I am confirming that the problem stated at topic http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_forum&Itemid=172&page=viewtopic&t=4511 [sidefx.com] is present in Houdini Apprentice 8.0.474, which makes it really difficult to do the tutorials as in case of my graphics card (ATI Radeon M9000) drivers, Windows (XP Professional SP2) hangs as well (the artifacts in other windows will be shown). It seems to have this case when I move help browser window close to screen or Houdini edges.

Which video driver version? I've also heard of reports of ATI cards working better with the omega drivers as well. However, since you're on a laptop, I'm not sure what your options are. Look in the video driver settings and see if you can set its application to Houdini.

Yes, the video drivers can be a problem. However, as it is laptop, the drivers are manufacturer specific and ATI-s own drivers do not let themselves to be installed.