I want to build a desktop pc with Windows Vista,
Some important hardware I need, runs only with Windows XP,
but I need the benefit of Vista to run all the programs and hardware,
(one is a digital High Definition videocamera).

I have heard, I can set Vista to XP mode to run the older, non Vista software under Vista.

Is this true?
Can I set Vista in XP mode for a number of programs, and other
programs under Vista at the same time?
For example the digital HD camera (with no compression!) under Vista to benefit the duo-core, and my other hardware (#)under XP?

(#) I have a large computer controlled telescope, I must computer control up to 5 hardware components with 7 software programs.

Frisianstar, the Netherlands

HI frisiansta r
Well drivers for your hardware and software are not the same. Usually there is no problem to run 32 and 16 bit software on Vista 32bit, and 32 bit software on Vista 64 bit (unless your installer 16 bit), it not the same case with the hardware drivers. Please make a list of hardware and software you plan to run on your Vista, and we will try to find the drivers.

One of my programa is K3tools (camera control), their latest version ,out last february, is not ready for Vista.
Some hardware made by Optec ( electronic focus and filter control) is also not ready for Vista.
My guess is my new computer must be build around the XP OS.

Frisianstar

It is not a bad thing