What to do without Windows 7 or above?

[smp]

Thanks very much for your responses and advice, folks.

This kind of sucks that I now have to go out and purchase $75-$100 worth of Windows OS *only* in order to use the HP Connectivity Kit.

Can anyone offer me any advice on which version of Windows 7 to purchase? I will run this as a VM under Parallels on my Mac, and my only intention will be to run the HP Connectivity Kit.

I see 32 bit and 64 bit versions, as well as Home, Premium, and Professional...

I am assuming that I will need the "full" version, and not an "upgrade" version, since I will be starting a new VM from scratch.

Thanks very much for any advice you may have to offer.

smp