Thank you. The order of trials is 98 -> 2000 -> XP.
I will not be using Windows to connect to the internet; that function will be reserved for the Linux based OS, which I will be running in dual boot mode.
During my search for operating systems for older machines, I did come across NetBSD, but I am not sure if I am ready to give up my familiarity with Linux-based OSs.
Edit: Having said that, this seems like a good opportunity to try it out.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Also, appreciate the intro to Haiku OS, I had not heard of it earlier. It is interesting to read their philosophy through their FAQs.
https://www.haiku-os.org/about/faq/