Another (slightly expensive) solution to this problem is dual-booting
your computer with an earlier version of Windows (i.e., XP).  The
downside to this is you need to have some knowledge of computers and
you'll need to get your hands on the operating system CD(s).  Here is
an article on how to dual-boot Vista with XP:

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_vista_and_xp_with_vista_installed_first__the_stepbystep_guide.htm 

On the upside, you'll have the piece of mind knowing you can still use
all the programs we know and love (Cakewalk and such).

Happy holidays,
Michael Gordon