Even with Windows Vista on the way, there are plenty of reasons to stick with Windows XP. In my latest showcase, Sticking with Windows XP, I examine applications that duplicate the best functionality Vista has to offer. Say what you will about Internet Explorer--I certainly have--but version 7 is not just the best IE version yet, it's also a credible challenger to the current Web browser champion, Mozilla Firefox. Best of all, Internet Explorer 7 is available for XP as well, though it loses two key Vista features, IE Protected Mode and parental controls integration. It's still worth it: IE 7 is more capable and more secure than its predecessor. Even if you're not going to use IE regularly, upgrade IE 6 to IE 7 as soon as possible.

Paul Thurrott Windows SuperSite