files and such
Any time you're going to make a change to an OS you should always backup your files to a non-attached source. Personally, I've got two drives in my desktop. When it comes time to install a new system I'm going to end up buying a third, external, to move everything onto and then do the backup. There are bound to be screwups either by the end-user or a glitch in the process.
-pat
On a side note - I've been told that you can find MSOffice (Pro?) for $60 or something close to that at the same site.