[EIDXA] computer perspective from active DXers please

[David J. Schmocker]

Everyone:
My current Windows XP Pro computer is on its death bed.  This is a 
computer I use a lot (several hours daily) in my ham radio, and other 
applications.  As I contemplate replacement options, I seek your 
input.   Options include replacing just the current motherboard, 
processor, and video accelerator card or scrap it all and start new.  (I 
welcome hardware recommendations)

The problem with new is most computers come with Vista which I have been 
cautioned is incompatible with much current software.  
Please tell me your experiences with Vista (which version do you run) 
and how it plays with the specific applications I want to run (below).

I need to run the below applications on the new computer and I own a 
legal, licensed, purchased Windows XP Pro license which I could either 
transfer onto a rebuilt computer or if architecture I buy still is 
compatible with XP Pro.  (Does XP Pro support dual core processors or 
64-bit architecture?)  Depending what hardware I buy, I may be forced to 
transition to Vista (but I would prefer to stay with XP Pro if possible).  

_applications to run on the new computer_ (in order of priority)         
1)    remote desktop (as in Windows XP) accessible via web for remote 
computer control over IP (internet)
2)    DX4WIN        
3)    WSJT  
4)    dual-monitor support (through video driver card and OS)       
5)    Logbook of The World  (LoTW)      
6)    T QSL, (for LoTW)
7)    Microsoft Office (or some variant such as OpenOffice)
8)    Canon digital photo
9)    standard e-mail client such as Thunderbird
10)    standard web browser such as Firefox
11)    Nova for Windows

thanks for your input!

73,

Dave KJ9I

P.S. any Mac users out there?  Is there a way to do "remote desktop" 
into a Mac via the internet?    Maybe it's time to consider a Mac with 
DogPark MacLogger, etc.  instead?