I think Windows9x is not usable anymore with internet unless one uses proxies for the ssl and accept not using modern javascript pages. There was a similar thread about this a month ago or so.
XP is more or less usable as there are hacks to use a Chrome version from 2022, I was tempted to create a VM with it to try it as a daily driver, but I lack the time.
Might be better served with one of the lite10/lite11 type windows remixes with most of the fluff removed. Though not sure I'd remove UAC or Defender myself.. but would be roughly similar to XP in terms of overhead with an arguably nicer skin.
