Computer advice - off topic

[The Purple Haze]

My old desk top computer is on it's last legs and needs replacement.  I can find several new units that I like, but need advice on the operating system.  I can either go with VISTA (heard a lot of bad things) or XP (what I have now).  I use it for both personal and business use.  Microsoft says they will be supporting XP through 2014 and that they have another new system due to come out within the next year. I am told that many of the peripherals and programs I now use are not supported in VISTA.  I am a computer dummy and need things to be "plug & play" and "follow the dots", or I'll never master them!  Thanks!

[MP]

Get a iMac! You will never regret it.

[Scott in Ok]

My old desk top computer is on it's last legs and needs replacement.  I can find several new units that I like, but need advice on the operating system.  I can either go with VISTA (heard a lot of bad things) or XP (what I have now).  I use it for both personal and business use.  Microsoft says they will be supporting XP through 2014 and that they have another new system due to come out within the next year. I am told that many of the peripherals and programs I now use are not supported in VISTA.  I am a computer dummy and need things to be "plug & play" and "follow the dots", or I'll never master them!  Thanks!

This is just my opinion, so take this for what its worth.  If you use it for your business, and you are familiar with the way things work right now.  Stick with XP.  If you are not interested is figuring out new ways to do things on your home/business computer, stick with XP.  If everything you use hardware(peripherals) wise currently runs on XP, stick with XP.

I have nothing against Vista, but based on your post I suggest you stick with XP.

Mac's are great, as I have one myself, but if you need your current software and hardware to plug and play without much fuss, stick with a PC.  Sure, the new macs can run Windows, but for a new Mac user that is a headache nobody needs.

-Scott

[FLAVALK]

I've used XP since it was introduced and still have it on two home computers, but when I recently purchased a new HP laptop, I went with Vista Premium. I have heard some of the the sad stories about Vista but personally have not had an issue. The learning curve for me was very short and now I it's second nature. Remember the change from Win-98 to XP?. I've been using Vista since January 12 this year and think it's just fine.

[sugerbear]

i would stick to what is familiar to you. having said that, i haven't had a problem with vista yet, been using it since it came out.
laptops only though, not for business.

[Lamonster VRCC#0001]

Get a iMac! You will never regret it.

I bought a 20" imac in Nov. and I will never go back to a PC. Next time my wife needs to reload Windows again I'll be buying her a mac mini for $600 bucks and she can plug her keyboard, mouse and monitor into it.

It took a little time to get use to the mac but it works so much faster than my pc's and everything just works right out of the box. Once you go mac you won't go back. 

[Windjammer]

  Get a Mac! Only downside to a mac is updates on operating systems like from tiger to leopard cost money. I life, I work, change every year and cost as well. Just something to think about. But I will stay with mac and not go back to any PC. Everything just Works! better.

[The Purple Haze]

Thanks to everyone who responded.  At this time, I will be staying with the PC and XP.  iMac seems to be the way to go, but it is not compatable with my company system and it sure is expensive!