As above - windows is usually backwards compatiable - depends what applications your programs were developed in (if its Microsoft then its usually a breeze). Why dont you upgrade to windows 7 - why 8 ?

I am windows xp, whatever that is

Problem can come from upgrading 32bit software to a 64bit version of Windows though...

Can I just keep what I have Bob? I am quite happy plodding along as I do :-)

Vista lacks support if you are Left-Handed! Some mice work, but the MS Mouse does not! - Unless you buy a new one, of course!

Windows XP is the old operating system, windows 8 is what you want to migrate to, windows 7 is in between.

Personally if you have a spare laptop, with XP, i would migrate all your client forms, details etc onto there

Please remember to take backup of your hard drive before you upgrade (i assume you do take backups)

Is that any sort of question to ask a lady???

You can do, but if you upgrade your laptop, chances are it'll be 64bit and if the laptop is as old to have XP on it, chances are you don't really want to be upgrading the OS.

It is a good idea to backup all your data though, because it'll make it easier to get squared away if things do go funky.

Might want to look at https://www.dropbox.com/ as you can sync the info as you go along, which is handy as you can then check it out on another device if your'e on the move without your laptop.