To achieve high performance and stability with the lowest latency, you will want a clean and lean Windows install.

Eliminating as many background processes as you can will make a big difference in the stability and performance of your system. Look in the Task Manager application (Right-Click The TaskBar), and check the number of active processes. A standard Windows install can sometimes have 30 or 40 or more active processes while just sitting idle on the desktop. Do your best to eliminate some of the unnecessary ones to bring your active process count down to around 20. Utility programs like CCleaner or others that allow you to see and edit the auto startup programs can be extremely helpful.

Eliminate Virus Checkers and Internet Watchdog type applications. You may want to keep your SAC system clean and OFF the internet. Transfer updates and files using a USB stick or direct network connection.

Windows XP is still the suggested choice for a SAC system host, although with a little extra tweaking Windows 7 should work fine. Windows Vista is not recommended at all.