I have an hp Pavilion 8562 pc with the following specs:
- PIII 500 MHZ processor
- 256 MB SDRAM
- 20 GB hard drive

Operating system is currently Windows 98. Would like to set this computer up for wireless internet but understand that Windows 98 SE is the minimum requirement to support wireless PCI ADAPTER card.

Will Windows 2000 Pro RUN effectively on this machine or is the best bet to go with 98SE? I do have a copy of 2000 that I could install.Do you have old software....games etc>>>....win98se
dual boot is an option. but\/

win2k will run ok..but the 20gig.it eats drives space..

More data needed on what your needs are for pc use..networking..family..usb streaming/video/gaming use.....you could the system as a server and build on that..Click on the following:
Windows 2000 System Requirements

On a 20GB drive, PLENTY of room for both.  Win98 needs less than 2GB (including applications)
 Do not have much old software - no games. Our needs are for this pc are limted to networking and family. No usb streaming/video/gaming use.

Turns out that the pc does have 98 SE installed. So major QUESTION is whether it is worth the time and effort to upgrade to Windows 2000.

hp tech said not to because drivers for unique to this model would be missing in 2000.2000 is faster and far more reliable than 98se.  i upgraded my old winME system to 2000 and was very happy.