I have been on computers since before they became a household idem (I use to write my own programs for my work) and yes I still like the XP better then all the windows programs since then. I use the free program "CCleaner" to keep mine running almost like new. There are a lot of free programs out there that will help you keep it clean and running well. Maybe not as fast as the newer computers but better then then being forced to buy something you don't want.
The only problem with keeping the XP that I see coming up is that most all websites will be forced to update their sites to accommodate the newer systems and not keep the programs that use XP so that will leave us XP people left out of the picture because they won't support our version of windows any longer. It will take some time for them to do this but believe me, it is coming. Just as it has in the past.
I will personally keep my XP because like some have mentioned, my programs are not supported on the newer machines and a lot of money was spent on them. I don't have the money to invest in new programs either. I have several programs that cost as much as $2,000 (no that's not a typing error) and I would much rather invest that money in sewing or quilting then buying the updated versions of those programs.
So I would suggest to anyone that has the XP comtuer to have someone that is NOT related to a store look at it and try cleaning it up. At least you will still be able to run your old programs. You may have to buy a cheaper computer to get around on the net and that might be ok for some. But you can always down load stuff on the newer one and transfer it to the XP and work on that when you are not on the net. That's my plan, because I still think XP is the best one out there.
oh yea, in case you are wandering, I do have a Windows7 but I hate it and I have tried putting my programs on it and they just don't work right. It is a pain in the butt to access the computer the way I like to, which is more in depth them most people do. They try to hide the files from you and only let you access what they want and that is a bust for me. Yes I could spend tons of time learning their newer way of getting to the files but I rather spend that time doing something constructive and not re-inventing the wheel sort of speak.
Ok I'm off the podium.