A lot of people simply can't afford to replace their computer. It's not a question of safety for them. Either they use 98 (or ME), or they don't have a computer.If I were in this situation, I'd continue to use 98, too. Same with ME. You really can't make these machines perfectly safe.

But there are things you can do.First, I'd stop using Internet Explorer. Security problems pop up regularly for this program. In fact, there's one out there now that Microsoft cannot fix.Instead, I'd download Firefox. This free browser has problems of its own. But it is not tied into Windows the way IE is. http://www.firefox.us.com/?gclid=CKLkuKuCkoYCFUU5Ggod1n3cvg

So the security problems are not as severe. Besides, it can be patched, even if it is
running on an old Windows version. Don't try to remove Internet Explorer from your computer. It's part of Windows, and is virtually impossible to uninstall. Just stop using it. Next, you need a firewall. ZoneAlarm no longer supports 98 and ME. But Agnitum
does. http://www.agnitum.com/

You can download Outpost Firewall Free. It will even run on Windows 95. You need
anti-spyware software, too. In fact, you need more than one program, to be safe. After
you get the programs, update them regularly. Spyware is a moving target. The best
such program is Webroot's Spy Sweeper, in my opinion. (Webroot is also one of my advertisers.) Spy Sweeper supports Windows 98 Second Edition, along with ME.

So if you use the early edition of Windows 98, you're out of luck. Spy Sweeper is $30.
It updates itself automatically.Spybot-Search & Destroy is also good. And it is free. Furthermore, it runs on all Windows 98 systems.
http://www.webroot.com/land/freescan-3000.php?rc=4929&ac=5190840

Download and install it. You have to update it manually.Ad-Aware Personal is also free. And it works fine on Windows 98
and ME. It will not keep spyware off your computer.
http://www.lavasoft.nu/software/adaware/

But it does a good job of removing it. Download and install it. Update Ad-Aware
manually. Don't forget antivirus software. There's plenty available for 98 and ME. Free programs are available from AVG and Avast!. http://www.freedownloadhq.com/AVG.html
and http://www.download-it-free.com/avast/

You can get a good HOSTS file online. Follow the instructions for installation.Most important, use common sense. Most threats arrive via e-mail. Don't open spam.
Delete it. If you do open it, do not open attachments. You will almost certainly be
attacked. There is a slim possibility that a Web site could download something
dangerous to you.

I emphasize the word slim. However, if you use common sense, you should be OK. Nonetheless, Microsoft's lack of support is a problem. The bad guys could find and
exploit a weakness in these old systems. There is an outside chance that a keylogger could be placed on your computer. So don't put any confidential information on them.
I wouldn't do online banking or stock trading with these systems.

Contributed,
YNCS Don Harribine, USN(ret)
Editor