Vacuums

I've decided to help myself to cleaner floors by improving my tools. Toward that end I want to get a steam vacuum and maybe a hard-floor vacuum/mop. I've been browsing online and am bewildered by all the choices. Does anyone have any recommendations? I need something lightweight. My standard vacuum does only a so-so job, and I need to deal with pet hair and stains. For the kitchen and bath areas I'm still using bucket/mop and hand&knees for corners. Would something like Swiffer be adequate? Any ideas you can offer will be appreciated. Thanks!
Yuska