Some newer routers won't work with Win 98SE, right?

[dderolph]

I need to replace by wired router - over 3 1/2 years old - due to hardware failure. I see some newer router specs calling for Win 2000 SP4 or Win XP SP2. I'm finding it hard to believe that I would no longer be able to network my main computer (Win XP) with an older system running Win 98SE. Do those system requirements mean that all computers connected to the router must have Win 2000 SP4 or Win XP SP2, or just the computer that's used to logon to the router for adminstrative purposes?

With my old router, there was no software to install. Simply logon to the router via web browser. So, the way I see it, the router couldn't care less what OS the computer is running. Can somebody enlighten me on this? If, indeed, all computers on the router must meet the OS requirments stated above, what's the underlying factor(s) here? Does it have something to do with the Winsock in older versions of Windows vs. newer versions, or what?

 

[JackMDS]

There is No reason that it would Not work with any version of Windows, since all of them use standard Ethernet.

The notion of SP2 is probably related to the software that comes with the Router?s CD.

Since it is ?Much Much? better idea to spend the few minutes of learning how to configure the Router manually, I think it is a moot issue.

:sun:

 

[BornStar]

The requirement is for the software they want you to install to configure the router with. I'm not aware of any SOHO routers that require the use of that software as they all seem to support web based configuration as well.

You can have both a Windows XP and a Windows 98 machine behind the same router. The router doesn't care what's behind it as long as it gets passed acceptable information. The basic idea here is I wouldn't worry about any router "system requirements".

 

[dderolph]

thanks, JackMDS and BornStar18. That alleviates my concern about buying a certain router. I had called D-Link and talked to a Product & Sales rep and had a little meeting with incompetence, if you know what I mean. Figured I'd better go to a forum for more helpful info. thanks again.

 

[Goosemaster]

issues should only arrise when using VPN and/or wireless.