[John Rogers]

Your last question can be answered by looking at the first post. As old as everything is a complete replacement of all the applications will probably be required. The exception would be to run something like Oracle's Virtual Box on top of Windows 7 and then load 98 on top of that. Since it is so old I doubt it can use a thumb drive which could be used to transfer all the pictures, spreadsheets or documents. There are some free file transfer software packages that allow you to connect the old PC to a new one and transfer what you want to where you want on the new PC.

As for the files, the new office/paint/graphics software can easily convert and read all the things you have now so no worries there.

If you get a new PC I would suggest upgrading you internet service provider so you do not have a dial-up connection, either DSL or cable are the way to go now. One thing you could have done years ago was to get a second telephone line and connect the modem to it so the home system does not drop off when in use. Anyways, good luck with moving into much faster computing.........