Salvaging Windows 98

[asker]

Hello,

I have two Windows 98 machines. One a laptop the other a desktop. I would like to salvage them for the kids.

1. I have wifi but the computers do not have a wireless modem. Are they too old for a wireless modem?

2. I just want basic connectivity. I'm thinking maybe I could try installing Linux on them. Any thoughts?

3. If I was able to get them to work, a printer would be nice. Are there any printers out there that would work?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Paul T]

You can buy an add-in wireless card for the machines, but I would check the manufacturers web site for W98 drivers first.

You can leave W98 on or go to Ubuntu if you just want to browse the web. Ubuntu should have drivers for run of the mill wireless cards. And there are fewer virus issues with Ubuntu.

W98 and Ubuntu both have drivers for PCL5 and possibly PCL6. That means you can run an HP printer or others that support PCL. You could also check the printer web site to see if they have drivers for either OS.

cheers, Paul

[asker]

Thanks Paul,

I have ubuntu on my desktop (dual boot) so I am glad to hear you say that.

Thanks for your help.