it's OT but ..
we have two boxes each in my family ..actually my son has two and I have 4 :) XP pro exists on 2 of the boxes that are not allowed to connect to the outside world ..
IE anything is never allowed to connect to the internet ..only used for checking pages will display in it ( versions 6 and 7 are as standalones on the XP boxes )..Loathe XP ..like driving with the hood welded shut ..
but each to their own ..like you said too much money invested in software that is doze only to give it up entirely ..98II is safe but you do have to be the only one allowed on the box ..:)