Vista vs. XP, or Go for a Mac?

I really think my computer is dying. It's lived a full, long life, and I am finally ready to part with it. It's been upgraded from a WIN98se to a WIN XP pro twice, and now after three crashes, reformatting several times, buying a ton of components & extras and recently a new hard drive, I realized I could have bought another two computers! Ugh!

Anyway, this year I have been researching different brands of desktops and laptops, as my husband assured me that this tax return we could make an investment in that area- and I CANNOT wait!

Since I was in middle school, my parents, friends, and neighbors have asked me to help them with various computer issues, and frankly- I have no idea why I never went into some sort of fancy computer job. If I had to give a definitive answer to that at this exact second, it's because when you talk to me about RAM, I think you're talking about a Dodge truck. (Yeah, I'm a little bit of a tomboy.) It's the technical words and phrases that spin me in loops, so you can only imagine how it's been researching the next computer or laptop in our lives!

Thankfully, God gave me a husband who knows ALL of the computer technical terms and can help clarify all the differences.. but honestly, to be a fly on the wall at the electronics store would have you in stitches. No matter how many times he explains, I still don't get it!

So tell me readers, what type of a desktop do you own? What type of a laptop do you own? If it's a PC, do you really hate Vista as much as my mother? Which do you prefer, XP or Vista? Pro or Home? What's the difference? For those of you that have a Mac, why do you prefer it over a PC? Tell me more!

Background: We are not huge gamers. Our idea of an exciting game is Roller Coaster Tycoon.. Well, for my son and my husband. I personally only play on Pogo or BigFish. I do a lot of creating on my computer.. basic graphics, buttons, headers, signatures for message boards, personal photos, etc. I have never used my Adobe Photoshop, because my computer would crash if I installed it. I would love the ability (memory? disk space?) to do more. We do not download any movies or watch dvds or webisodes on our computer. I think that's basically it. Thanks in advance for your input, your advice is greatly appreciated!