Thank you Mac - an excellent and realistic assessment of how it is, and how it might be.
I've installed dual boot options for Linux for online work on three of my XP machines which need XP for essential if occasional work in applications where there are no post XP or Linux alternatives.
I've got to admit that Ubuntu has come a long way since I last installed it, and Linux Mint is very attractive (thanks to those who suggested it). However both installations required me to switch to geek mode to complete the process. This is potentially a barrier to the computer illiterate masses who might be advised to go the Linux way.
Interesting times.