Instead of buying it at the store, can I buy and download a new version of Windows on the Internet?

I have Windows 98, and I'm not very computer litterate, but I need a newer version of Windows for my new digital camera, and my cell phone to work.
Instead of buying it at the store for however much it is, can I just download it off of the internet, and is it the same thing?
What's better-- 2000, or XP?
Is it legal? And will it be just like I bought it from the store?
Thanks for the help :)

First of all, you don't want Windows 2000 - it is out of date.
Microsoft is going to offer non-technical support for WindowsXP for another five years. I suggest you upgrade to that. Before you buy XP, you had better make sure your computer will support it by running the WindowsXP Advisor.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/...

When it finishes examining your computer, you will get a report as to whether or not you can run XP.
**********************
I would suggest you buy the CD with product key. It will make life easier if you ever have to uninstall and reinstall. When you get the CD, be sure to keep a record of the product key that will be on a sticker securing the CD case. So many users have problems when they lose tract of the key.


You can try buying WinXP at the link below. Before you give personal information or credit card number, look in the address bar for https instead of http. The "s" indicates secure.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_sw/103...

XP is better.

You have to pay for it. You can purchase an XP Home upgrade copy for around $100 bucks. It's half the cost for the FULL version.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-...

Yeah, you can go to a torrent site and download windows XP. It would be free but illegal. Alot of people go to torrent sites and download them. I did it before and my windows worked perfect. I would prefer u burn the big file to a cd so u can have it in the future.

limewire

Your processor may not meet the minimum specification to allow you to run a newer version of Windows. That does not mean you can'nt install it but it will mean that your computer might run that slow it may become unusable. Do windows Updates till you can't update anymore then try install the software again - Otherwise you'll have to buy a newer computer - Which would make you happier anyway