Browsers from the Windows 98 era had significant limitations compared to modern browsers. They were capable of simulating and rendering content typical of that time, but they could not handle the wide array of dynamic and complex content available today. Here are some key points regarding the capabilities and limitations of browsers from that period:

Capabilities of Windows 98 Browsers

1. Basic HTML and CSS:

   • HTML 4.01: Browsers could render basic HTML structures and simple layouts.
   • CSS1: Basic styling was possible, but many advanced features of CSS2 and CSS3 were not supported.

2. JavaScript:

   • Basic JavaScript: Simple client-side scripting was supported, enabling basic interactivity like form validation and simple animations.
   • DOM Manipulation: Basic Document Object Model (DOM) manipulation was possible, but the API was less standardized and less powerful than today.

3. Multimedia Content:

   • Images: Supported standard image formats like JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
   • Audio and Video: Limited support for embedded audio and video, typically through plugins like RealPlayer, QuickTime, or Windows Media Player.

4. Plugins:

   • Adobe Flash: Widely used for animations, games, and interactive content.
   • Java Applets: Used for running Java programs within the browser.

Limitations Compared to Modern Browsers

1. Advanced CSS and Layouts:

   • CSS3 Features: Modern features like flexbox, grid layouts, and advanced selectors were not available.
   • Responsive Design: Limited support for responsive design techniques, such as media queries.

2. JavaScript and Web APIs:

   • Modern JavaScript: ES6 and later features, such as classes, modules, and arrow functions, were not available.
   • Web APIs: Modern APIs like WebGL, WebRTC, Fetch API, and many others were non-existent.

3. Performance and Security:

   • Performance: Browsers were less optimized, leading to slower rendering and execution of scripts.
   • Security: Much less secure, with vulnerabilities that modern browsers have addressed over the years.

4. Dynamic Content:

   • AJAX: Limited or no support for asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) for dynamically updating web pages without reloading.
   • Modern Web Applications: Complex web applications like Google Docs, modern social media platforms, and real-time collaboration tools were not feasible.

5. Multimedia and Interactive Content:

   • HTML5 Audio/Video: No native support for HTML5 audio and video elements.
   • WebGL and VR: No support for advanced graphics rendering technologies like WebGL or virtual reality (VR).

Conclusion

While Windows 98 browsers could simulate and render the content available at the time, they were far from being able to handle the complex, dynamic, and interactive content of today's web. The evolution of web standards, browser capabilities, and performance optimization has significantly expanded what can be simulated and experienced in a browser. Modern browsers support a much richer and more interactive web experience, leveraging advanced technologies and APIs that were not available in the Windows 98 era.