Perhaps one of you "experts" can offer some help for my problem.  I am
using Win 98 (several updates but not the upgrade)on an older Dell
Laptop.  I have IE 5.50.4807. I use Comcast cable as my internet
connection. AND, I am not technically competent.  I know the very
basics and that's it.

Last week my anti-virus caught three viruses and deleted them.  I
cannot determine if anything is or isn't infected. My computer has
operated on the edge for a quite a while now, it is just much worse in
the last week.  Should I update to IE 6?  What problems might that
create?  What will I lose/mess up?

There were 2 infected file names, each only slightly different from
the other:

C\Windows\LocalSettings\TemporaryInternetFiles\Content.IE5\MPLH7PFJ\Get_HACK[1]
and
\WDQ6JY6\STUFF[1].JS

My computer decides to crash 2 or 3 times a day, usually while on the
internet.  I can't get to 2 different password  protected banking
sites.  Any of this or none of this could be related.  What should I
check, alter, update?

I have an old antivirus program and no firewall.  I know... I
know...and I will...right after I fix whatever needs fixing.  Thank
you in advance for your patience and advice.