Changing Vista to XP

I needed a laptop so I waited in line on Black Friday to get a good deal on one. Found the one I liked and snatched it up. It fits snuggling in my car consul. BUT, I found that all the existing programs I own, will not work on Vista! neither will my printer (spent 2 hours, down loaded new drivers, etc). SO I decided to switch to XP. Took my new laptop to my local computer wizzard, and found I was third or fourth in line to switch to XP!. My computer was easy, the video driver was available, but some of the others may not function as well. Seems no one likes it. As of March next year, Microsoft is no longer supporting XP!
I guess my choices are Linix or a Mac.

Jimmy you're not alone. Vista has been the best thing to happen to Apple. I just bought a Mac Mini for my Dad's house, Macs just work.