...people gotta get bored with Windows. Sure, a so-called "world of software" work on it, that's a good thing, but most spyware, adware, trojan horses, etc. are made for Windows, which makes it pretty vunerable to bugs & viruses. For example, with 3 pop-up blockers on my Internet Explorer, I still get rapid pop-ups. I check my computer rapidly for viruses, but it's still there. If you are like a businessperson, I recommend Mac or Linux, because they make Microsoft Office for Mac, and make very similar software for Linux. But for gamers, downloaders, etc., I recommend XP or Media Center.

- The OS Man

Like many other PC geeks, I looked at Windows XP and its eye-candy UI with suspicion when it first came out, but I've come to love it. It's rock solid -- I've never had a single system crash in the last two years, even though as a gadget freak I install and try out new hardware a lot -- it's fast, and its plug-n-play feature is so much better than any other operating system. Service Pack 2 makes XP even better, esp. in the security arena. It now comes with a better firewall and turns off some default settings that used to be on which could invite security problems. (The flip side of this increased security meausre is you constantly get warnings.)

XP Home is great for home use. If you want file system-level encryption, true file permission settings and more networking options, opt for the Professional edition.

I highly recommend teh book "Windows XP Inside Out, 2nd edition" if you are interested in optimzing your XP system and/or learning advanced techniques.

I really do not like how Microsoft has designed this operating system. I liked Windows 95 through the Windows 2000 Professional Edition but this one there is nothing I like. I have a few Microsoft computers left but I have mostly converted to Apple. The Windows XP Home Edition (not Professional Edition) especially was horrible. The only difference I dramatically see is that blue taskbar at the bottom. Also the icons look a bit more 3-D than other versions. The security on Windows totally isn't too safe as the Mac OS. My computer catches viruses all the time and when I take it to a repair shop I have never seen a Apple computer there. If you are a Microsoft fan just get the Professional Edition of XP or 2000 Professional (best OS ever!)

To clarify S. McCrea "s_mccrea"s post, a pentium 4 with hyperthreading is not "two chips on one chip". It's a single chip that simulates dual processors.

Microsoft XP Home Edition does NOT support multiple processors. Microsoft XP Professional Edition does. So if you need multo proc support, go with Pro.

If you're reading this. You're thinking of buying Windows XP home edition here are a few things to keep in mind.

First thing is, you might be able to get away with buying just the upgrade edition. The upgrade edition allows you to do a full install. It just asks you for the CD of a previous version of Windows. Also remember you can download service pack two from the Windows update web site. So no need to buy it integrated with XP.

These are what I consider the minimum system requirements:

256 MB of RAM. I have found is adequate more equals better.
500 MHz or higher will do.
7200 rpm hard drive will help a lot.

If you're running Windows millennium edition, or 98 upgrade now the stability is vastly improved. Gone are the blue screens of death.

Frequently asked question: is Windows XP Pro better than home edition?

Windows XP Pro has a more high-end networking features that most home users will never miss or would even know were missing. So for most users Windows home edition is fine. They both are based on the same code and are almost identical.

If you're thinking of upgrading from Windows 2000, I did, because I like the GUI interface better. But Windows XP is as stable as Windows 2000. So it's your call.

The plug-and-play ability of Windows XP is totally great! Windows XP will by default find most drivers for video card sound cards, network cards, etc. that is such a bonus gone in the days of having to search for CDs with drivers.

I recommend upgrading to Windows XP be it professional or home edition. It is a great operating system

Have some fun and get it done