tuning

There have been several articles posted at TechRepublic on tuning W98
Also, check www.aumha.org
and www.onecomputerguy.com

A few tricks that I use:
System Properties, performance tab;
computer type to network server.
disable floppy disk seekon boot.
use a seperate drive for virtual memory, or use Norton speed disk.

Use a registry cleaner utility. I prefer Norton Win Doctor, or OnTrack Fix-It. At a minimum, use the free regclean from Microsoft.

Install tweakui from Microsoft. The original version on the Win98 1st edition CD is the best.

clean out the temp and temporary internet files folders often.

Don't add ram beyond 384MB.

Update the motherboard / chipset drivers.

Keep the number of programs in the system tray to a minimum.