I have 3 computers on windows 2000 and one on windows 2000 server. We like the program but set up is a major undertaking. If my brother was not a full time computer guy we would be screwed. I don't tink that we have had the trouble with crashes like we used to w/98 but its compatibility with alot of current software and hardware is a big problem. I use a digitizer for alot of my dirt work and I am having to do it at home because a driver is not yet available for it.So if your friend has any current application that he is using he better check if it is compatible,his hardware should not be a problem because Gateway should know what works,but if he is moveing anything like a CD read write from an exsisting computer it may not work. Lastly the computer I have at home used to be at my office it is a 233 dell w/64m of ram. It had 32 but I had to upgrade to handle 2000, and after getting our new computers I brought it home and tried to put 98 back on it,you'd have sworn it was a virus,I had to reinstall everything, drivers to whole bit. So if hes going to get it he better be ready to use it.