Hatterasguy, don't I recall that you are a young guy who is in college? Don't I recall that you have some business aspirations?

If yes, then be sure you preserve your Windows skills. Windows is a fact of life in business. The fact that your Compaq is buggy, doesn't make Windows XP buggy. Here is my perspective.

I am what I call, a pretend Geek. I taught myself database programming at age 50. I developed, and market, a very elaborate application that runs small privately held manufacturing plants in my industry.

I have experienced, hands on, the progression from Windows 95, to 98, to NT, to 2000, and now XP with Server 2003. From my perspective the stability of my application in these networks has vastly improved over the this transition. I am on call 24x7. The number of network related trouble calls now is virtually zero, I think 2 last month.

I have used Thinkpad laptops for the last 8 years or so. I don't have virus problems or buggy application problems. I am really happy with Windows XP. It allows me to make my living sitting in my chair at home. Broadband internet and remote control software has vastly reduced, but not eliminated, my need to be onsite.

just my 2 cents,

Steve