While I also preferred Windows 2000 once available, most likely he was using Windows 98 SE, I remember it being quite reliable as Windows goes, especially compa

While I also preferred Windows 2000 once available, most likely he was using Windows 98 SE, I remember it being quite reliable as Windows goes, especially compared to the nightmare that was ME. On install of Windows 98 SE I would always turn off Active Desktop and the fancy looking information left-hand side pane in Windows Explorer. Both used IE to work and would just make everything feel really slow and sluggish. It's also possible that them being disabled improved system stability.