Best OS for Maya 2009?

[stwert_1]

Hi everyone,
This question has probably been discussed a fair bit, but I didn't really find what I was looking for in the forums yet.
I'm looking to buy a new computer mainly for using Maya, but possibly mudbox and some video editing/effects type stuff.

What, in your opinion and why, is the best OS for a solid maya workflow? I don't want any OS bashing, just some logical arguments for or against.

From what I know/have heard:

I like Linux, and I'd be happy to use it, but I don't want to mess around with a huge number of configuration and driver issues to get it working consistently. If you like Linux, what distribution works best for maya? (eg fedora, ubuntu, kubuntu?)

I was considering buying a Mac Pro for the overall stability, design and power, but as I understand it, the graphics options are underwhelming. Also if I used Mac OS X, Maya is only available as a 32-bit edition, which causes limitations in its ability to fully utilize the hardware? Is Autodesk still planning on putting out a 64-bit edition, and if so, when?

I'm not really a fan of Windows, but if you think it's the best option, 64-bit XP, Vista, what?

Right now I'm leaning towards putting together my own PC over a Mac Pro, but that's probably a separate question...
Thanks for your input!
(Hey cool, I can add a poll)

[Anonymous]

I think better than fedora,could be use CentOS 4.7 , that is more stable,and quite similar to Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

[Anonymous]

I think better than fedora,could be use CentOS 4.7 , that is more stable,and quite similar to Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

I too am looking at using Centos 4.7. Mainly because its free, very very similar to Red Hat and I will be using several IBM Blades.
Im glad that someone else has suggested this.

Is anyone here actually using Centos 4.7 for either a workstation or render machine?
Would love to hear about it if so.

Hope you find the best, and most suitable, operating system for you needs!

Thanks!