Go with XP or 2k, they'll give you the widest selection of software, etc.....I'd say go with XP (I've been running Pro since 2mos before it released). Just make sure you do some b/s reduction before you start playing. Number one problem with XP: TOO MANY SERVICES. M/S made way too many services automatically start, that shouldn't be (Like secondary logon, which allows someone NOT authorized on your pc to log in anyway.....fucking brilliant security loophole). Go to viper's lair (
http://www.blackviper.com , I think), he has a good article on dsiabling services. Then add/remove all the b/s you don't need, and turn off useless shit like system restore, and remote assistance. Nice thing is, xp runs on NTFS, like 2k, which is a FAR superior file system than FAT32. Not to mention that 98 could only effectively manage 128mb of ram, wheres XP can manage like 3gb......