Yes, this is a python question, and a serious one at that (moving to Win XP)

[kdahlhaus at yahoo.com]

Hmm.  I'm not sure what bothered you about cygwin, but if it has been
awhile it's worth another look.  For me it makes windows tolerable, and
even productive.

I'm scared more by your thoughts of transitioning from OS-X to windows.
  I've seen a bit of OS-X and am slowly be warmed up to it as an option
for my next machine by some folks here.   What is causing you problems
with it ( enough to swtich to windows-wow.)?