I don't know anyone who is excited about XP coming out -- however, in a couple years it will be common to have it. Many computer manufactures already have made contracts with microsoft to ship XP with all systems that they produce.
During this period where socialist Microsoft attempts to release this piece of software, I think that Microsoft will have a period of about a year of increased vulnerability. The public will be more likely than ever to look at other alternatives -- and hopefully a third party (perhaps w/ a linux or unix kernal?) will come out with a realistic alternative to Windows. If not, then Microsoft will gain complete control over the software industry, and they will choose another sector of the economy to start monopolizing -- lets just hope they stay out of Mechanical Engineering
Patrick