Howdy people....let me shed some light on the subject here:
Mrcaptainbob....about your defrag issue with 98. This is a big problem with 98 and have dealt with this issue several times. The scanner starts over b/c something it running in the background. Hit ctrl-alt-delete and close down any apps running in the background except for EXPLORER and SYSTRAY.....here read this:
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article...,110667,00.asp
Lazypup....what is the virus name? Some are very difficult to remove and despite programs best intentions there are mutant forms of the virus that will not allow a program to remove it. Your best bet is do backup up your data and do a wipe and reload of your OS....then you will be assured that the virus is removed.
Wireless router.....yes when you are behind a router it makes all 1025 ports on your system invisible on the internet. This is waht is called a "hardware firewall". You are much better protected behind a hardware firewall than any personal firewall. You should not connect to the internet if you are using a cable/dsl/sat connection without being behind a router or a straight hardware firewall. Other wise you are a sitting duck.