The next version of an OS should always be better. Microsoft had two major exceptions: Windows ME and Windows Vista. Windows 7 is better, as one would normally expect a new OS version to be.
I had the misfortune to have a machine running ME - the BSOD was a regular on that one, but I also own Windows Media Center 2005 - an XP variant that works almost as well as regular XP except for...
“Here is an (unofficial) list of software and hardware we have found to be unsupported in XP Media Center:
• Digidesign Pro Tools (all versions).
• All M-Audio software and hardware.
• All Steinberg software.
• Cakewalk SONAR (all versions).
• The iLok.
• Syncrosoft USB dongles.
• Focusrite interfaces.
• Lexicon Omega/Alpha/Lambda.
• Edirol interfaces.
• Alesis USB and Firewire mixers.
• All MOTU hardware and software.
• All E-MU hardware and software.
• Native Instruments software.
• Waves software.
• Mackie Spike. Tracktion has been known to work, but is not guaranteed.
• Novation X-Station series.
• TC Eletric PowerCore series.
• Universal Audio UAD-1 cards.
• All RME hardware.
• All PreSonus hardware.
• All TASCAM software and hardware.
• Blue Snowball and Samson C01 USB Microphones.
• Line 6 USB hardware and drivers
Keep in mind that this is an unofficial list. These are simply products that we have found, through our experience and through manufacturer requirements, to not function properly in XP Media Center. However, you may experience full functionality with any of the aforementioned products.”
http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/ts/detail.php?Index=30163
Of course, I've found that some of the products on that list will work when they feel like it and then quit when the moon changes, & had I not found this page from Sweetwater I never would have know the root of the problem as Microsoft never said a word about any of this afik.