Which operating system is the best?

[Yonkey]

Yup, I have a few theories but rather than hearing from me, let's hear what Microsoft has to say:

Top 10 Reasons to Move to Win2k

Top 10 Reasons for Moving to WinXP Pro

Windows XP/Windows 98 Matchup

Enjoy!  

[copycat]

First of all, the overview is lying, saying XP is more reliable than Windows98, maybe not in the Professional-version, but in het Home-version. The other points mentioned in the overview are also no better in Windows XP than in Windows98SE. They might not be exactly the same in Win98SE, but the same can be accomplished.

EDIT; I must have missed proofreading this post, because I had two-spelling errors so obvious even I wouldn't have missed if I had (proofread).

[dew7]

In 98SE, you can accomplish many of the things that you can accomplish in XP Professional.  Sure they may have encryption with the NTFS file system but I certainly do not need this added feature.  I looked over the weblinks that you provided Yonkey and I have no compelling reason to upgrade to XP Professional.  I think it has taken Microsoft by surprise that so many users still like Windows 98SE.  Heck, I even own a few shares of Microsoft and I think it is in Microsofts best interest to update 98SE with another 9x product even though this is unlikely to happen.  Yahoo -- views of this topic have exceeded 1000!

[dew7]

So, my conclusion is 98SE is best for old DOS programs and works well with most new hardware and software.  It does have limitations:
1. 1-1.5 gigabytes of ram maximum
2. 137 gigabyte hard drive maximum (each hard drive)
3. no hyper-threading support
4. Support by Microsoft will end on 30 June 2006.

Windows XP Professional is my second choice.  It has NTFS --- new more secure file system.  It has a classic interface if you want an old school feel.  Negatives are as follows:
1. Command.com prompt - no true DOS
   this causes less support for old DOS programs
2. Security issues are still a problem (see below:
   http://www.eeye.com/html/Research/Upcoming/index.html

3. Much higher system requirements
I suggest you run the upgrade advisor if you need XP Professional for certain programs or hardware.

Windows 95 osr2 is my third choice for reasons that Copycat has already mentioned.  Thanks for all the input.  This certainly has been an adventure.  Over and Out --- Dew7  

[dew7]

Copycat and Yonkey, I really would appreciate your feedback.  

[copycat]

Copycat and Yonkey, I really would appreciate your feedback.  

You said 'Over and out' so I assumed the discussion was closed.
If I had known it would be such a pain to install SuSe Linux on this computer, I most probably would have chosen XP Professional too.

[Yonkey]

Thanks!  I didn't really give feedback though, that was Microsoft, lol.  

[dew7]

Copycat, I mispoke when I said over and out.  My sincerest apologies.  Copycat, Yonkey and Microsoft, thank you for all of your comments.  I think when I upgrade my computer it will be a dual boot system with two hidden partitions of 98SE and XP Professional or I could go with a Virtual Environment.  Any comments on which is better, Copycat, Yonkey, Microsoft or anyone else.    Thanks again for all the comments.  This has been a great topic and I have learned a lot.  I plan on keeping this post going a liitle bit longer so I can extend my knowledge even further.  LOL

[copycat]

I think when I upgrade my computer it will be a dual boot system with two hidden partitions of 98SE and XP Professional or I could go with a Virtual Environment.  Any comments on which is better, Copycat, Yonkey, Microsoft or anyone else.  

I have no experience with a Virtual Environment, neither is their any knowledge of that in my head (when I have no use for it, I discard most knowledge), so I can't compare between the two. And since my Linux boot-loader isn't working properly, I can't make many assumptions about dual boot either. All I know is Win can't see the Linux partititon and Linux can't access the Win-one although Linux should be able to read NTFS.

