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Windows XP Home vs Pro vs Media Edition - Opinions?

F

Fatt

Senior member
I'm planning to build a SFF computer with an ATI All-In-Wonder card and using it as a personal video recorder.


I can buy an OEM edition of XP Home with a Hard Drive, and probably XP Pro as well. Media Edition I am having trouble finding. (It appears that only the big name builders have it on systems they sell.)

I'd like to know first of all if anyone knows where I can GET XP Media Edition, as an OEM or otherwise.

I'd also like to know your opinions as to which version i really need.

As a for instance, I can get XP Home as an OEM for $70, with the purchase of a HD.

I of course wonder whether I actually NEED anything more than the Home Edition for this application.


That's about it. Anyone have any input for me?
 
You cannot purchase Windows XP Media Edition, in OEM form or Retail. It is only available on preloaded systems.

As for Windows XP Home vs Pro, you'll find all the information you need in the AnandTech FAQ.
 
Sorry to hear about the media edition.

As for the FAQ, I know about the fact, but it doesn't answer my question.

You see, while it does list the items that PRO has, which HOME doesn't, I was really looking for opinions, not facts.
I realize that sounds silly, but the truth is that this site is filled with people who experiment with a lot of different hardware & software configurations. Certainly, there is likely to be at least a few people with direct experience on this very issue who can give me experienced based opinions on the question at hand.
 
Personally I would spare the extra $ and go with Home, I don't see any advantages of going with Pro for what you are using it for, unless you are planning on connecting it to a network, then the ease of Pro may make it worth the xtra $ assuming the other computers are Pro as well.
 
I'm building the machine on spec and if it sells it'll go to some home user, who MIGHT connect it to a home network, but would probably not need any professional level stuff.

It's always the little things that bite you in the a$$ though, you know?

You know what I hate more than asking silly questions?

WISHING I had asked silly questions.
 
Home is fine for home networking. I seriously doubt typical Joe Home User has a domain setup for their home network. Simple file sharing and printer sharing are not a problem for XP Home.

Also, as an FYI, XP MCE is not for resale only because MS certifies it to work with very specific hardware only, and doesn't want to (and can't) support the infinite possabilities that exist when a PC is built by users. XP Home and Pro on the other hand, can run with just about any hardware out today. Also, you can do pretty much everything you need to do with "vanilla" XP and a few 3rd party apps. Granted, you won't ahve the combined interface XP MCE provides, but you'll have essentially the same functions.

\Dan
 
a) Media center is available via a MSDN subscription, but does only support a small set of hardware

b) As for Home vs Pro, if you think you might ever want to connect to your desktop remotely (e.g. via the Internet, or locally via a SmartDisplay device), then get Pro as it supports remote desktop. If not, Home should be fine.

Bill
 
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