You really did not need any additional programs to set up a home network, as 98 and all Windows operating systems provide those means in the Network settings folder in the control panel. You could also share internet connections in 98 in the Internet Options settings. You could basically use DHCP to set up your home network.

Thanks, JD - I'll try that.
However, the programs mentioned still reject my call for internet access by showing the runtime termination message - this is my basic problem to which I'm looking for a solution - e.g. what to uninstall/delete to make programs work ok again. 

direct,

Spyware/malware can cause symptoms like that. Take a look at the various remedies discussed in this article.

Jim