microsoft window XP sp1 /sp2.....which is best recommended for gaming & watching in high quality graphics?
483493
sp2 is for home use too ... some programs or sites require it
65588
I tried Windows Vista.  I think it is better to wait for a sp to install vista. Most improvements made on Vista were on the Interface (how it looks) rather than features and stability.  Therefore I think I will stick to Windows XP.  You can also get the nice vista theme on XP using programs such as WindowBlinds 5 without slowing down your computer.  The biggest problem of Vista is compatibility problems.
855748
I searched ...I couldn't find...any idea about the make...then you can search...winXp normally finds its own drivers for most of the video & audio
772349
You get Windows XP !!!
151035
I use Ultra VNC.\nPoor mans version of PC Anywhere (it's free in most cases, and just as powerful).
1155095
nVIDIA nFORCE i guess is best \n\nhttp://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_nforce.html
20120
I have to go with Windows XP Pro.  For a comparison of Pro and Home Editions and why you should go with Pro see the article below.  And, I don't think you will be able to find a retail version without SP2.  SP2 is fine, it is more stable and has better security features.  I noticed no decrease in speed but then I don't use any of Microsoft's tools either.
426563
Definitely make sure you get one with a TON of RAM and a killer video card.  You'll also want to make sure that you have a super fast processor.  Maybe even one of those dual core ones they have out now.  We sometimes play WoW on the laptop via an external HD, but only because the laptop happens to be an older model, and installing it directly seems to slow the refresh rate down a bit.  Right now we've got a pretty slick setup involving RAID on SATA drives which optimizes game and PC performance.  Email me for more information.  At any rate, the external - that might be an option for you to consider as well, if money is an issue.
831070
Just get Windows XP, it is sooo much better
295071
I rather use Windows XP ( Green Theme). I like green one more.\n\nOnce I have used window blids but now I have stopped using to bost performance.
689168
Stick to lp and sp. Ep will start to give artifacts, especially in high information scenes like lots of action and a lotta objects in the scene.\n\nAlso is dependent on screen size. A bigger screen will reveal flaws a smaller screen will hide. As you see there are a lotta variables that affect the answer to your question.
786973
When you say "suitable for gaming", what type of games are you looking at playing?  The really high-end first-person titles like Half-Life 2, Fear, Everquest II etc probably have hardware requirements that far exceed what you've got.   \n\nMost of the high-end gaming cards that offer dual outputs are PCI-Express these days (rather than AGP) and generally have dual-DVI.  The most common configuration is still one VGA and one DVI output port, and you can use a $5 adapter.\n\nThere are a number of older AGP cards that have dual VGA outputs like the GeForce 5200 and ATI Radeon 7000 series, but those aren't fast enough for the newest games.   However, they will handle games like StarCraft, the Sims, and watching photos & video clips just fine.  That might be a good choice for what you're doing.
702255
It is a bit slower than X300 in the following but should be  fine for general use (including Photoshop and home movie editing). It will run latest games but some slowly or using lower monitor size settings like 800 x 600.\n\nhttp://www.digital-daily.com/video/vgapcie_roundup_q306\n\nPerformance will also depend on CPU speed and sometimes memory size.
14136
I'm currently using one similar to below.  Love it to death.\n\nIf you go with LCD, be sure to use the DVI connection and not analog.  Makes a HUGH difference in quality, especially in movies and games.
249057
Windows XP with Serivce Pack 2 is best !
262076
windows xp professional with sp2 for small office or a home user for work use windows 2003 ... don't use xp media center or home edition it has problems ... windows 2000 pro is slower than xp
1031868
For AGP your best bet is a Radeon 6800 graphics card. Buy a GT if you can afford it. You have choices of 128mb or 256mb. Choose what you can afford but I believe a 128mb GT is better than a standard 256mb.\n\nThere are websites that will do detailed comparisons giving you statistics from playing the latest games on them. Google "graphics comparison statistics" and see what you find.\n\nAs for your other PC I wouldn't bother spending any money upgrading it, if all you do is Internet and photo editing then your current graphics will be fine and who needs great sound on a PC?