It's hard to let go of your well loved programs especially when you're fond of using Windows XP, and saying goodbye is a lot harder considering the huge tasks of backing up all your files, and the dwindling product, life cycle support ending and as well migrating to a new operating system.
I'll share to you a must have operating system, software programs needed for your computing device whether you're a laptop, netbook, notebook and desktop person.

1. Windows 7 - the latest operating system from Microsoft replacing the buggy Windows Vista.
2. Office 2007 - productivity suite includes MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
3. ESET Smart Security 4 - packaged with antivirus, firewall, spyware, and antispam.
4. Winzip/WinRar - file compressor and decompressor for sending huge files over the Internet and or other media transmission.
5. Adobe Reader - reading ebooks and pdf formats and related extensions over the web.
6. Adobe CS4 Photoshop - photography tools for retouching images.
7. Registry  Mechanic 9 - windows registry cleaner from PC tools, removes software settings residue left from uninstalled programs - what more, it can speed up booting and startup process of windows.
8. USB Disk Security - usb disk protection from Zbshareware prevents virus from spreading via usb disks and other removable media, compatible with antivirus.
9. VLC Media Player - cross platform open source multimedia player, plays all types movie, audio formats, no need for additional codecs.
10. Acronis True Image Home 2010 - backup and software recovery solution - recover files, settings, applications in the event of disaster.