[Yosemitest]

That sounds good, but what's the expected life span for Windows 7?
2 years at best before I have to lay out another $200 dollars for a new windows?
I don't mean to sound course, and I appreciate your time and your response, but really, how long can Windows 7 be expected to be around?

[antiRepublicrat]

Mainstream full Windows support is minimum five years after release, or two years after the release of the successor product. Microsoft offers extended support five more years, or two years after the second successor product. Security fixes are available to the public during this period. That means you will get at least security fixes for Windows 7 through minimum 2019.

Microsoft has problems, but their long-term support for systems is very good, far better than Apple.