To answer my own question, how large a partition I should set up for a Win98 operating system, I can answer my own question:  2GB :-)

http://www.langa.com/backups/backups(6).htm

Would recommend this detailed information to anyone interested in putting together a backup regimen.  Article can be downloaded, too, in a great help format.  (  http://www.langa.com/backups/backups(13).htm  )

Thanks to whoever suggested downloading trial version of Partition Magic.  It will take care of the current concerns and we'll see whether I want/need to own the program.

William Closure

        The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great
       tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine
           Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com