[copycat]

My new desktop cost 1,695 â,¬, so in dollars that would be: x 1.1945 = 2,024.68 $. It included:
- new MB
- new fan
- new power supply
- XP Home
- new RAM
- new AMD64
- new hard disks
- new cd-writer
- new DVD-reader
- new video card
- new mouse

[Yonkey]

Considering my computer started to fall a part a few days ago, I'll list the stuff I have to buy soon:

- new MB
- new fan
- new CPU
- new memory (unless the thing supports SDRAM)
- new hard drive

- DVD-reader if I really wanted one


OR I could just get a laptop.  

Of course, I'd need a job before I can get any of this stuff, so this is more of a wish list for the time being.  

[Yonkey]

Yeah, I'm dual booting with 98SE and XP Pro.  

My 98 partition is FAT32 and just 2GB or something, XP is 17GB NTFS and the BootMagic drive is FAT16 and 50mb

The HD that died on me was 40GB XP Pro, NTFS.

[dew7]

     Did you use BootMagic to allow the dual boot or Partition Magic or another third party program?  I recently bought a USB drive that is removable with 256 mb's for my 98 Second Edition System.  It is so nice and I have it plugged in and operating fine in my USB 2.0 drivers that require a minimum of Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition to run.  I think the scanreg function is MS-DOS related and that is why it does not seem to be in XP.  Why do you think that Microsoft does not want to say that they made a mistake in not seeing consumer demand for 98SE and release a true 9x successor with all of 98SE functions as a Classics line for older computer systems?  In my opinion, ME does not count because it removed the easy exit to MS-DOS that exists in Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition.  This new operating system would have all of 98SE updates, add the functionality of ME, recognize new hardware and software and be supported until at least 30 June 2007.  It would cost money for Microsoft to make but it will reap them many millions more if it is well done and is successful.  Also, as an employee of Target for five + years I have noticed that 80's toys are big business again.  The same may hold true for older operating systems.  In addition, many people have started wanting dual-boot systems with 98SE and XP Professional.  Why should this be needed when XP Professional is supposed to give users everything?  I and others have shown here that it is not as great as it claims to be.  Hopefully, Microsoft will learn its lesson by the time Windows Longhorn is released.  
    I give Microsoft a great deal of credit for releasing for free a Windows Security CD.  You do not even have to pay for shipping.  In addition, I give them credit for extending the expiration date of 98 Second Edition to 30 June 2006.  Finally, I am pleased that the Windows Update site will recognize critical updates for 98, 98SE and ME until 30 June 2006 --- the date on this I am not sure about.  Thanks for all the information, Yonkey, Microsoft, Copycat and everyone else.  This is definately my favorite topic in the other topics area.  Have a great day!  Now, let us continue this enlightening discussion.        

[copycat]

MS-DOS doesn't use the registry and I don't think I've ever heard of that program before.  But thanks to Google:

Scanreg was first introduced by Microsoft in Microsoft Windows 98 and has become a very useful and helpful utility. Using Scanreg a user can backup his or her registry manually and or allow Windows to backup the registry daily (default).

That's probably why my Win95 is unable to find it.
Dad and bro are dual booting Win98SE and XP (PRO, AFAIK), I'm dual booting XP Home and SuSe Linux.

[dew7]

The link for the free Windows Security CD is below:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE).  (courtesy of Microsoft)

[copycat]

Either the Belgian(Dutch) order-link (not the one posted) isn't working properly, or the link is IE-specific. Either way, it doesn't work now.

[dew7]

It just worked for me but I use Internet Explorer and reside in the United States.  I hope it will work for you soon.

[copycat]

It just worked for me but I use Internet Explorer and reside in the United States.  I hope it will work for you soon.

I still wonder if there's anything on that CD I can't download using XP Update.

[dew7]

Maybe you can have a friend load one unto your machine if the security cd cannot be mailed to you.

[copycat]

Maybe you can have a friend load one unto your machine if the security cd cannot be mailed to you.

For that to work, I should have a friend who has that security CD, and have enough time to download it onto my machine, not to mention the finer technicalities (about how to set up the connection and stuff).