In article ,
"HeyBub" wrote:

Corinne wrote:
Wow, this group is totally awesome. I really did not think I would
get too many replies concerning the purchase of a new computer.

I have made photocopies of most of your replies, and now I really have
my homework cut out for me.

The reason I am planning to get a new computer is that mine is 8 years
old, works great, and I love it, but I am still running Windows 98.
Because Windows 98 is so old, Microsoft is no longer offering free
updates, which I am told, subjects me to viruses even though I have
Norton Anti-Virus.

Microsoft WILL continue critical updates for Win98.


Not according to their website:

End of support for Windows 98 and Windows Me
July 11, 2006 will bring a close to Extended Support for Windows 98,
Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Me as part of the Microsoft
Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft will retire public and technical support,
***including security updates**, by this date. (emphasis added)

Existing support documents and content, however, will continue to be
available through the Microsoft Support Product Solution Center Web
site. This Web site will continue to host a wealth of previous How-to,
Troubleshooting, and Configuration content for anyone who may need
self-service.
Microsoft is retiring support for these products because they are
outdated and can expose customers to security risks. We recommend that
customers who are still running Windows 98 or Windows Me upgrade to a
newer, more secure Microsoft operating system, such as Windows XP, as
soon as possible.

I also know that as of the last update, Zone Alarm won't work on
W98, although the older ones still do.