[Arkham_c]

I have parallels Desktop, but I don't have a version of Windows to install on it. I am going to upgrade to Parallels 3.0 and buy a MS OS to run. Should I get Vista or XP? I'd prefer Vista for the sake of future-proofing if there's no reason not to go that route.

[olePigeon]

That's a tough one. Currently Vista is something to avoid. Hard to say what it'll be like after Service Pack 1.

[highstakes]

I'd go with Vista, DX10 games look really good. If you just want the stable platform, go with XP...plenty of good games still around.

[mduell]

Why bother with Vista? Go with XP. DX10 is neat, but not necessary and it may be backported to XP eventually anyway.

That's coming from someone who was in the Vista beta and decided to stay with XP.

[PEPPERRULES]

I would stay away from Vista. XP s far more stable.

[Aegis]

Another vote for XP. Dx10 is the only reason I'd consider otherwise, but it's still too new and even top end video cards aren't doing that great with it.

[Wiskedjak]

If you have at least 2gb of RAM on your computer and you must purchase an OS, then I'd go Vista. Yes, XP is more stable and has better drivers, but if you must spend the money, then I would spend it on the future rather than the past.

If money isn't a factor and you're OK with purchasing another MS OS in a year or two, then go XP.

[Faust]

Well, what do you intend on using Windows for?

If you're a webdesigner and need to test websites on all kinds of IE versions, then I'd suggest using Windows XP SP2 as it's a lot easier installing versions of IE prior to 7 and 6 comes as a default anyway. If you're needing it for other purposes, then that argument is not of importance though.

[riley46]

I have XP installed on my system but I heard people say that if you're system is old then stick with it.

But if you're buying a new one or you're unit is current with the latest technology, then Vista is it.

[- - e r i k - -]

Another vote for XP. I tried Vista and I just went back to XP. Wait for SP1 at least :/