If you did the updates for 98 then you do have the SE version.

You can still get USB devices that support '98. those ought to let you connect the devices you mention. Now if the devices themselves work with '98 is another question.

As far as sharing connectivity with the internet, all you need to do is have the garage pc on the same subnet as the rest of the computers, and also a different ip address. so for example if the rest of the house uses

ip 192.168.1.2
subnet 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.1.1

Also you'll need the dns numbers as provided by the isp

Then make the garage computer

ip 192.168.1.12
subnet 255.255.255.0
gateway 192.168.1.1

and use the same dns numbers as the others.

You should be able to get to the internet at that point.

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

I'd buy an OEM copy of Windows XP. Don't waste time buying W2K, it is no longer fully supported by Microsoft. It has gone into "extended" support. If you are bored, you can read about it here.

Pop in the Windows XP CD into your old PC and it's pretty straight forward - it'll update your Win98 OS for you, as well as offer to update your file system (to NTFS), etc. A couple of reboots and updates later, you should be good to go. As long as your old PC has decent enough hardware (just check out the min. requirements for Win XP), it'll run fine for internet and e-mail use.

In the long run, I think this will be the easiest and cheapest route. All IMHO of course...

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

I second this. Newer software will bog down the old hardware and you will have a total bow-wow for your time and money. Dell will sell you a new laptop for less than $400.

Capn'

The benefits of running linux are similar to those of running a grease car. Its cheap as sin (free for linux) and it is a hands-on in an enjoyable sort of way. Also, some aspects of linux are as well designed as a 240d. Asking if linux is compatible with windows xp is like asking if a diesel car is compatible with a gas car; they fulfill the same purpose in different ways. Yes, you will be able to share documents, .mp3 files, e-mail, etc and do all the same things.*

Your computer won't run windows xp, and you can't upgrade it in any normal sense of the word. And why the devil would you want to spend 150 bucks on a copy of windows xp for a machine that you only want to e-mail and surf the web with? On the other hand, if you want to remain in the loving grasp of Bill Gates (who has you by the balls, incidentally), buy a gx110 on ebay for 70 bucks (including shipping) with XP loaded already (try to get the xp CD too, you are in trouble without it, go for 256mb of RAM or higher). Theiving XP is not only immoral, but pretty hard to boot.

cheers,
dan r.
(repairs dells, uses an apple)

*you'll also be able to write coercive and elitest e-mails like this one! Flamesuit on!

Tell me more. I haven't done any updates, or at least none that I intended to do! How do I get these 'updates'?

To update windows, go to internet explorer.

Tools Menu>Windows Update.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I love my macintoshes.

__________________
Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section

I love my 200 inch monitor.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Did that. It doesn't give you the option to upgrade to Win98 SE.
BTW, my camera software says I need at least Windows 98 SP1, whatever that is.

You have to purchase the copy of Windows 98SE in order to have SE. If you have 98, there is no way to just download and install the 98SE. You actually have to go and buy windows 98 Second Edition.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I haven’t taken a journey down this relic lane for a while but here is what I recall of the progression. While there is no update to transform ’98 into “98 SE,” by using the windows update site and maybe some poking at another ms site (listed below), you can make the products somewhere between 98% and 100% identical.

First here are some discussion about the difference between the two. I liked the 2nd article.

http://kb.iu.edu/data/agli.html

http://thetechnozone.com/pcbuyersguide/software/system/Win98SE.html

here is a detailed discussion of ’98 SE regarding the updated components.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=234762

next this site lists most of the updates, hot fixes, security patches, added capabilities.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/corporate.asp

lastly, go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com

The drill is to run through the windows updates until it doesn’t offer any more. Then try the devices you want. If it still doesn’t work, go to the site above for additional updates/hot fixes and so forth.

Note that not everything that manufacturers say will run with ’98 will actually run with ‘98. The specifications for many components continued to change after the primary support for ‘98 ended, and of course Microsoft has no interest in supporting a product when they can sell you a new one instead.

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

Thanks all! Lebenz, I had already dowloaded all the applicable updates you mention. Still won't do what I need. It takes way more time to decipher what I need and don't than I'm willing to spend. I'm gonna have the PC re-imaged and load whatever OS it will accept without a whole lot of upgrades. I could well end up with a new $700 Toshiba laptop from Wal-Mart!

If cost is at issue, go for one of the used Dell items on ebay as suggested by others. If you buy new definitely get the extended replacement warranty. It costs more but after you throw, er drop, the notebook on the floor, they will replace it free of charge and even come to your home to do it. Consider it a rare opportunity to vent frustration and get rewarded for it….

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

Thanks for the advise, but it's a little disconcerting that you would think me so clumsly as to oiWJE'OJVRPRJQJMERT90049580954KMLKF...................... 'CUSE ME A MINUTE, i JUst tUrned MYYY beRR ovRR ONNN mY kEyyBord.........

Were you able to get your hands on that dell? If not, I am hatching up a plan to undermine Microsoft. (It involves selling you my Windows 98 SE cd for the lovely price of FREE!).

Actually, you can have my copy of 98SE because I got rid of the computer as it had died. I kept the CD and key, and if you are interested, let me know. I have to look for them if you want em.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.