Yes, it's true. In the very near future, I'm going to go from a dinosaur system to the current most up to date one. I've been using Win98 for years. I realize I'm going to have find new programs and hope they work with Win7, but what I want to know is when I turn on that new computer, how shocked am I going to be? Is there anything I really need to know at the beginning about the startup or just getting around at first? Is there still a windows explorer where I can see and manage all the files on my computer? Oh, and I've heard with new systems that you don't have to reboot after downloads as much as you do on Win98. Is that true, too?

You'll still have to reboot. It's an unfortunate fact that when you install programs, they cannot insert all necessary files into an already running kernel.

It will come as quite a shock but you'll get used to it.

Maybe not all programs require the rebooting that used to? I could have sworn people have told me that the rebooting is much less with advanced systems, even before Vista. In fact, the guy who ruined my computer (long story) did it in part, I think, but not letting the computer reboot fully each time. He got very impatient and said stuff about having to reboot all the time.

You still have to reboot for most stuff, but I guess I can think if a few programs that didn't require an immediate reboot on my Vista computer. You'll have to get used to the new look. Windows Explorer is still there, but things like the Control Panel and Network Places look very different.

Thanks. I'm sure there will be a lot of changes that will take some getting used to. I wonder about email. Is there any change that you know of in using Outlook Express or Thunderbird?

No, modern programs will still run as they used to. That's assuming you have a reasonably recent version of those programs.

Lots of programs don't require an immediate reboot but, they won't work properly until you reboot them.

That could be the difference then. That idiot who was working on computer would tell it to reboot but not let it load. Waiting until later would and then doing one reboot would have been preferred. Thanks.

One of the things I like about the newer programs is being able to load more than one new program and waiting until later to reboot. Then I can do what I need to do and only have to restart once.

Visually, you'll notice a major change as 98 looks extremely dull in comparison to Win 7. However, as far as functionality goes, navigation should at least feel familiar but things like the control panel might be a bit confusing along with some of the new settings that weren't even present back in XP. After a week or so, you'll probably get the hang of it and adjust quite well. I'm not too familiar with those e-mail programs you mentioned but I doubt the latest versions work on 98 so it's possible the interface has gotten a major overhaul in the latest versions so you might have to fiddle around a bit.

Let us know how the transition goes when the time comes

Thanks. I'm very excited about upgrading; just have to get the money together, but it needs to be soon. Y'all have given me a lot of information (this topic and others) so thanks again.

I'm excited for you, and almost a little jealous! I haven't known anyone using Win98 for many years, this upgrade is going to be huge for you!!! I hope that you enjoy it.

Reiny, I think you will do fine. I can remember how excited I was upgrading my computer with Windows 98 from Win 95. So I know how you feel. Good luck with the upgrade.

A little introduction in Windows 7, you will need to click a lot of yes (or no) buttons because every time a new program will run, the OS will ask if it's safe to run or not. And make sure that you have lots and lots of memory for you to really enjoy Windows 7, I think this is the drawback.