Windows 98 does not require activation. XP activation can be backed up for a particular machine, and survive minor updates like a hard drive.

But, much like 98, I am sure a support community will emerge. See the Windows 98 Forever campaign . No joke, and you can run 98 today still get support, and with fairly recent hardware and some support. Recent security updates, updates so that you can run 2k/XP software, usability and reliability updates, hardware drivers for new equipment, available programs, etc.

One thing that Google can't compete for with the library: Focus. I'll go Google for some tidbit for an assignment, and 2 hours later I realise "Oh Crap! I need that tidbit!" because I always find other interesting things along the way and read them. Then another hour goes by, and I come to my senses again..."Oh Crap! I REALLY need to get that tidbit" And so on. Information overload can get intoxicating.