The 811493 hotfix has been determined to slow down preformance of FS correct? When I update my system (new build) do I want to get XP with SP1 or just XP?NP

No, they have fixed it now, its fine, you dont gotta worry.

So I can buy the XP with the SP1 or just XP and do the windows update and download and install the SP along with the hotfix 811493?NP

Doesnt really matter, I would buy it with just XP, and do the updates yourself, but its up to you really.

One reason to get XP without SP1, is the elimination of Virtual Machine from XP SP1. The court settlement caused Microsoft to pull Virtual Machine (Java) from XP. If you have the XP with VM, you can still download the updates to VM. Otherwise, you will need to search the web for VM or install Sun's Java.W. Sieffert