<p>Our daughter will be in the business school and they recommend Windows XP. However, shopping around for new laptops, most come pre-loaded with the new Vista operating system. Other posters on this forum say Vista won't work at USC. Is Vista absolutely to be avoided? It really limits our choices in new computers.</p>
<p>while the IT dept says they are working to have the campus systems work with VISTA for Fall07 they are not guaranteeing anything.You can read what they say on the USC IT website.They are still recommending a Dell with Windows XP.
I guess you could take a chance and get a Vista only system but you would be taking a chance.If their implementation is delayed I guess your child could use the schools computer labs until they get everything straightened out.
This is a problem at many universities,USC is not alone.</p>
<p>Son is an incoming freshman computer engineering major. He had very specific ideas about what he wanted in a computer system, and we did get Vista, since USC is working toward implementation of Vista. Since USC students are not required to have a computer, he actually opted for a desktop, since it would be a more powerful system. He is bringing an older laptop with WindowsXP on it, and also talked about using the computer labs if needed until the upgrade is complete. Cathymee is right, this is a problem everywhere - many stores are only carrying limited models of computers with XP.</p>
<p>Thanks for your responses. Looks like it will be XP to begin. That narrows my choices.</p>
<p>Any opinions on Mac? Thanks.</p>