W98 Second Edition

wdc202 · 9th April 2003

I was just told by a Verizon on-line technician that I must have W98SE installed in order to use Verizon DSL. Verizon did not tell me that when I signed up for DSL and I can't see that requirement in any of their advertizing. Can someone confirm that requirement for me?

Assuming that I DO have to install SE, is there a preferred place to buy it? Is it really a straight-forward installation? And, beyond enabling me to go to DSL, are SE's other features really usefull?

FWIW ... I currently have an April 1998 version of Windows 98 that came on my Verizon Pentium !! pc. Thanks. ....wdc

**Steve R Jones** · 9th April 2003

DSL Minimum System Requirements

PC System Requirements

Microsoft Windows Operating Systems supported:

Windows 98 and 98 SE
Windows Millennium (Me)
Windows 2000

Windows XP (Home & Professional)
http://www22.verizon.com/ForHomeDSL/...quirements.asp

md2lgyk · 9th April 2003

I'm not sure I'd believe that. I ran DSL (though not Verizon) for a long time on a machine with Win 98 first edition. I'd ask them specifically why they say SE is required.

BillyBob · 9th April 2003

Why it * MIGHT BE *

If you use their Software which would more than likely contain a Branded version of IE. Which I believe you do not need.

If you use a USB setup.

But if you do not use their software or do not use USB I see no reason why you need 98 SE.

They may be requireing SE in order to have USB 2.0. ( just guessing on that one )

A Network card setups up and works the same in 98FE as it does 98SE or even 95.

At least this is what I suspect.

goddez1 · 10th April 2003

They offer different packages with addtional services. Probably SE is a requirement for home networking multiple computers and internet connection sharing. I believe these features are in version SecondEdition and not FirstEdition.

wdc202 · 10th April 2003

Thank you all for your advice and clarifications. I am beginning to get the picture.

BTW .. I <am> using the USB connection (as some of you guessed even thoughh I failed to mention it earlier).

In any event, the more I learn of DSL and of the pricing of cable (Comcast), the less sure I want to go the DSL route. I am now leaning toward cable, maybe adding a wireless router to let me use either (or both ?) of my PCs at the same time.

... wdc

wdc202 · 11th April 2003

Because of this W98SE confusion and other installation problems with DSL, I have decided to go for a Comcast cable internet connection.

Comcast tells me that – with the addition of a wireless router -- I will be able to work the internet with both my pcs (one with W98 and the other with W95) at the same time. Can you confirm that?

I see that Compusa is advertizing a wireless modem (US Robotics) at $70. Is this a good unit, good price?

Don’t I also have to buy some kind of receiving units for the pcs? What is that unit called? And do I have to take the covers off the pcs to install it?

As always, Thanks for your advice. … wdc

BillyBob · 11th April 2003

I do not have a wireless setup but I do have a Linksys 4 port Router/switch and a cable Modem.

I have had four machine online all at once.

With the Router I only need one IP address.

When I had only a Hub I had to pay for the extra IP addresses.

Also with the Modem and the Router constantly powered all machines have independent access. No one machines has to be on at all times.

BillyBob

mflynn · 11th April 2003

This may not be as simple as it sounds but Comp USA has a good return policy.

The reason for this warning is that many things can interfere with the signal. The computer may be to far away or thru a dense wall etc. Add in 2.4 GHZ cordless phones and floresent ballasts.

You would be better to use a direct cable and std router and this is less costly and faster also.

But if you do try the Wireless make sure you can return them if they don't do the job.

Mike