Sick of Win98, but what to upgrade to?

[mricks86]

I am finally fed up with Win98 and I would like to upgrade to a newer (better) version of Windows, but I have no clue which is the "best" one. I use my computer for home and small business use but basically I want to stay in the Windows family with the most stable version available. I don't need a lot of frills, just something that WORKS consistently. Any suggestions on which one everybody out there likes would be appreciated. I know that's a loaded question, but I don't know which way to turn, and I just need a little help. Thanks in advance!

 

[SyahM]

definitely XP Pro ... or you can try Linux

 

[Mitzi]

Simple - go for Windows XP Home edition.

 

[TomBilliodeaux]

Recently needed to use W98 to read a cdrw disc that no other systems would read. Glad I had that opportunity to remind me why I disliked W98 so much.

I then installed XP Pro on another system and in 45minutes, everything was done. Without having to reboot (XP does that for you once). All my drivers were installed, Cable internet was connected and working, and I did not have to do anything expept answer a few questions during the install.
Istalled a LAN connection, used the setup disk to configure the client, and that was done.

Easiest Windows system ever.

I am not saying your system will be so easy, but for me, this is what I will be using for a while.
(concerning the cdrw disc that only 98 would read, the abCD Sony software wrote the data and only W98 works with this softw. and for some reason, W2k and W xp would not read that disc).

 

[bacillus]

before embarking on the XP boat, best to check all your hardware & software for XP compatibility!

 

[mricks86]

How about 2000? Is XP that much better? I don't mean to sound ignorant (but on this subject I am) but will I have to worry about compatibility problems with either of them or is 2000 more likely to be a closer match to 98?

Thanks for the input so far, any further advice would be appreciated.

 

[Athlon4all]

XP Home. Or if you are scared of it, then take 2000, but there's absoluting nothing serious bad with XP Home. The best OS avialable IMO. As for compatibility, XP is definately better than 2000. It's not significantly better, but XP does 2 things with app compatibility:

1. Future applications will be written directly for it unlike all the apps we try to run on 2000.
2. Compatibility mode, and general improvements in compatibilty let XP be more compatibile with todays apps.

Actually, Windows XP is really Windows 2000 2nd Edition. XP did get a nice boost in ease of use, GUI, and APp compatibility but I think you need to understand that they are both built on the WIndows Engine (ie NT Kernel) and both are very close in app compatibility, but XP definately has the edge, and will get a bigger edge over time. I would not be too worried with compatibility hardware wise, but I would check out app compatiblity if you use older apps just to make sure, but it should be fine. Let me put it this way, Microsoft wouldn't have been able to release Windows XP unless it would work with the majority of new software. (sorry for rambling on).

 

[TheMagician]

Just dual boot all the OS's you're interested in and see which one you like best

 

[ojai00]

May I suggest Windows ME? Yea right!!!



<< How about 2000? Is XP that much better? I don't mean to sound ignorant (but on this subject I am) but will I have to worry about compatibility problems with either of them or is 2000 more likely to be a closer match to 98? >>



Windows 2000 is a very stable OS, but since XP is out right now, you might as well get it. 2000 will allow you to use older hardware, while some older hardware will not work in XP. Just check to see if your hardware has XP compatible drivers, or if XP supports your hardware. Hope this helps.