^Windows XP is supported until 2014. August 2014 I believe. It will be the longest running OS in history (and the most stable). Windows XP was by FAR the best OS ever created. Unfortunately due to lack of development in the last 7 years (since 2005), it's obsolete. Windows 7 is an excellent replacement, but I still think development of Windows XP should have continued. Hell, they even have a 64 bit version which can conceivably support up to 128GB of RAM. It will be at least another decade until "standard" computers come with that much RAM.
The implementation of Windows 8 is a disaster. Microsoft realizes this now and wants to give users different UI options, which they should have included at launch. A full screen app store that's constantly shoved in your face is NOT something most users want. I'd be content with no app store, but if there has to be one, just add a link to it in the Start Menu.
