My computer is running Windows 98 SE. It has a Pentium II processor, 256 MB of RAM, and I have available a 19 gig hard drive.

How could I install a later system?
What would be best?
Will my computer support it?

Thanks!

No, get a new PC. It is not worth putting any money into that system. The most you can put on it is Win ME and I wouildn't recommend that.

You can get a decent PC that will run Vista and the new Win 7 for under $500.

That computer is finished wrt Windows OS'es.
If you wanted something to play with you could put a version of linux on it.

I agree with both previous posts.

First off beings your current PC is lacking what it needs to run much more of an OS' I wouldn't put money into especially for ME because ME *cough cough* blows. And putting 2k would be an improvement but not worth the money... having said this Linux is a great idea, you can get many versions of Linux OS' that are freeware and its fun to play with... I am unsure of whether its something you'd be interested in but Linux is defintely different and it would only take the effort and no money...

I suggest not putting money into this PC. It's so low grade its not worth it, Linux would be a great idea (granted your into changing it up a bit)...

Rick

Thanks to all of you for your responses.

Do you think Linus would work better with the current internet than the Windows 98 SE?

I have 2 computers, so could play with one of them.

No, get a new PC. it is not worth putting any money into that system. The most you can put on it is Win ME and I wouildn't recommend that.

You can get a decent PC that will run Vista and the new Win 7 for under $500.
This isn't true at all, he could install Linux for free.


Do you think Linus would work better with the current internet than the Windows 98 SE?
With an old machine? Absolutley. You'd really have to do research to find out what's best, but I would say get Xubuntu (http://www.xubuntu.org/), it's Ubuntu (which is very easy to use) only it's running the Xfce desktop environment that's built for speed; it doesn't come with all the goodies that Gnome and KDE come with.

My roommate and I had our music server, which was a Pentium II with 128MB of memory, we put Linux on there (minus X) and it ran like a charm.

No, get a new PC. it is not worth putting any money into that system. The most you can put on it is Win ME and I wouildn't recommend that.

You can get a decent PC that will run Vista and the new Win 7 for under $500.
This isn't true at all, he could install Linux for free.

Yes it IS true! As much as I respect Linux it is still not an OS for the masses. There is still enough of a learning curve as well as its inability to run some mainstream PC software to not make it reasonable for people not willing to go through the learning curve. If the OP wants to give it a try, then yes, by all means do so. It's the only OS that might be appropriate.

I stand by my recommendation to not put any money into such a machine. As you point out, Linux can be installed for free.

I have looked at the Linux and xubntu sites, but all I see available is download, and the estimated time is like 43 hours, so that is not practical for me.

Yes it IS true! As much as I respect Linux it is still not an OS for the masses. There is still enough of a learning curve as well as its inability to run some mainstream PC software to not make it reasonable for people not willing to go through the learning curve.
There's going to be a learning curve with any OS. We're all going to have to learn Windows 7 when support for XP ends this coming fall. And to note, Linux isn't as far behind as it used to be, the only two issues every user will notice with Linux is limited accelerated graphics (it's decent, but not every card is supported) and audio support altogether.

Regardless, if this guy wants to use this old machine then Linux is his only practical option just because it's fast and free.


I have looked at the Linux and xubntu sites, but all I see available is download, and the estimated time is like 43 hours, so that is not practical for me.
43 hours? You must be using a dial-up connection. Even downloading through HTTP with broad-band cable has taken me no more than two hours in the past, and less than 20 minutes if I used bit torrent.

You can try moonOS (http://www.moonos.co.cc) (download the LXDE edition), it's just Ubuntu built with LXDE (http://www.lxde.org/) as it's desktop environment.

You can try moonOS (http://www.moonos.co.cc) (download the LXDE edition), it's just Ubuntu built with LXDE (http://www.lxde.org/) as it's desktop environment.

BeforeI try this, is there any danger of losing anything on my HD? I take it that there is no need to format the HD to use this system?

Formatting is not required, however there is some risk of losing data. The Linux installer will require repartitioning of the hard drive to create one or more partitions for Linux to use. Worst case is you can destroy your existing data if the wrong options are chosen or installer choices are made hastily. These partitions can be created from existing free space leaving any existing data intact, however once created, they can be difficult or impossible to remove or reintegrate into the Windows' partitions using Windows alone or without 3rd party repartitioning tools should you decide Linux is not for you. A full drive backup or imaging is recommended before doing any major disk operation. Given the age of the computer I would also do a diagnostic scan of the drive with the drive manufacturer's utility before proceeding. Having the drive cough up an error during a repartioning operation could end badly.

Ubuntu discs are available free of charge (with possible long delay) from ShipIt (https://shipit.ubuntu.com/) or for a fee - Purchase Ubuntu on CD or DVD (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/purchase). Downloading and making a CD at your local library could also be an option.

I tend to agree with ScottGem on the prudence of investing any time and/or money on this computer and I've installed Xubuntu on some low spec hardware with X. X provides the graphical interface that gives Linux a look and feel similar to the Windows experience you are used to. Yes, you can get it working reasonably well, however investing in additional memory and better video performance would make for a more enjoyable experience particularly if you plan to use a heavyweight web browser such as Firefox. Creating an installation consisting of resource conscious lightweight software components takes a good bit of work. The previously mentioned moonOS would be a better fit.

What is your motivation or need to move from Windows 98, aside from it no longer being supported by Microsoft, frequent rebooting to clear errors, and lack of support for advancing web technologies and browsers? You could probably find a better computer for free or little cost with a little inquiry to local nonprofits, the library, or any businesses that maintain a managed IT environment and have a driving force to keep their computers current. Local computer recyclers or service facilities may also be a good source. I routinely recycle perfectly good computers whose only failing is they are too slow to run the latest and greatest and I have no need for them myself.

Scleros,

Thanks. All the reasons you cite are those that I need to move away from the 98 system.

I have too much stuff on this that I don't want to lose, so will probably try to get a later computer, put these files on a disc and go from there.