simple programs can achieve this in XP and without all of vistas bloatware/DRM/lack of driver support sorry to say if you bought Vista for the pretty you got scammed
I've honestly never used any other OS than Windows (95/ME/XP) personally, but I'd like to look into what other OS's have to offer. It sounds pretty interesting so far but I'm kind of intimidated by it as well o_o
windows xp for now. i've had my comp for forever though. the rents are talking about buying me a new one when my sister leaves for college.