How fast Windows7 runs (especially when compared to WinXP) is relative to the hardware you're running it on.
Even Vista is not really any slower with decent hardware.
The only reason I keep an XP based system around is to run a few packages that won't run under Vista or Win7.
I have no problem with your perception of WinXP being much faster than Win7, but on higher end equipment that hasn't been my experience .
Windows XP might run faster than Windows 7 on an older machine but on a current model I would really don't there is much of a difference. I have a new ASUS laptop that boots Windows 7 in about 15 - 20 seconds. My XP system at works takes twice as long.
As for compatibility.
Windows 7 has a compatibility mode that is essentially a virtual PC that runs Windows XP. It works great... No need to keep XP around anymore unless it is for older games and even then it isn't always necessary.
As for linux as a desktop OS. Sure it is free, as long as your time is worth absolutely nothing. I have better things to do than to scour forums and read tech articles to get a computer to do anything.
