera and HP 6300 Scanner, both of which were not "recognized" by Windows XP.  When I called HP they were right on top of it and said this is extremely common and for $9.95 each are mailing out a new Windows XP installation CD which will address this issue.

 

What About My Old Files and Computer Settings?:  Windows XP installation CD already has it handled.  Every file and computer setting transfers over automatically, I mean right down to the stinkin' clock setting!  I did not lose one file.  Even my internet Chat Room settings.. to this site, for example... all there.  Now, this is the really cool part about this.  Once you move everything over to the new operating system, Windows XP has a "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard."  In the future, and when the time comes, you're eventually going to want to buy a brand new computer. Transfer Wizard will then automatically enable transfering all your files and computer settings exactly as they are to the next computer automatically.  No copying, inserting, downloading etc.  Completely automatic.

 

Conveniences:  Aside from reliability, this thing is so easy to use it puts the fun back into playing with Windows!  I can now "see" my computer better.  It's far more organized and easier to work with... much less intimidating when working with settings or controls.  The explanations are clearer and easier, less "techie" and more user-friendly.  In addition:

 

I hope this helps you Nutmeg and anybody else interested in fixing the old, lock-up reliability problem associated with Windows 98 and Windows 98 (Second Edition).