There is not really. If running off a USB stick, forget CEP2. I just wasted another day getting the latest nightly build of 3.50.27 kernel [with supposed latest scheduling improvements] Ubuntu onto a 3.0 64 GB stick and CEP2 was still suffering the molasses effect [The stick got hot would you believe, fearing for longevity of this not cheap solution]. The BOINC data dir on a spinner or an SSD works better, Ramdrive optimal. Windows 7 actually beats Linux hands down for this science [on my dual boot quad and octo].

For the GPU and any intend to crunch with it [HCC], make sure to visit the GPU Help section for the list of banned cards [and more will be added without little doubt].

Go for the 64 bits of course... it adds speed, though except for the VINA sciences, all are 32 bits.

I too have found Windows faster but only when using the 64bit applications and Win7. I normally load 64bit Win7 Ultimate on my machines but due to the extensive updates coming out I may switch that to Ubuntu, the Long Term version, and just let it crunch on those machines that are too old to run 64bit Windows on. Ubuntu loads fast, easy and once you get the hang of it even loading Boinc is easy. I am NOT a Linux guy, but can get a Linux machine up and running in under an hour while Windows is still updating at that point! Linux LOADS fast while loading Windows, from a dvd, is s-l-o-w! Loading Windows from a usb stick is ALOT faster, but of course older machines don't always have that option! To put Windows on a usb stick, just format the stick, making it bootable, and then copy the Windows dvd onto it. I have also found it takes an 8GB stick to handle Win7 as the usb stick has some overhead that makes it JUST short when using a 4GB stick.

EricGagne, If you use the 4350, it can be used at a few other projects still. Collatz, Moo!, and PrimeGrid can use it. Granted there aren't many here who seem too positive on Math projects or point collectors, but you can still use it. I have a 4350 that still supports those projects. I'm doubting the GeForce 6 series integrated will work at all. I do not believe it meets necessary compute requirements.

Edit: You mention a starter license, so I will assume that is for Win 7. If it for some other version of Windows, ATI/AMD and nVidia are dropping XP support.