Vista - Why so many flavors?

[eshteyn]

Originally Posted by Ashley Weed

As a professional in the field, I can only recommend to avoid it. Yes, as with any Windows it has been implemented with a GUI designed for ease of use, that is a given. However, as far as the back end, there is too much to avoid right now. Too many compatibility issues to bother with as far as hardware and software, and simply BEWARE and be sure of what you are doing if you choose to dual boot with any other OS.

I completely agree, I am a network/computer technician in my spare time and as any Microsoft operating system it needs a period of time where all the bugs show up and Microsoft releases patches and service packs for them. I would suggest waiting another year or so to install vista.

When it comes to selecting your system, then i would suggest home premium for you because of your Pentium 4 processor. This version of the OS will run smoothly on your machine and not slow it down considerably as compared to XP, also if your processor can handle a 64 bit operating system then get the 64 bit version. It will maximize processor use, you can still run all the normal 32 bit applications on a 64 bit system, it will only make processing faster due to the maximized use of the core.

P.S. If you may be thinking of getting a new machine, never ever ever go with Dell, in the two years ive been a technician i have seen hundreds of blown out dell motherboards and other computer components. I suggest a custom built PC, Gateway, or HP. (stay away from Sony like the plague)