Tony,
People's experience with various Windows operating systems is different because each uses their PC in different ways and have different computing needs. Windows has for years had problems that were never resolved until a new OS was released with it's own set of problems. For years I ran three or four PCs at my house and every year at least one of them had to be reformatted and the the OS plus all the user files reloaded - a real pain in the ass. That is why I now run only Macs and have Windows running on one of them so I can run two program that run only on windows.

As for buying new software - it is a given that about every 5 years Windows makes obsolete things like "office" which forces you to buy new software - nice marketing ploy.

Make no mistake about it, if you must upgrade a Windows OS the new Windows 7 will be your best bet - even if you have to replace some of your software. Another issue that has driven people nuts is really old excel or Word files are not compatible with the newer software - go figure.

Anyway, good luck. I made my living for decades supporting very large Corp networks and teaching high-end router courses, mostly Cisco and Novell, and it I can tell you your problem is an on-going thing that still exists.

Good luck with your choice.

Deane