Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that is alternatively operable as a stand alone, upright vacuum cleaner and as a canister vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a beater brush, a suction fan and a motor that drives both the beater brush and suction fan. A dirt tube assembly includes a first air flow passageway that directs dirt from the nozzle assembly to a dirt box and also includes a second air flow passageway that directs dirt from the nozzle assembly to a handle. The handle includes an air flow passageway that is coupled to the second air flow passageway in the dirt tube assembly. The handle is alternatively interconnectable with a cap for sealing the handle air flow passageway to operate the vacuum cleaner as a stand alone, upright vacuum cleaner wherein dirt is directed from the nozzle by the nozzle suction fan through the first air flow passageway to the dirt box.