I switched from 98 which was absolutely falling apart with the music software even right after a format and reload of the operating system. It was VERY unstable running Cakewalk SONAR. I got fed up last night and loaded Windows XP Pro into the thing (had a free copy sitting around that was given to me for attending a Micro$oft convention). I can honestly say that my system is running faster and definitly seems more stable....so far.