It works
I bought a copy of Vista 32-bit when I built me last PC (last Sept.) and had a nice quick and clean install. I never had any issues with it.
This summer I pre-ordered a copy of Win 7 Home for two reasons:
1) Vista had to much baggage and even Microsoft was going to be writing it off. Since I was going to be keping my PC for a while I might as well move up while the price is right.
2) Decided the time was right to go to 64-bit version (so Windows could see all 6 GB or RAM)
I did a nice clean install, which I must say was the quickest and easiest install ever. It found all of my drivers (except an old TV tuner card (which was old and cheap anyhow). No problems. Some of the ease-of use features are actually quite handy. No complaints.
Now....one of the reasons I had no complaints with Vista is that I had all new hardware when I intstalled it. Quad core Intel chip, lots of memory, good vid card.
When you buy a Mac, Apple limits your selection of hardware, and forces you to pay premium prices. They have a limited number of hardware they need to support so everything plays nice.
Windows has to deal with a vast number of components from various manufactures. They can be mixed and matched in a PC in many different ways and there is always a chance that you can come across some that don't lay nice together. It will happen. BUT you do benefit from being able to put a system togher for a lot less money than a Mac.
If you look at the price of a Mac, and build a PC from the top hardware vendors using high end components until you approximate the cost of a Mac, you will doubtless have a pretty kick-ass machine that will not have any problems with Windows.
...then again...there is a lot more software out there for Windows....and Microsoft cannot control what kiind of crap you choose to install, becuse you all install totally legally purchased software from only the top brand vendor, right?
Hey, both M$ and Apple make good OS products and each (rightly so) have their fans. But it remains that Apple users will likely have fewer issues because they are restricted to approved hardware, and are limited in software. If Windows users spent more on their hardware and were careful in what software they installed they would have an equally satisfying experience.