As of June 30, 2008 Windows XP will no longer be sold retail, but will still be available through OEM retailers (such as Dell, HP, and Gateway) with new computers only.  However, in 2009, Windows XP will no longer be available for purchase, though support and updates will be available until 2014.  The Windows XP recommendations below will serve as a guide should you chose to buy XP.  The computer services department recommends selecting Windows Vista when purchasing a new computer in the interests of compatibility with future software.  However, Windows XP is certainly an acceptable option. 

Windows XP Recommendations

Basic Recommendations	Preferred Recommendations
Windows XP Home Edition	Windows XP Professional Edition
At least 512 MB of RAM	1 GB of Ram
At least 40 GB SATA Hard Drive	At least 80 GB SATA Hard Drive
A Pentium class Processor with at last 2.0 GHz	Pentium Class Processor with 3.0 GHz
Built-in wireless capabilities (802./11b/g, 54 Mbps) (For laptops only)	Built-in wireless capabilities (802./11b/g, 54 Mbps) (For laptops only)
A CD-RW Drive	DVD-RW/ CD-RW Combo Drive
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student*	Microsoft Office 2007 Professional*
A 3 year warranty	A 4 year warranty
A floppy drive is optional	Internal floppy drive

Windows Vista Recommendations 

Basic Recommendations	Preferred Recommendations
Windows Vista Home Basic	Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate
At least 1.5 GB of RAM	At least 2.0 GB of Ram
At least 60 GB SATA Hard Drive	100 GB SATA Hard Drive
1.5 GHz Single Core Processor	1.5 GHz (Per Core) Dual Core Processor
Built-in wireless capabilities (802./11b/g, 54 Mbps) (For laptops only)	Built-in wireless capabilities (802./11b/g, 54 Mbps) (For laptops only)
A DVD-ROM Drive	DVD-RW/ CD-RW Combo Drive
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student*	Microsoft Office 2007 Professional*
A 3 year warranty	A 4 year warranty
A floppy drive is optional	Internal floppy drive

  *Office 2007 Home and Student is recommended because it is the only Microsoft Office version currently being sold by retailers.  It should be noted that Core Computer course at the Collge of Mount Saint Vincent (CMPT 114) uses Office 2003.  All the same functionality is available, but the interface is somewhat different.

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