Yes your correct the kernel in 9x is different than what's in 2000 & XP, it's been updated to include support for the additional features of 2000 & then again for XP. It's the same kernel just rewritten to add the additional code needed to support the newer features. I believe they were planning on redoing the kernel for Vista but ended up dropping the idea & just added the new features like always.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/vista/kernel-en.mspx
Examples
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-015
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-014
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-054
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-016
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-040
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-008
There's plenty more....
Actually dialup was always used by hackers to launch DOS attacks, static IP's are a hackers delight.
Highspeed was only becoming available in late 1999 early 2000 & didn't become mainstream until 2001/2002
Now of course wireless is the mainstay since there the most insecure connection going.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/vista/kernel-en.mspx
Examples
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-015
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-014
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-054
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-016
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-040
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-008
There's plenty more....
Actually dialup was always used by hackers to launch DOS attacks, static IP's are a hackers delight.
Highspeed was only becoming available in late 1999 early 2000 & didn't become mainstream until 2001/2002
Now of course wireless is the mainstay since there the most insecure connection going.