In the year 2026, as the world grapples with the RAM and storage crisis, and software struggles to keep up with the demands of AI, some are turning to nostalgia. The question arises: How usable is Windows 98 in this modern era? The answer, it seems, is more complex than one might expect.
The video by [SteelsOfLiquid] on YouTube provides a fascinating glimpse into this retro-computing world. Using a Dell Dimension 2100 PC from the early 2000s, featuring a 1.1 GHz Intel Celeron, 256 MB of DDR1, and a 38 GB HDD, the setup surprisingly holds its own. The Intel i810 chipset provides graphics, and the system weighs just 6.9 kg, making it a lightweight package.
This PC, an early Windows XP system, gives Windows 98 SE a fighting chance to keep up with the times, at least for the early 2000s. While it's true that period-correct software like Adobe Photoshop 5 and MS Office 97 (with the iconic Clippy) can be installed, the real surprise lies in the compatibility of modern software. The Retro Systems Revival blog documents numerous applications that still run on Win98SE, including Audacity 2.0, making it suitable for basic productivity tasks.
Gaming, however, is limited to titles from the early 2000s or earlier. The gaming library for Windows 98 and MS-DOS is extensive, but it's a trade-off for not playing the latest and greatest games. The modern Internet presents a challenge, as many websites require modern browsers and TLS encryption support. However, proxies like Frog Find come to the rescue, allowing users to navigate the web as it was intended.
The article also mentions the porting of Discord to Windows 95 and Windows NT 3.1, as well as the successful running of .NET applications on Windows 9x. Interestingly, it highlights a project that got Win98 up and running on a 2020-era ThinkPad P14s Gen 1 laptop, showcasing the adaptability of this operating system.
Despite the arguments for using a Windows version with an NT kernel, the author reflects on the simplicity and resource efficiency of software from the past. The idea of revisiting Windows 98 before the AI Crisis forces a return to Windows XP systems like the one in the video is intriguing. It raises a deeper question: Can we strike a balance between modern capabilities and the simplicity of yesteryear's software?
In conclusion, Windows 98, despite its limitations, offers a glimpse into a simpler time in computing. It challenges us to consider the trade-offs between nostalgia and the ever-evolving demands of technology. As the world navigates the current crisis, perhaps a look back at the past can provide valuable insights for the future.
