Many have commented on loss of Windows XP, others on use of Linux. FYI a search on Google reveals Windows 8 could be released as early as May 2012, although Microsoft hopes to have it for sure by October. There are many links to be found by searching for Windows 8 release date, and some have teasers of what could be included, such as Internet Explorer 9 or 10, touch screen, an AP store, the ability to run Windows 8 from a USB (called Live USB) Personally I prefer a Linux distribution, Ubuntu. It is as Jan said, free. It is frequently updated and if you really want to use a Windows program, the Linux program "WINE" (wine is not an emulator) is a free download and will let you run many Windows programs inside the Ubuntu and other distributions. For what its worth, I hold classes for my elder associates and with Wine I don't have to restart my computer to switch from whichever Windows program we are studying to its Linux/Ubuntu equivalent. I also use GRAMPS, a Linux genealogy program and have for over 6 years. The Ubuntu distribution is, I have read, the Linux distribution that is closest to Windows. Of interest also is that the Ubuntu distribution and some other Linux distros can be run entirely from a CD or USB flash drive without making changes to any other operating system on the computer. Yes, the Linux operating system may take some "getting use to" but for those on limited income (like me) and the adventurous, it is well worth the time to learn. I am in no way associated with any Linux development team or company, nor have I any interest other than helping others to enjoy something other than Windows. Jim Alexander