Getting new machine: Vista or XP?

[Thalore]

I'd highly suggest staying away from Vista honestly.

We have 4 computers and the last one we got Vista on (the other all with XP) and my son that got the vista system HATES it, we can't get half of his games running on it. It looks kind of pretty but all the stupid (ACCEPT/DENY) garbage gets really old really quick!

[DrStinglock]

To disable the ACCEPT/DENY search help for "Disable UAC"
or click start>control panel>user accounts>Click 'Turn User Account Control on of Off' then disable the checkbox.

Vista over XP?

Its all about compatibility baby, and seeing as you are going with a new system, you will be wanting to go with vista then as the hardware should be able to handle it..

Compatibility you say?

Yes, Older style games and programs were never made with the intention of vista, same goes for hardware such as printers, so don't be expecting all older hardware to work on a new vista machine.

Ever used Gamespy Arcade? That's something that doesn't work on vista at all. I still use that application to play Command And Conquer Renegade online, and I have to run it on my xp box if I want to play it.

For vista though, I wouldnt reccomend skimping on the ram, make sure you get 1.5Gig or more RAM.

[Gabyta]

I use both, vista and XP and I prefer XP.
Vista is still presenting bugs and glitches.