Win98SE with all the updates is a more stable operating system tham ME in my opinion.
While Microsoft are issueing no more updates the existing ones are still available.
As to passwords Win98 is easy to defeat.
Not sure if I can say how here.
As you must have another PC to post here do a search on Google 'Remove Pasword Win98'
No need to reinstall operating system
Also for the 'net I recommend Firefox as your browser.
Also you need Antivirus and Firewall regardless of being on dial-up or broadband.
Freeware AVG antivirus and Zone Alarm firewall (Version 6.1 as 6.5 is for XP only) far better than nothing.
I too have had tinnitus as what I can only describe as a whistle for as long as I can remember. However recently I have also acquired another lower pitched sound. Sometimes like drumming, sometimes more like a diesel engine running. It did seem to subdue for a couple of weeks but is back again now. This has in particular made it difficult to sleep which creates a snowball situation as when tired / irritable / stressed tinnitus is more noticeable.
In addition I have a hearing loss in mid/upper frequencies. This makes following conversation in a group or noisy environment difficult and often I feel I am seen as ignornat or uninterested and higher pitched female voices are harder to hear Yes I have a hearing aid but of limited use. OK in quiet places to increase levels above the tinnitus but if significant background it just increases everything so does not help discrimination.
Noisy pubs/bars/clubs are simply somewhere I never go and where else is there to meet people?
Hence why it Saturday night and I am on here not out having fun. :sad: