Also, are there any advantages to using Windows 98, so I can keep telling myself its ok to use it?
- The only advantage is that it takes slightly less system resources
- MassiveDisadvantage: It has been officially END-OF-LIFED by Microsoft in 2006, which means that they are not releasing any more critical security updates any more for flaws, even though fixes for newer versions of windows are available. Flaw -x- which makes you vulnerable for virus -y- still exists on Win98, as does the virus taking advantage of it.
Given that they haven't created any security fixes in a year and a half now, it's a very bad idea to have a Win98 machine connected to the internet these days... Especially without a firewall.
Other big disadvantages: no system restore option to roll back your system config in case anything blows up, and being the red-headed stepchild when it comes to having your OS supported by application vendors.
After all, if even Microsoft doesn't give a hoot about Win98 anymore, why would anyone else?
Meanwhile Windows XP's extended support cycle lasts through 2014, and will continue to receive critical security patches until then.