Buying a new or used system

Windows XP service pack 2 does not run well with 128 meg ram. 512 is preferred

Windows Vista will require a minimum of 512meg ram and loads and installs from a DVD

Need a 80 gig or greater hd and should be used on a p4 or AMD 3000+ min

Should be a 64bit capable system for faster operation on future OS

Many users are returning to Windows XP and abandoning Vista

vista will be the OS for a few years and when a service pack is issued this may eleminate

some of the problems.

Vista requires fast cpu and lots of memory

Very little difference in the different manufactures (mostly case styles )