so I should just get something like
http://www.thelinuxshop.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=221&gclid=CPjzpr-3maoCFUwc4QodlE9Jyw
http://www.thelinuxshop.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=221&gclid=CPjzpr-3maoCFUwc4QodlE9Jyw
Any chance that you're a student currently enrolled in college? Microsoft offers some software, like Win7, at special reduced prices for students. Sorry, I've no idea of the details of the offer, but you can begin at the link, below. Maybe some other members with experience in this will add some better information.
http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows/default.aspx
Consider going for a less expensive Upgrade path to Win7. Of course, you'd need an OS like Vista or XP to upgrade from. Vista > Win7 is an easy upgrade. XP > Win7 doesn't always work well, use their Upgrade Advisor application to check for potential problems.
