[DallasMike]

You should put XP back on your list. If you have a really good reason for not using XP (and I would like to hear the reason if you do), go for Windows 2000. Unless this a 4-year old second-hand machine that you're getting, do not put on Windows 98 or Windows ME. Don't even think about it.

I love Linux and have used it for years, but it's still mostly for power users and tweakers. It might be a good choice for the general public in 3 or 4 more years.

If this is a new machine that you're buying and you have to make some trade-offs, go for a faster hard drive (7,200 RPM) and lots of fast memory rather than a more powerful processor.

FWIW in terms of credibility, I write software for a living. Big ol' databases that eat memory and hard disk space like Rosie O'Donnell eats Twinkies.

[Tailback]

I think my situation would be a pretty good reason NOT to go with XP. Otherwise XP would probably be the best bet.