Is it possible to network, via a straigforward hub, Win 98 (first edition) and Win XP Pro in order to print and network share? The internet is on the win 98 PC, and both PC's have network cards.

As I understand your situation (dumb hub = no routing, two pcs, one w/xp has network card, one w/98 has card and is internet connected)... no. Or rather, not likely.

Possible solutions:

Ditch the hub and get a routing device. connect the ISP (assuming DSL or cable) to it's appropriate modem and the modem to the router. Then connect both the 98 and XP machines to the router. They will share the internet connectivity and can file and print share as well (with some effort... 98 - XP is a little clutzy).

Another solution might be to purchase another card for the 98 machine and use the second card to network to the XP one via a cross-over cable card-to-card.

Now if your internet connection is through a regular dial-up modem it's a bit different. I don't think that Windows 98 can 'internet connection share' on it's own... XP can however. Still, the hub is useless and a cross-over cable is needed.

My advice, get a router (unless this is a dial-up internet connection situation).

If you go with a router make sure it has a print server built in. That way all of your computers can access one printer with out having to have both computers on.