Could you outline the advantages of upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows XP? I have a Pentium 4 computer with 256 MB RAM and use it only for e-mails, internet (broadband), word processing and digital photos. How will we be disadvantaged if we don’t change, and would we be better off buying a new computer?

This is a very good question, which I am glad you have asked. You may have been following a few other questions recently asked regarding upgrading from Windows 98. The most significant reason you should upgrade is because Microsoft has now ceased all support for Windows 98 (www.microsoft.com/windows/support/endofsupport.mspx). This means Microsoft will no longer be releasing any security updates for Windows 98. The implication of this is should new security vulnerabilities be discovered in Windows 98, Microsoft will not release fixes for these issues. So, you are potentially more vulnerable to security issues. This is an important point, since you use the computer for internet on a broadband connection. Furthermore, as Microsoft have now ceased support for Windows 98 many other companies are following, so you will find most recent software does not support Windows 98, and you generally need a later version of Windows (e.g. Windows XP) to run such software.

From the description of your computer, it seems like quite an old machine. Therefore, I would not recommend going to the expense of purchasing Windows XP and upgrading your old machine. Instead, I would recommend purchasing a new computer. You can buy very decent new machines with Windows XP starting from around $1000. I suggest shopping around and looking online at retailers such as Dell (www.dell.com.au) to see what deals are available. Be aware, the next version of Windows (named Windows Vista) is being released at the beginning of next year, and will supersede Windows XP. Some PC manufacturers are implementing schemes where if you purchase a computer at the end of this year, you may be entitled to a free (or discounted) update to Windows Vista when it is released. However, this varies depending on the PC maker so make sure you enquire about any such deals prior to purchasing. Alternatively, you may wish to hold off your purchase until Windows Vista has been released and comes pre-installed on new computers. This decision is really up to you, and how urgently you need the new computer.