Windows XP and Windows Vista

Windows Vista isn't always the best choice for a desktop or laptop operating system. It has compatibility issues, which means that many hardware devices and non-Microsoft software tools have problems working with Vista. Also, it can be a resource hog, meaning you need quite a bit of memory and CPU power for the computer to perform optimally. Windows XP is more stable and doesn't have these same issues. Microsoft will continue to support XP until the year 2012, so you don't have to worry about it not being the "latest and greatest" operating system.

There are few advantages to Vista in my opinion, except that some find the user interface to be sexier. If you go with XP, there're two options - Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition. XP Home is more than adequate for many. XP Professional is largely used by businesses because it includes a few additional networking and security features, less likely needed for home or personal use.

With XP, one challenge is finding desktops or laptops that come with XP. Microsoft arranged with most hardware manufacturers (Dell, HP, IBM, Acer, etc.) to sell computers with only Vista back before Vista was even released. However, due to high demand for XP computers, companies like Dell chose to resume selling computers with the option of choosing XP over Vista. Many of these manufacturers now provide both XP and Vista options for their corporate customers, and to some extent their consumer customers. Though you may have to ask for it when you order if it's not obvious on their websites or in their marketing ads. Also, you're unlikely to find any computer with XP at a local store (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.).