whatever you do tina,do not pay someone else to install windows xp on your p.c,its pretty easy to install it yourself,first the cheapest place i know to buy a copy of windows xp is at http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=44RX&CategorySelectedId=11168&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11168,48230000,4294956880,this is a o.e.m copy of xp home,its a bit cheaper as its a oem version which has limited service support,but you wont need support as its really easy to install
before you install windows xp make sure you have a windows xp product key,this will be either on the packaging or on the disk itself
here is a step by step guide to upgrading form windows 98 to windows xp,print this out and use it as a guide while upgrading
1.
Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD drive. If Windows XP Setup does not appear after several seconds, open My Computer, right-click your CD drive, and then click AutoPlay.
2.
On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP page, click Install Windows XP.
3.
The Windows Setup Wizard appears. Verify that Upgrade (Recommended) is selected from the Installation Type list, and then click Next.
4.
On the License Agreement page, read the license agreement. Click I accept this agreement, and then click Next.
5.
On the Your Product Key page, type your product key. The product key is unique for every Windows XP installation. Then, click Next.
6.
On the Get Updated Setup Files page, click Yes if you have an Internet connection, or click No if you are not connected to the Internet. Then, click Next.
7.
The Windows XP Setup Wizard will then restart your computer and continue with setup. To avoid disruption of the setup process, don't touch your keyboard until the Welcome to Microsoft Windows page appears, which may take twenty or thirty minutes. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows page, click Next.
8.
On the Help protect your PC page, click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now. Then, click Next
9.
The Windows XP Setup Wizard displays the Ready to activate Windows? page. If you are connected to the Internet, click Yes, and then click Next. If you are not yet connected to the Internet, click No, then click Next, and skip to step 12. After setup is complete, Windows will automatically remind you to activate and register your copy of Windows XP.
10.
On the Ready to register with Microsoft? page, click Yes, and then click Next.
11.
On the Collecting Registration Information page, complete the form. Then, click Next
12.
On the Who will use this computer? page, type the name of every person who will use the computer. You can use first names, nicknames, or full names. Then, click Next. To add users after setup is complete, or to specify a password to keep your account private, read Create and customize user accounts.
13.
On the Thank you! page, click Finish.
Congratulations! Windows XP setup is complete. You can log on by clicking your name on the logon screen.
After you've logged on, take a few minutes to validate your copy of Windows. Validation gives you access to hundreds of free downloads from the Microsoft Download Center.
Once you've validated your copy of Windows XP, take a tour to learn about the new features Windows XP gives you.
To take a tour
• Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Tour Windows XP.
this is all you need to upgrade to windows xp,infact windows xp is much easier than windows 98 to install,as xp is more user freindly
remember after you finish installing xp to also install security software such as anti-virus and anti-spyware,the windows firewall is quite adequate so a 3rd party firewall is not required
any further problems tina will you please let me know
good luck!