Verified answer

You need to check how much RAM you have also, that is a factor. Random Access Memory, have at least 128MB

Windows 98 and ME are no longer supported so do not use those. Further, Windows Vista will not work on older computers.

Windows XP is a great OS and i have used it with a 433mhz 96RAM computer. However don't expect to do everything with windows XP on such a slow computer, its almost not worth it unless you have no choice.

I recommend Windows XP and make sure you have no less than 128RAM, upgrade to 256RAM if you can. Windows XP is the most stable and standard OS in computer history so give 'er a go.

Windows XP... It would be slow but it doesn't require much. You can run Windows 95, 98, and 2000. Also, you can run Linux (free and good) With windows, be sure to use Office 2003 or Office XP. It's one of the faster ones. I'd recommend XP cause almost everything works with it. 95 and 98 are good and old but still work well, but hard to find. I'd recommend getting a new pc. You can't really do anything on that processor, as you will find out sooner or later. Save money/time and buy a pc that you won't have to change in about 2 months.

On a Celeron 500mhz, if you want it to run relatively smooth, you are going to want either Windows 98, Windows 2000 or one of the earlier iterations of Linux.

I would not recommend Windows XP or Vista as it will run very slow.

XP at the most that will still run choppy but it will run. I know because I used to run it on a 400 MHz and its not fun I mean my computers faster now I had to ditch the 400 MHz. I would say go with 98 or windows 2000 but good luck finding it. So xp would be the most your computer can handle. Good luck Like someone else said save yourself the headache and replace the computer now its only going to be headaches, and long periods of waiting with what it requires to run programs these days.

Pretty much anything but Vista, as long as you've got enough RAM. I've got XP running on a Celeron 333 laptop. It's not fast, but it works.

I would suggest windows if you want it to feel familiar,however for speed and using most things Linux would me the better option .Damn small Linux (perdon on the name,thats what it is called) is my suggestion for the Distrobution as it is only 50mb,has bundled apps for most common tasks,runs amazingly fast and is insanely versitile.(personal experience..i have it running on a 400mhz celeron in my basement) a little bit more work to get it on there may be required,if you need help please don't hesitate to ask someone.

Windows 2000 at best.

Windows XP SP2 or earlier

but don't try VISTA