In my opinion, windows 2000 professional is a far superior operating system to windows xp for the following reasons.

1. Superior compatibility. Yes, some versions of windows 2000 have problems running open gl. If you download all the updates, however, this problem should no longer exist. On the other hand, XP is incompatible with about 10% of software designed prior to its release. It's a disaster. If you're getting XP with a new system it's ok, but I highly recommend against installing it on an existing one, as you'll likely find at least one or two vital programs not working. Older versions of Adaptec CD Creator and Norton Antivirus were both a problem when I tried XP, but the problems were fixed when I installed 2000 pro instead.

2. Superior durability. Windows XP's anti-piracy system is a form of spyware. If you like to play around with your hardware configurations, a crack is the only way to go, which is something you shouldn't have to do. Windows XP does not, in my experience, crash any less frequently than 2000 Pro. The only thing they did, insofar as I can tell, is replace the blue screen of death with an automatic reboot, which is basically what you ended up doing anyway. Great.

3. Superior user interface. Windows XP has an interface similar to windows ME, which makes it more difficult to manipulate your own system configuration. If you're new to computers, XP may be the right choice, but I find it treats me like I don't know what I'm doing, giving me all sorts of obnoxious warning messages every time I want to manipulate my system files. With 2000 professional, you still get some of the garbage, but it's not nearly as bad.

4. Sending the right message to Microsoft. IMHO, Windows XP is the AOL of operating systems. It may be easier to use than 2000 Pro, but it lacks the power and flexibility other operating systems possess. 2000 Pro is the best work Microsoft has ever done, and while it still pales in comparison to Linux, it's a step in the right direction. Windows XP is a step in the wrong direction. The improvements were superficial and the system runs less efficiently than 2000 Pro.

I have extensive experience working under both of these operating systems, and both are perfectly workable. However, I find that getting 2000 Pro to do what you want it to do is easier than getting Windows XP to do so. It's like Windows XP is more stubborn - it tries to make you do it Microsoft's way. I don't like that, so I prefer Windows 2000 Professional Edition.

Cheers,

Arbiter