To be very honest...you are not the only one thinking this way....and once you are bold enough (it actually does not even take a big amount of it) you may want to discover Linux and find out how fast and reliable this system is. I use SuSe Linux 8.0 pro, fast, easy, fully loaded with all required software for office use, graphics etc...and...it can run almost all progies written for Windows, this by just adding one simple program.
Most software and help is available free of charge, no Outlook worms or viruses....it is simply amazing.
And the best....even a P1-200MMX runs at lightning speed compared to the monsters required for todays Billyboys spyware.