The posts about Java are right on the money.

It is my experience that whatever PC you buy or have now that has an MS OS as its OEM, don't upgrade it more than one level unless you're buying mid-OS release, in which case, look to buy those PCs that say they are pre-approved for the OS upgrade.

Wi*** to Win98 is okay.
Wi*** to Win98 to Win2K is not okay (unless pre-approved to Win98).

Win98 to Win2K is okay.
Win98 to Win2K to WinXP is not okay (unless pre-approved to Win2K).

Win2K to WinXP is okay.
Win2K to WinXP to Win$$ is not okay (unless pre-approved to WinXP).

Get the idea?

Don't overtax your PC's OEM config with multi-generation upgrades. Get over the idea that PCs are eternally upgradeable. They are not. Not yet.