Win 98 or Win XP?

Hello,
Well here is my dilema. I installed win XP pro about a year and half ago. So far no major trouble except my CD drive does not read cd's without a re-boot.
I was wondering if anyone would know if it would be advantageous to go back to win 98? Speed? Performance? Any reason? I do not use many of the features in XP actually. Here is a list of my computers specs to help you decide.
IBM 450MHZ, 8 gig, 256 Meg ram memory.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. I have already burned my fav programs in case I format to go back to win 98.

thanks mike

 

Hi Mike,

Actually its for you to decide. I've been running 98 since 98 and it has done everything I need from an OS.

Perhaps your needs vary. You may need a more up to date OS, for work maybe since you said you don't use many of the features in XP.

Since you have both OS, which are you more comfortable with, which do you prefer?

Just because Microsoft is pulling the plug on 98 doesn't mean all its users are. I intend to keep using 98 for a while longer. Wouldn't suprise me if I keep it forever.

Even if I do get another OS you can bet this one will be right by my side.

 

Hi John,

Thanks for the reply, yes I agree win 98 was and still is a good OS. I was mainly wondering about speed? Would computer run any faster going back to 98? I have upgraded the memory a fair bit since I had 98.
Anyway Im really considering the switch.

 

I believe 98 would run a bit faster. If you have the HD space, why not partition the drive, format, install 98, then install XP as a dual boot?

 

Hi, thanks for the reply Mark,
Can you give me a brief idea how to do that..do I need to buy partition magic? I have an 8 gig drive.

mike

 

The XP install process will allow you to create, format, and use another partition for running it. But with that small a drive, I know I wouldn't attempt it and I suggest you don't either.

You barely have room for XP by itself and some data files and programs of your own on an 8Gb drive. With 98 at least the drive would have lots more free space after you loaded the OS.

 

Let me ask about your cd drive. You shouldn't have to reboot to read a cd! What kind is it, is it just a reader or a writer, too? Is this a constant problem, or occasional? When was the last time it worked properly? Did it work okay w/98? Perhaps you need a driver update?

Johanna

 

Hi Johanna,
Im not sure to be honest when it started the issue with reading CD's but its been a while. It did work before XP install and before but not sure how long. It did the same thing with my old drive and I just installed a new burner and same problem. Here is the curious part.....If I re-boot with a disc in it will read it and any others no problem but if I take it out and re-boot without one in drive during the re-boot it wont read any at all. Just the green light flickers a bit and I hear it spin a little and then stops.