Windows

Windows Vista SP1
While it's always good to install the latest code for any operating system, installing the Windows Vista SP1 update will require some casual users to spend a few hours without any visible or tangible improvements to their systems.

Microsoft Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 20 GB, Intel x86 1 GHz, 512 MB, DVD-ROM, Sound card, 32 MB video memory, Internet connection, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, Intel x86, 1 GHz

Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 40 GB, Intel x86 1 GHz, 1 GB, DVD-ROM, Sound card, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, Intel x86, 1 GHz

Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 40 GB, Intel x86 1 GHz, 1 GB, DVD-ROM, Sound card, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, Intel x86, 1 GHz

Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 40 GB, Intel x86 1 GHz, 1 GB, DVD-ROM, Sound card, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, Intel x86, 1 GHz

Microsoft Windows XP SP2
We recommend installing Windows XP SP2 but only after Microsoft has had a few weeks to work out the kinks.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 1.5 GB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz

Microsoft Small Business Server 2003
For small businesses that need a business in a box and want to stick with Microsoft technology, SBS 2003 is the only game in town.
Specs: 1 server, 5 clients, Complete package

Microsoft Windows XP - Professional
Windows Professional boasts serious corporate administration tools--it's a trustworthy upgrade from Windows 2000.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 1.5 GB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz

Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition
XP is a worthwhile upgrade from 95/98 or Windows 2000. Unless you need corporate administration tools, XP Home Edition should suffice for most--even for small businesses.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 1.5 GB, Intel Pentium 233 MHz, 64 MB, CD-ROM, SVGA monitor, Mouse or compatible device, Intel Pentium, 233 MHz

Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Windows 2000 isn't for the gamer or the casual surfer, but if you have a yen for speed, stability, and some serious server tools, this business-class OS will do you right.
Specs: 1 user, Complete package, 2 GB, Intel Pentium 133 MHz, 64 MB, Mouse or compatible device, Intel Pentium, 133 MHz