Yeah this subject again which is nothing more than personal opinion. So here is mine.
I use windows for 1 reason. flexibility. NOTHING is more flexible then windows and that is a fact. For example, I have a MUCH vaster array of software to choose from then either linux of mac. Free or pay. I can also choose what hardware I want, unlike mac. I can set up my windows machine in anyway I want, I can make it look like osx if I wanted to go backwards.
Anything you can do on any other system can be done on windows. And truth be told, just as well if a person knows what they are doing, just like any other system.
Virtually any game made can be used on windows. Oh yes I know virtual machines and parallels but then that is adding extra layers and thus reducing performance. I mean if I have to set up windows on parallels of a vm, then why not just use windows.
I have been doing a lot of work on 7. It is every bit as fast as xp. The profile copy software for transferring from an old pc to the new one works very well. It has AWESOME compatibility for older programs and if you have a particularly picky software, you can download the xp tool which takes care of that. It has been very stable and any issues are largely software issues.
7 has also added increased support for active directory. 7 can be installed in under 15 minutes from a usb drive and that is from start to fully usable.
In my opinion, holding out on xp is just being afraid to move on. XP offers nothing that 7 does not have.
7 is awesome, it even manages to be better than vista which contrary to what many like to think, is a very strong system. No it may not be as fast as xp but is bar for more stable. I am on vista right now on an old laptop that never has OS issues. If there is an issue, it is a program and even that is very rare.
The whole vista thing is like the synthetic oil is bad thing. Totally false.
Again, just my opinion just like everyone elses opinion. If someone wants to take issue, be my guest but you will have nothing but your own opinion. Mine works for me and my work very well. now if I irritate someone with this, hey that is awesome!
![Cheesy :D](http://forums.sohc4.net/Smileys/default/cheesy.gif)
At least I am talking from hands on use whereas many talk from what they have heard.
I work at a liberal arts college, we use windows, mac, solaris, and have a little linux floating around. So I get to play with a number of different set up.