-> -> WC>The OEM CD does.

-> ->  The pripority Manfacturer Specific ones YES. They have treid to make
-> ->  things "Sailor Proof" for the "Typical"
Computer User.

-> I suspect they also want to discourage competition from Linux
-> as well, a losing battle with the newer releases
-> of Knoppix and "Point and Click Linux."

-> Why buy a brand new O.S. every couple of years at MS's whim
-> when you can upgrade for free?

Well it depends on what you have to do. LINUX despite their recent
advances is still several generations behind in compatability with the
Real World. Two examples are USB support for all hardware and suport for
WinModems. Althouhg progress is being made. Another area is digital
picture or Video manuplation. YES they have a program that comes close
but sometimes second best just dosen't cut it.
 Although for the simple things you and I may be doing it may work just
fine. IF you have the patience to FIGHT your way through an Install and
gettinbg al lthe Hardware to work right.
You have to Give Microsoft that one, WinXP is pretty close to
perfect with their Hardware compatability. OF course that is particaly
becaseu of theri "BIG STICK". you make your Hardware real compatable
with WinXP or forget the market as yuo will not make it.
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5