As someone who recently purchased a new PC, the last thought that crossed my mind was waiting for Windows Vista. I needed a simple and cheap work machine that was stable. WindowsXP Home was just fine with me, so I purchased the new PC about a month ago and it's been working just fine since. Of course I loaded on spyware catchers and virus protection as well as email spam blocking software. If a PC is protected very well, these issues are generally not a problem -- and at least for me, they have not been.

But after reading that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) may be giving heavy discounts to purchasers of new PCs this holiday season, or even coupons for free upgrades, I was intrigued. Perhaps I could receive a copy of Windows Vista for next to nothing or even for free? But then the sensible me woke up and said, "don't mess with something that works" -- and my new WindowsXP system works, and works fine. Why would I need a coupon for Windows Vista? Because I get hooked like many consumers by the word "free."

Is it in Microsoft's best interest to give heavy discounts to consumers and businesses buying PCs now for the newer and unreleased Windows Vista operating system? With Windows Vista having been delayed until well into the shopping season, Microsoft probably hopes to ensure consumers don't wait for newer PCs and slow down this holiday's sales at all -- which are typically the largest season for new PC sales, along with the back-to-school season. With HP, Dell and Gateway offering upgrades to Windows Vista for free based on recent purchases, this is a decision I'll have to make soon, along with many of you.