What is the difference between Windows 98 and Windows XP Professional?

Answer 1

The biggest difference is the greatly improved security updates with XP. There are less glitches and breakdowns with XP. The following is from Microsoft's website:

Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows 95, and Windows NT Workstation do not include many of the security features of our latest operating system, Windows XP with Service Pack 2.

We recommend that you upgrade your operating system by acquiring Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition so that you can take advantage of the many security features introduced since the operating system you are using was released.

Benefits to upgrading to Windows XP with SP2 include: * Windows Security Center

Enables you to manage your computer updates, your firewall, and even your antivirus software with a single view of important settings and tools. Also provides alerts when security settings are at risk. * Windows Firewall

Helps increase computer security and reduce the risk of network and internet-based attacks as soon as you start your computer. Turned on by default and built-in to your operating system. * Automatic Updates

Helps you automatically stay up-to-date with the latest updates for your operating system. Also includes new technology to make it easier for dial-up customers to download updates. * Internet Explorer download monitoring

Warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious. * Internet Explorer Add-on Manager

Enhances security and reduces the potential for crashes by allowing you to manage Internet Explorer add-ons (programs that have been added to the Web browser). * Internet Explorer Pop-up blocker

Makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted ads and content. * Attachment Manager

Monitors and disables potentially unsafe e-mail attachments, which could contain viruses that might spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger. * Outlook Express privacy update

Helps reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.