Hi Mick,
Apparently Windows 8 is due for release on 26 Oct 2012.
Through until 31 Jan 2013, Microsoft have announced that
"if your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just US$39.99".
See
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/aust...-1226415849642
Whether it is any good or whether it will run any of the applications you
would like to run, I have no idea, but it is another variable to possibly
consider rather than forking out dollars for another OS today.