[CG59runner]

I have a network with my main PC running XP SP2, and a Netgear router. I am networked with an older Win98SE PC and Netgear wireless PCI card. My question is do I need a firewall for my Win98SE PC? I was using Black Ice but after reading thru matousec.com about firewalls I found Black Ice to be poor. I don't know which firewalls will work with Win98SE, so I would appreciate any advice you could give me....TIA....Carole

[DataBase]

Since Microsoft have discontinued support for Windows 98 this leaves the operating system very vulnerable as there are no new patches for the lastest security holes and this in turn means that firewalls are no longer being developed for these operating systems.
my question why do you still use Win98?

ZoneAlarm is my favouite, here is a link to some of the older versions, not sure which one supports Win98, but i think between version 2.6 and 3.7 will be ok. you will have to either google it or try it.

[CG59runner]

Thanks Database. I keep the Win98SE as it does run well and I have not wanted to get a new PC with Vista...I will check out those Zone Alarm versions. I did try one called Jetico which worked with Win98SE but it ended up freezing the PC every time I opened it. I might not have had it configured correctly. I found Lavasoft Firewall says it will work with Win98 but not sure I want to spend the money and find out it doesn't. I am sure I might just have to get a new PC eventually...

[DataBase]

i wouldnt really go for Vista anyway, Vista has been given some bad reviews, its slow and is considered a resource hog also Microsoft are soon releasing XP service Pack three which will make it much better than Vista. why not just upgrade the opertaing system to XP if you have the CD?
Well obviously its your choice and preference but i wouldnt get Vosta until atleast a service pack 1 is realeased.

As i said though you must understand that these firewalls will not be that good anymore since they will not be supported for example ZoneAlarm firewalls below version 6 are no longer supprted and you will not receive any updates etc.
I have heard to Jetico but never used it, mess about with the settinsg and it should work.

try a google search you are bound to find sites that offer free firewalls for 98 but they will be quite rubbish to be completly frank.

[CG59runner]

Database..you stated my exact reasons for not wanting Vista...I went thru Vista crap when I got my Mom a new PC about 8 months ago...I don't think when I got my XP PC from Gateway that they shipped me the XP CD? Will XP run well on 384 MB of RAM?

I am just wondering if having any firewall for Win98SE is better than no firewall at all?

[DataBase]

here are the minimum system requirements for WinXP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865
and
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/Suppor...ments.html#Pro

your RAM will be ok to run this.

if you dont have a CD then well there is no option, unless you want to buy one.

Well a firewall is better than nothing and since you have win98 which as i have said it totally unsecure by now you should really get one, especially having a network you should consider getting it. possibly even get xp on it if you are willing to buy it.

[CG59runner]

Thanks for the links and your help. I believe XP Home Edition should be able to run on my older PC after seeing the requirements. I am willing to buy it. Is it better to buy the upgrade version and upgrade my Win98SE to WinXP Home? Looks like I can get it for about $100.

[DataBase]

Here is something someone else has said about the upgrade version

The upgrade version is: a. Going to look for the existence of that qualified previous version as it starts to install. If it does not find it, your installation is going to fail. b. If it finds an OEM version [which it most likely is if you purchased your Computer with XP already installed] it will install the upgrade BUT continue the OEM license restrictions. The main limitation is that it is forever identified to that original Computer. If that one blows up, you cannot move the OS to another Computer UNLESS you buy another License.
The full Retail version of XP is only limited to One Computer at a time. In other words, the OS can be moved to another Computer so long as that fact is clear to Microsoft which will then block access for the original Computer since the original license is cancelled as it pertains to that hardware.
You can later do a full install with the upgrade version BUT ONLY on the original Computer. The extra money for the full retail version releases that restriction.

i personally would think that the extra money spenty of the full version would be much worth it.

[CG59runner]

Thanks for the explanation....I don't mind getting the Full version. Now do I have to uninstall Win98SE before I install XP? I do remember at some point I had to reinstall Win98SE on this older PC and I do have that CD. I believe I will loose all my programs and settings when I do this installation of WinXP. I have never done this before so I would like to do it right......

[DataBase]

best thing to do is backup all your personal work. software/programs however cannot be saved unless you have the setup files. once you have created your bckups then you will need to inser the xp CD, format the drive (NTFS format) and follow the step by step instuctions that come up.

Here is a website that will explain this step by step

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsrein...exfullpage.htm

[CG59runner]

Thanks again Database....I knew there would be a site......