The release of Windows Vista is quickly approaching. If you've checked out projected prices, a decent upgrade from your current XP installation to a good version of Vista will start at about $200.

I have no qualms against Vista. I think it'll be a decent, stable, enjoyable operating system. I like XP, and was really glad to move out of the Windows 98 age (even if I was slower to move than many).

I would encourage you to look at the costs of upgrading your current system to Vista (including necessary hardware upgrades, such as adding a new video card or supplying your system with more RAM) and decide whether it's best to go through all that hassle, or merely buy a new, decent, inexpensive computer and hand off your Windows XP or Windows 2000 computer to family, friends, or charity.