I am learning the Chinese Language, but can't use my computer to type

Hi all, I am hoping that one of you may help me set up my computer to type Chinese Characters. I am teaching in China this fall and would like to be able to at least acknowledge my host's language. I have been studying Chinese for about six months and can write some characters, pronounce their sounds and know their meanings. I would also like to use my computer to type in some of these characters.
I have MSN XP as the operating system loaded on to my computer. I have read about using IME interface, but when I execute the download it aborts with the error msg that I do not have XP. Microsoft has been no help at all and neither has the compouter's manufactorer. The salesman in the store where I bought the computer suggested that I contact people already using Chinese and see what they do, and that is what I am doing now.
So can anyone help me please? I would really like to have the opportunity.

Thank you inadvance for your support (xiexie)

David

maybe i can help u .. contact me MSN: [email]qnyan.yang@hotmail.com[/email]