What are key differences between Win98 and 98SE?

[Rhin0]

hello,

I am using Windows 98 on three computers. It is actually all I use at this point in time. I am wondering what the key differences between fully updated Win 98 and a fully updated Windows 98SE are?

-Are there major improvements? What is noticeable? I can buy 98SE for $24.00 or so. Funny I bought XP for 12 but going to have to pay $24.00 for SE hehe. Nice to have a copy around though.

Also... -I am using 98 on a 100mhz computer I have and it really seems to have bogged it down over Win95 but 98 is so much better it is worth it on it. Can anyone comment on performance difference between 98 and 98SE?

I'm just looking to solidify my home network and get everything setup optimally.

Thanks,
Rhin0

 

[DaveSimmons]

98SE was the best of the 9x/ME series but offhand I can't tell you what, if anything, it had that a fully updated / upgraded 98 did not. Performance should be the same for 98 and 98SE.

98/98SE works OK with 32 MB RAM, but works much better with 64 MB and flies with 96 - 128 MB. If your 100 MHz box only has 32 MB you might pick up some used RAM for it (people here have RAM in their junk bins, try posting a "WTB" thread in the FS/T forum).

Of course you can also get old P2 and celeron parts for close to free plus shipping, so you'll have to resist the tempation to go on an upgrading binge.

 

[Bateluer]

98SE was 98 with all the bug fixes that had been released up to the point of its release. I THINK it also introduced Internet Connection Sharing, but I'm not certain.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
98SE was 98 with all the bug fixes that had been released up to the point of its release. I THINK it also introduced Internet Connection Sharing, but I'm not certain.

Yup, and it also included loads of updates (hardware support).

 

[Jeff7]

It also supports WDM drivers; I think it's like Windows Driver Model that it stands for, something like that. It's a similar driver format to that used in Win2k/XP from what I understand. You stand a better chance of finding drivers that'll work on Win98SE and higher, but not Win95 or Win98.

I'll also agree that Win98SE was the best out of the Win9x's, and better than WinME (but the latter isn't really saying much. A piece of cheese could be a better OS than WinME.)

If you get more RAM, beware of high density stuff, as many Intel (and just a lot of older) chipsets don't support it - if you get 256MB, make sure it's double sided RAM (16 chips). I don't know if that's a guarantee that it's not high density, but it should improve the possibility.

 

[Rhin0]

Thanks guys.

I may pick up a copy of SE just because the idea of enhanced driver support. My win 98 is fully updated and I think it works great.


I agree WinME is terrible. I can't put my finger on what it is about it but thing just go bad and they go bad fast. As you all know when things go bad on ME they go REALLLLL bad!

My main computer (using now) has win 98 with 256mb PC-100 and 450mhz OC'ed celeron. The other 100mhz computer has 64mb ram I believe. Tried to put more in it but it locked it up. My neighbor gave me free ram so I loaded it up. It originally had 8mb or 16mb ram. So you can imagine from 8 to 64 that is good improvement.

 

[LiLithTecH]

Do yourself a favor and install the 'UnOfficial Service Pack'

UNOFFICIAL Windows98 Second Edition Service Pack 1 1.6.2

You will be glad you did.

I has the WinME\Win2K interface and alot of bug fixes.

 

[time traveler]

OMG,I just found this ancient article,is anyone of y'all alive!(⁠・⁠o⁠・⁠)

 

[mindless1]

^ Welcome to the forum!

It's generally better not to necro 18 year old topics if you aren't even adding anything new/relevant to them.

 

[tcsenter]

Woah