I'm running XP pro with SP2 with no desire to even go to SP3. SP3 is known as having yet more security features to prevent your system from being harmed from outside via internet. So Vista is not happening at this time.
But for one, I don't keep my banking pass codes on my computer, I don't download unknown files, and don't agree to install unknown programs. I don't download music or video either. Basically, I do a fresh install of everything about twice a year anyway just to keep things running in tip top order on the two main PCs. It feels good to know it's a "clean machine."
On two (2) Pent 4 PCs each have 2.4g cpu, 2g memory, 160/200HDDs / 200/300 HDDs, and amc G5 with two external G-Raid HDDs (325g/500g)
I have on both PSs - the exact same software loaded, programs for video like Canopus Procoder, Sony Vegas with DVD Architect, DVD Shrink, DVD Decrypter, DVD Fab Decrypter, Tmpgenc encoder & author, Riva Flash encoder/player, Nero 6 burning w/ unlimited MP3 encoding, Img Burn, GoldWave audio editor, Sorenson Squeeze, Office 03, Photoshop 7 (with CS3 on the way), along with an invoicing program, Lavasoft spyware hunter/killer, and then some font packs installed for bitchin' titles/credits for my video/films (the ones not done on my Mac G5).
Oh I'm sure there is more. But anyway, anyone want to guess how many of these programs are 32 bit and will not run on 64bit Vista?
Then I have an old Celerion PC in the bedroom with short cables to a Marantz 2025 which is being fed a TT with AT440MLa under the hood. The needle drop workstation. Then a Dell laptop for simple tasks (no video or graphics) like making MP3s for the personal player and keeping that music in one place, emails on the go.
So that is five computers in use. I can't even believe that myself. But anyway, it looks to me like I have a lot of use to get out of my computers yet before I upgrade anything. Everything is authentically hacked w/ crax, and activated / certified to be trouble free.
The two PCs and Mac in the editing suite are all running on one large Samsung flat monitor, and if I do any spending it is going to be to get another large flat monitor to next to the one I have. I have those switcher boxes where you can run DVI/VGA output from several computers into a single monitor. But I need the Mac to be on it's own monitor. It does not like to be doing a task and get monitor switched in the middle of performing, where windowns machines don't mind having their monitors switched while in progress. That is one thing I notice about Macs vs. a PCs
I never planned to get this into computers, it just happened that way.