[Mind-numbed Robot]

I have a Mac G4 running Virtual PC with Windows 98, MS Office, and a bunch of other PC software, as well as OS 9.2.1 and OS 10.1, with Apple Works, etc. As far as future video presentations and other high quality graphics, Maceman could not beat a Mac. He should consider that. With my configuiration I can run everything he can plus tons more and do it all easier.

[CheneyChick]

Well, as the saying goes, 'you can lead a horse to water....'

The new Apple stores are the best place to discover Macs. No pressure sales, all hands-on, lots of 3rd party peripherals, software titles, etc. You can try everything out before buying. I think once people have a chance to really try out a Mac - it will be a no-brainer. Don't know why people fight it..... Mac users are the most brand loyal computer users around.

[Mr. Thorne]

It's not even the hard/soft ware MNR, it's the people. We just got done dealing with a client (banker type) who freaked out when she couldn't open our supposedly cross-platform file.

Turns out she didn't realize that you have to download files (attached to e-mails) to the hard drive of your computer before opening them becomes an option.

[FastCoyote]

Use XP if you are (rich and can afford IT help)/(never reformat your hard drive)/ (use only a few programs like MSOffice)/(are not a computer wiz). XP I'm sure is superior to the other Microsoft OSs, but you will be assimilated.
If you are a bit more advanced user, it's likely that you will thrash your system at least once every six months, more if you are like me, and need to reinstall. Constantly reformatting? blown software installs? etc? I'd go 2000. Win98 SE isn't too bad, you can usually recover from the screwups long enough to get your data. WinMe bites the big enchilada, complete unprofessional trash.
I'm starting to slowly migrate server stuff to Linux myself, probably a dual universe in my future (and my clients).