SO 6 is an extremely good competitor to office xp, especially for the most majority of users, plus it comes /w integrated java support, supports linux, etc.
the only thing i have against it is it's integration...id' rather each component be a separate program unto itself...it would load faster, use less memory, etc...otherwise, it's definitely worth keeping rather than dishing out the cash for XP (which DEFINITELY is not worth it, unless u're getting some ridiculously low student lisencing fees)...