okay you Mac freaks. getting a mac is NOT an option, i just bought a windows machine!
not to mention the cost of buying a mac, i'd also have to buy all new software which i really DO NOT want to do.. but thanks for thinking of me.

I think i'm going to XP.

I have unix at work, so i am already used to working with it; but i'm not sure an XP emulator is going to be as nice as what i have at work and that isn't so great either.
thank you all; you have convinced me. My new computer has 1 Gig of memory and it is BARELY enough for vista. Maybe new apps are going to need vista, but i don't need new apps. I have microsoft office, paintshop pro and firefox.
I have a few small app's like the gizmo that downloads pictures from my cellphone, but I don't do games at all. thanks very much, you helped me make a decision.