98 1st ed. vs 98 SE, what's the difference? 3

[torandson]

Hi,
I have a Windows 98 system with a Windows disk that is proprietary to the manufacturer of the computer it came with.

On this system is a large quantity of applicatations that I paid dearly for and still use regularly, but the hardware is aging.

Many of these applications are not compatible with Windows XP (which I have on another system) and I want to allow for the eventual possibility that I will rejuvinate this Windows 98 system with new hardware.

The problem is, that I cannot use the Restore CD that came with this system to configure a new build because it will not work with a different hardware configuration, so I will have to buy a new, unused Windows 98 OS retail (or OEM) CD on eBay to accomplish this.

Can anyone tell me the difference between Windows 98 and Windows 98SE? Which is more stable? Will all my software work just as well with 98SE, or am I better off just rebuilding my system with an identical version of my current OS?

Thanks.

--torandson

 

[MiggyD]

I, myself, don't know ALL of the differences; however, I know that SE has some enchancements and security patches over 98.

Also, Win98SE has ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) which I needed for the three Win98's (they weren't SE ver) at work to access the net through our server.

Maybe someone else can add to this.

MiggyD


--> It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's an OS update patch! Ahh!! <--

 

[carrr]

A little info here:

http://www.techweb.com/winmag/columns/insider/1999/080499.htm

SE is far and away the choice to make, IMHO.

Tired of waiting for an answer? Try asking better questions. See: faq222-2244

 

[cdogg]

The core of both OS's are almost identical. Any application that works in Windows 98, will work in Windows 98SE.

There is just better USB support and ICS as the only real advantages.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[torandson]

Thanks all, for your help.
In accordance with the info I obtained at the link that carrr provided, I decided to get a never-installed boxed retail version of Windows 98 and a not-installed/never registered 98SE Upgrade. That way, at a price not much above the current starting bids for the full 98SE install, I have three options: 1. Full install of Windows 98 after replacing my OEM hardware, 2. upgrade my current 98 system to 98SE, or 3. a full install of 98SE after replacing my OEM hardware using the Windows 98 CD for authorization. Maybe I have four options. I have a hunch that the Upgrade CD may also make it possible to (4) update my OEM system (with its built-in OEM limitations) to a full 98SE system without losing the current software configuration to a complete reinstall of all the applications even if I do replace/upgrade the system hardware. Had I not known from carrr's linked article that the 98SE Upgrade CD will also do a full install, I likely would have bought the 98SE full version and not had options 1,2 and (4). I like having options.
Again, thanks, all.
--torandson