That's one of the big reasons i gotta upgrade to Windows XP, usb 2.0 issue. Otherwise it's not much different...More flexible for sure...The thing is they always make new software and Windows 98 won't be compatible with certain ones so it's time for change.

__________________
-Take a sip of this life that i bring, turn around and tell me if you don't feel a thing-

I hear ya, that's the biggest reason i dont' want 98 anymore. I tried to set up a very expensive burner and on the box it said it was compatible with 98 but when you read the directions, it's not and then you can't get the driver so it sucks. Stupid programs... nothing but problems I swear... grrr..

I feel so smart now that I know what I'm looking for in a computer.... LOL, thanks again Asip!!

__________________
If you can't handle the thorns, don't crave the rose!!

lol..same thing happened to me with the burner...and i never took it back either...I told myself that it was my fault since i didn't read requirements so i still have it...Probably gonna sell it for like $20...even though i bought it for like $120

__________________
-Take a sip of this life that i bring, turn around and tell me if you don't feel a thing-

geez , still running on 98 , thas like 8 years old right there , and their already making a new windows , xp is about to be 2nd generation now .

that's funny Lv...who cares really if it's 98 or XP? Until they phase out important software that cannot be run on 98, spending $200-$300 on a new operating sytem that isn't too different is stupid IMO.

__________________
-Take a sip of this life that i bring, turn around and tell me if you don't feel a thing-

ok so this freaky!!! and funny at the same time...lol I did the same exact thing.. I bought a verbatin external cd-rw for like $125 and I still have it in the box, I thought the same thing...lol

(try and sell it on ebay, you may get more for it..LOL)

And thank you late vamp, and TONE... I was very interested in hearing what color your "on" switch was!!!! LOL

__________________
If you can't handle the thorns, don't crave the rose!!

Rosebud, freaky is right on...I have an external one too...I saw an add for it and decided "damn, that's a good price" and went for it right away...lol...You learn from those mistakes though. Now, i never purchase any of the stuff for my PC without knowing a lot about the product first.

__________________
-Take a sip of this life that i bring, turn around and tell me if you don't feel a thing-

lol... well at least we learned our lesson right??? Too funny!!

__________________
If you can't handle the thorns, don't crave the rose!!

wow , u guys actually buy software ... i havent spent a cent on this thing ... internet is bliss .

They're cracking down on that Lv...be blessed that you're still home and not in jail. New software will be able to detect who's downloading pirated stuff and those who do it will pay dearly. You think $300 is worth it? Hell no!

__________________
-Take a sip of this life that i bring, turn around and tell me if you don't feel a thing-

show me this ... a link or something plz ... im in canada , these kind of things dont really happen here .

There are programs that will block government, state, RIAA, and many number of servers that put up false downloadable content and then get you for it. The other way of people finding out is an executable in a program that will contact the maker of the software, and if you're not registered they're track your ISP. But, as long as you block every program from accessing the internet with your firewall, and I mean every single application and executable in the directory, you don't have to worry. I'm 1337, *****.

__________________
I'm drowning in assholes.

I don't recommend Dell. A lot of hardware components are fixed (The ones not fixed may not be compatible with other suppliers). Hardware is of questionable quality and reliabillity compared to other suppliers (Thus the shorter life span). Not the best service and support. OS discs mostly are not provided or provided in a shape of a Recovery discs. If I were you i would Bypass brands and get myself a customizable white box with 3 year warranty. If you prefer brands, then IBMs (With 3 year onsite warranty) are not too bad (In terms of stabillity).

Standard Specs these days are:

3.0Gz Processor
512Ram
80 Gb HD
Cd Writer/Dvd Rom combo
Win XP (OEM)

You should be able to get that in any shop.

OS, as far as Microsoft goes Win XP is the best. I personally would recommned Linux (Which outbids Microsoft in terms of stabillity, security and operations - Don't let Bill Gates know i said that, he'll kill me!!!), but then you would have to completely re do all of your Computer skills.

So there, in a nutshell

__________________
My Demon revokes any prayer
He's grown contempt for love and hope
He betrays trust, twists truth and fair
Indifference is his way to cope
Engulfing sound of sensations
He quells with voices of despair
And muse of short lived inspirations
Flees at the sight of his cold stare
~Moy Demon - Mihayeel Lermontov~

I'm a computer guy, Asip's recomendation seems fair. Should be able to pick up something like that in a desktop for $500 + monitor.

__________________
"Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way. I can't wait to look in the mirror, cause I get better loking each day. To know me is to love me, I must be a hell of a man. Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, but I'm doing the best that I can." Mac Davis

You all are 's; except Tone, he's