Karl,
I retrieved the AC9 USA version from the first link. It does indeed have the familiar-looking name of an AC install.
So, are you saying that that ZIP file is basically the final build of AC9, and they're just using the term 'converter' as a colloquialism? If that's so, then it appears I'm good to go - please confirm on that, though.
Also.. To answer your other concern; The new machine will be running XP Pro, SP3 loaded from my official Microsoft discs. I've had my machines custom built by Xi Computers for the last 10 years or so, and they tailor them to exactly what I'm running; No matter what the rest of the world is doing.
Libraries are no problem - I only use a handful of the AC objects. Most of them I've already customized and saved to my own folders, along with ones I've written myself over the years.
Thanks Karl!! Now I can continue to sit back and watch the arms race from my porch, having a beer.