John you do not have to use the OS that comes with a PC you can aquire a licence and install XP yourself or use the XP o/s from an old pc. There are plenty around. It can work out cheaper if you do not have an OS installed and put in your own. I would look for a purpose built PC as a first option. Buying a standared spec PC you pay for things both hardware and software you do not need or will not use and usually have to compromise on a machine with the bog standard sound card installed that comes with even the top spec off the shelf machine. You can get a good soundcard put in a purpose built PC and also specify exactly what is to be and is not to be installed. You only pay for the components and build. It works out cheaper and you get exactly what you want built to your own specs.

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