I'm running Vista, and think it's great - well worth the upgrade. Not worth it if you don't have a capable machine though!
Also, a wireless access point is.. (Definition from Wikipedia!) :
A wireless access point (WAP or AP) is a device that "connects" wireless communication devices together to create a wireless network. The WAP is usually connected to a wired network, and can relay data between devices on each side. Many WAPs can be connected together to create a larger network that allows "roaming". In contrast, a network where the client devices manage themselves is called an ad-hoc network.