Limiting Users: Windows XP Pro or Home?

[Refresh]

I wanted to get some help as I'm unsure to whether I should go with windows xp home or the pro edition with regards to limiting users access to the computer. I have heard stories from friends that XP home does not have features that allow administrator to lock down most of the features on an OS that a malicious user can use to harm the computer. Such as the format command, regedit, and the almighty ctrl+alt+del. Any suggestions on which OS to use?

 

[farscape]

You can set up Limited User accounts on both OSes. Users can't install programs or hardware w/o admin priveleges. Keeps 'em from playing around with the system. Makes taking care of everything MUCH easier.

 

[spyordie007]

home doesnt have access to many of the features that pro does if you want advanced abilities to lock them down (group policy, computer management, etc.).

Farscape are you sure XP Home will let you created limited user accounts? I thought it would only let you create admin accounts; not that I've used it enough to know what else doesnt work...

 

[Refresh]

Is there special software to make life easier regarding computer management or locking down users? Or does XP Pro provides system software that is easy enough to do without messing with the registry yourself?

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: spyordie007
home doesnt have access to many of the features that pro does if you want advanced abilities to lock them down (group policy, computer management, etc.).

Farscape are you sure XP Home will let you created limited user accounts? I thought it would only let you create admin accounts; not that I've used it enough to know what else doesnt work...

No, it can do that. But that's about the extent of what it can do in this regard.

-Por

 

[farscape]

The company that my wife works for has a bunch of Dells that have Home installed. I set up limited user accounts on all the systems. The only ones that have admin. privs are the program director and her secretary. If something needs to be installed they have to go through the correct channels to get it installed.

 

[kursplat]

this for home or work use ? for home use it can be a major pain running limited users. some games don't deal well with accessing from the limited account even with permissions set.
good luck

 

[nageov3t]

Windows 2003 is the best at user accounts outside of that, XP Pro > XP Home