I bought Windows XP this October. It stood up to my expectations. The Start menu is looking attractive. The whole desktop looks neat. The computer works faster.And what else do you need. The Only problem is Virus threat. I have heard from people that hackers love Windows XP and exploit it.
It has a in-built firewall which I believe is doing its job because it has no user interface. You cannot change any options of working of firewall. It is far better than other versions of Windows XP. In fact it is the best operating system right now.
Comparing with Windows 98 my videos play better in Windows XP.Programs open faster and I have become more and more addictive towards my computer.In fact now you can ask questions about Windows XP to other users on the net or ask for an assistance from Microsoft.You also have dozens of Windows games apart from Solitaire, Freecell. You also have Spider Solitaire and Pinball
Windows XP is the best OS in the market for now atleast