>It is a pretty close call for you, but I would say upgrade for a few reasons:

That doesn't benefit his end users that are already using the app in anyway.

Someone asked me last night if they suggest moving their applications to .NET. Basically, unless theres something you want to do but can't on the current platform that is available in .NET, it would be rather reckless to suggest porting.

However, if you have new development on the horizon that requires a lasting and modern platform, than all the benfitis of VFP7 or .NET can be achieved.

The best suggestion for Richard woudl be to keep his apps the way they are (If it ain't broke, don't fix it) but get the latest and greatest anyways, to, as you say, start learning and you'll have it for the next round of new development.