Setting up a Windows 98 computer may seem like a blast from the past, but for those nostalgic for the computing days of the late '90s, it can be a fun and educational project. Windows 98 was released in June 1998 and brought significant improvements over its predecessor, Windows 95. Keep in mind that Windows 98 is an outdated operating system, and using it on a modern computer is not recommended for security reasons. However, if you're interested in creating a virtual machine or setting up an old computer for the sake of nostalgia, here's a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Hardware Requirements

Before diving into the software setup, ensure that you have a computer that meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 98:

• Processor: 486DX/66 MHz or higher (Pentium processor recommended)

• RAM: 16 MB (24 MB recommended)

• Hard Disk Space: 500 MB of free space

• Graphics: VGA or higher resolution

• Input Devices: Keyboard and mouse

Step 2: Install Windows 98

1. Insert the Installation CD: Start by inserting the Windows 98 installation CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive.

2. Boot from CD: Restart your computer and set the boot sequence in the BIOS to boot from the CD-ROM drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the Windows 98 setup.

3. Partition and Format: During the setup process, you will be prompted to create and format a partition on your hard drive. Follow the instructions to set up the desired partition and format it using the FAT32 file system.

4. Installation Process: Windows 98 will copy files and install the necessary components. Follow the on-screen prompts, and you may be asked to enter a product key.

5. Device Drivers: After the initial installation, you may need to install drivers for specific hardware components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters. Have the drivers ready on a floppy disk or CD.

Step 3: Post-Installation Configuration

1. Windows Update: Visit the Windows Update website to download and install the latest updates and patches for Windows 98. Note that Microsoft no longer supports Windows 98, so the available updates are limited.

2. Driver Installation: Install drivers for any additional hardware components that Windows 98 did not automatically detect during the installation process.

3. Configure Network Settings: If you plan to connect your Windows 98 computer to a network or the internet, configure the network settings using the Control Panel.

4. Install Software: Install your favorite software from the late '90s, taking into consideration the system requirements for each application.

Step 4: Virtual Machine (Optional)

If you're setting up a Windows 98 virtual machine on a modern computer:

1. Download a Virtualization Software: Choose a virtualization software such as VirtualBox or VMware. Download and install the software on your host machine.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine: Open the virtualization software and create a new virtual machine. Follow the prompts, and when asked for the operating system, select "Microsoft Windows" and choose "Windows 98."

3. Allocate Resources: Allocate sufficient resources, such as RAM and hard disk space, to the virtual machine. You may also need to configure additional settings like graphics and network options.

4. Install Windows 98: Follow the steps outlined in the "Install Windows 98" section above, but this time, perform the installation within the virtual machine.

5. Install Virtual Machine Tools: Install any tools or drivers provided by the virtualization software to enhance integration between the host and virtual machine.

Setting up a Windows 98 computer can be a nostalgic journey, but it's important to remember that this operating system is outdated and lacks modern security features. If you're using it for educational purposes or just for fun, keep it isolated from the internet to avoid security risks.