That's the funny thing - my #1 priority depends on where I'm at: At home, that would be a machine that runs with a minimum of fuss and care, one that can go for years once I set it up. I have zero problems with compatibility... my Linux server handles the backups automatically frm all machines (Bacula), the missus can save things wirelessly to her Windows-based network drive (Samba), and thanks to NFS, I have faster transfer rates to that same share (as well as others)... from the Mac. She uses XP because she actually likes using it. No biggie, though I keep her laptop backed up weekly for that reason. At work, priority #1 is uptime and availability, which is why Linux is on all but two servers that I care for (I have quie a few racks stuffed with these). Close behind that is efficiency - if my codemonkeys couldn't get to what they need in a no-fuss rapid way (SVN code repositories, home directories, common build libs, etc), I would have problems. Sharing the #2 slot is compatibility - we use (and have) clients with Linux (various distros), XP, and OSX. Oh, and all those hardware devices that we build (down to the chips themselves), code for, and test. It's only Gates' fault if you let it be Gates' fault. My Mac has VirtualPC with an old Win2k install on it for the one-or-two proggies that have no equivalent elsewhere (mostly because they aren't being maintained anymore). That instance has zero networking in it, and I'll probably relcaim the space here pretty soon. /P