The Bottom Line: Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 16 GB, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, 1 GB

The Bottom Line: Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 16 GB, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, 1 GB

The Bottom Line: Windows 7 is more than what Vista should have been, it's where Microsoft needed to go. How much damage Vista did and whether Windows 7 is enough for people to finally abandon Windows XP are questions that nobody has the answers to right now.

Specs: 1 PC, Complete package, 16 GB, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, 1 GB

The Bottom Line: The grace of Leopard's interface enhancements makes productivity more pleasurable with a Mac, as more than 300 functional and fun features top off this update.

Specs: 1 user, 10.5.6, Complete package, DVD-ROM, 512 MB

The Bottom Line: Though its new user features have mixed appeal, Tiger's technological changes and speed improvements make this an enticing upgrade, especially for those who passed on Panther.

Specs: 1 user, 10.4.6, Complete package, 3 GB, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, DVD-ROM, 256 MB

The Bottom Line: Though its new user features have mixed appeal, Tiger's technological changes and speed improvements make this an enticing upgrade, especially for those who passed on Panther.

Specs: 5 users, 10.4.6, Complete package, 3 GB, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, DVD-ROM, 256 MB

The Bottom Line: 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, 32 MB video memory, Sound card, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, DVD-ROM, Internet connection, 512 MB

The Bottom Line: 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, Sound card, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, DVD-ROM, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, 1 GB

The Bottom Line: 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, Sound card, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, DVD-ROM, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, 1 GB

The Bottom Line: 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, Sound card, DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card, DVD-ROM, 128 MB video memory, Internet connection, 1 GB