Sorry mightyPete - as a newbie on this forum I didn't mean to hit a nerve! I know you are respected by everyone around here and you offer very knowledgeable advice.

I have not used win98 in a long time so I can't say whether vue runs well on it.

I can say as someone who works in computer security that all operating systems have flaws, winXP, 2k and linux all can be exploited over a network and sitting at the computer some easier than others.

When talking about fresh installs of one vs. the other I still believe XP is more secure despite having new vulns found everyday. The architecture of 98 was not meant to be secure or keep people out. There are many file share and remote registry exploits available for 95/98/ME that allow any determined hacker an ample oppurtunity to take over the computer. I think going into detail is quite off topic but would be happy to discuss it with you further on a private channel.

Running ZoneAlarm will certainly help protect you from hackers whether using XP or 98 and it is a good practice.

As far as bloat,cost, stability, these are all relative to the consumer and their needs. I personally run XP and Vue and it works pretty well although I was getting a weird crash with custom materials recently...

again sorry to stir the waters - just trying to offer my outside perspective.

• Jason