When it comes to PCs, procrastination isn't always a bad thing. Wait a while and you'll likely pay less for new technology and experience fewer problems. However, if you've been putting off your upgrade to Windows XP, you've waited long enough: The price has gone down (a little), and the biggest bugs have been squashed.

Of course, it isn't like you didn't have a reason to postpone the upgrade: Windows XP has its share of security and performance problems, although XP's Service Pack 1 addressed the most serious of these when it was released over a year ago. (Unfortunately, some people report a performance problem because of SP1; for more on this, read "A Big Microsoft Mess--Patches Gone Bad," Stuart J. Johnston's August 2003 Bugs and Fixes column.)

Microsoft claims that XP's Service Pack 2--due by mid-2004--will address many other bugs and security holes, but if you're already using Windows XP, you don't have to wait. Visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com to download the latest bug fixes, or click here to learn all about the patches scheduled for inclusion in Service Pack 2.

For all you folks still using Windows 2000, Me, 98, and even 95, it's time to consider updating to XP. (One big exception: A version of Windows 2000 updated with all available service packs and patches has many of the most important security and file-management features of Windows XP, though it leaves out XP's candy-coated interface.)

The easiest way to upgrade to XP is also the most expensive (of course): Buy a new PC with Windows XP preinstalled. On the other hand, what with the holiday season's assault on your bank account, it may make more sense to upgrade your current PC's OS. Before you go the XP route, however, make sure that your old PC has the hardware to handle it.