I've used 98, me, 2k and xp pro.. for the "home" (or in other words dumb) computer user, ME is recommended over 98 (because of system restore and other safety features) XP has been my OS in use ever since i got it. One important note - if you do not tweak it like crazy, and do not maintain it on the regular basis, you will not be completely satisfied, but when maintained, it can be a joyous XPerience... 2k.. too much like 98 for me.. (ugly) and compatitbility sux.. no comment on speed between the os's as i haven't noticed any difference from OS, your maintenance procedures and HW determine speed.
