Is Windows Media Center 2005 essentially XP Pro with some add ons?

[mshan]

I read that Windows Media Center 2005 is essentially the same as XP Pro, except for the additional interface.

Is this true?

And do you think Microsoft will continue to support Media Center 2005 for as long as they support XP Pro?

 

[Baked]

Windows XP Media Center Edition (XP MCE) is distinguished from other versions of Windows XP by an exclusive preinstalled application, Media Center, which provides a large-font ("10-foot"), remotely accessible interface for TV viewing on the computer as well as recording and playback, DVD playback, video playback, photo viewing, and music playback. Also, Windows XP MCE uses the Royale (Energy Blue) theme by default, instead of Luna.
Although Media Center is based on Windows XP Professional, Microsoft has disabled its ability to join an Active Directory domain post install. This effectively precludes the use of Media Center in a corporate environment. Media Center still retains most other Windows XP Pro-specific features, such as Remote Desktop and the Encrypting File System.

Source

If you look at the new Vista, it's basically an updated version of Media Center w/ a bit more features and eye candy. MS is moving towards the MC format for the consumer OS.

 

[Rubycon]

You cannot join a domain with it, so its at a serious disadvantage if you NEED that function.

 

[mshan]

Can someone simply explain what a domain is?

Maximal networking I would need is to be able to connect to whatever wireless network is available in a non-corporate environment.

 

[compudog]

Check this link from Google.

Basically if you are not using the PC in a corporate or server environment, you don't need to join a domain.

 

[SuperSix]

It's based on WinXP Home, not pro.

How long they will suuport it - no one knows. Vista Ultimate has MCE integrated into it, there's no plans for a Vista-based MCE *only* software.

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: SuperSix
It's based on WinXP Home, not pro.

How long they will suuport it - no one knows. Vista Ultimate has MCE integrated into it, there's no plans for a Vista-based MCE *only* software.

Its been stated time and time again that MCE 2005 is based off of Windows XP Pro (with a few features disabled).

When you install MCE 2500, the first disc is nothing more than a Windows XP Pro install disc; the second disc has the media center stuff on it and you are prompted for that later in the install.

Here is some text quoted from the MCE 2005 source:

"Can I connect a new PC running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to a work network or domain?

While you can access network resources on a work network or a domain, you cannot join a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 PC to the domain. PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 are designed specifically for home use. Windows XP Professional features, specifically Domain Join and Cached Credentials (Credentials Manager for logons) are not included. As a result, you will be prompted for your logon user name and password to access network resources after you reboot or log back on to the PC. In addition, file shares or network resources that are set to require a domain-joined PC for access will not be available. Remote Desktop and Encrypting File System support are still included."

 

[phantom404]

I would say more like home becuase it also doesnt have IIS if I remember correctly like xp pro does.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: SuperSix
How long they will suuport it - no one knows. Vista Ultimate has MCE integrated into it, there's no plans for a Vista-based MCE *only* software.

This is true, but misleading. I believe Home Premium will also include MCE integration.

-Erwos

 

[stardrek]

Originally posted by: phantom404
I would say more like home becuase it also doesnt have IIS if I remember correctly like xp pro does.

IIS can be installed on MCE 2005 and runs smooth as IIS possibly can, which is debatable (in terms of smoothness).

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: jlbenedict

Originally posted by: SuperSix
It's based on WinXP Home, not pro.

How long they will suuport it - no one knows. Vista Ultimate has MCE integrated into it, there's no plans for a Vista-based MCE *only* software.

Its been stated time and time again that MCE 2005 is based off of Windows XP Pro (with a few features disabled).

When you install MCE 2500, the first disc is nothing more than a Windows XP Pro install disc; the second disc has the media center stuff on it and you are prompted for that later in the install.

Here is some text quoted from the MCE 2005 source:

"Can I connect a new PC running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to a work network or domain?

While you can access network resources on a work network or a domain, you cannot join a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 PC to the domain. PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 are designed specifically for home use. Windows XP Professional features, specifically Domain Join and Cached Credentials (Credentials Manager for logons) are not included. As a result, you will be prompted for your logon user name and password to access network resources after you reboot or log back on to the PC. In addition, file shares or network resources that are set to require a domain-joined PC for access will not be available. Remote Desktop and Encrypting File System support are still included."

this man speaks the truth.