Re: cost of Windows 2000 pro.
I worked as a systems integrator for the better part of last year, so I'd like to chime in on this subject.
If you want to order an OEM copy of Windows 2000 Professional, guess how much it will cost? Answer: more than it will cost for an OEM copy of Windows XP Professional. No shit.
For that matter, we can order Windws 98 Second Edition new too. Guess how much THAT costs? More than it costs for Windows XP Home.
The only way it's going to be cheaper is if you're going to buy a used copy off somebody. Which I guess isn't that bad of a plan, but I don't see a lot of people selling their copies of Windows 2000 on the used market.