Windows XP Pro vs Home Edition - The Difference?

[Ardan]

Well I might buy either one so that I have a legitimate copy now because my PC is dead and I might get $1000-$3000 anyways. What is the difference between the two...I mean, what features does Pro have that Home Edition doesn't have?

 

[Haden]

Link1
Link2
FAQ

 

[Smilin]

What he said - see the anandtech faq on this one.

 

[wayliff]

Do yourself a favor and get Windows XP Pro.

 

[rmrf]

I'm not an advocate of windoze, but if you want to go legitimate you might as well do it right by getting the pro version.

 

[cockeyed]

As suggested, read the FAQs. This said, I would get which ever version fits your needs. If you won't be using the Pro version extras; why pay for them? I use the OEM XP Home version ($93) and have not felt shorted by anything offered in the Pro version.

 

[rmrf]

Did you have your pc insured? Why are you getting $1000-3000? If you are going to build a good machine, you might as well put pro on it, just in case there are those little things that you thought you were getting but are not. Just my opinion.

 

[Ardan]

I already have Pro, as I said. I was simply wondering what the difference was, thats all. I'm getting $1000-$3000 because of the cost of a new computer is, yes, $1000-$3000. It depends on the amount the insurance company agrees on.

 

[tart666]

A couple of things that are not mentioned in the FAQ's, but I found useful:

The "stored usernames and passwords" (for alternate credentials for network resourses -- invaluable in a home network) does not work on Home (even though MS says it does)

The access control can be managed in Home (for both files and shares) via built-in tools.

 

[Ardan]

Alright, if I decide not to build a system and buy one instead (or if I *have* to), I will have Windows XP Professional instead. I wanted make sure I should stick with it.

 

[vaporize]

i am also not sure what to use. although the obvious choice if either one is free is to go for pro. but i dont think this always true. heres an example, right now i am using win2k server at home instead of the regular win2k. win2k server boots my home computer with all the junk server files i never use and i dont think i can disable them because its the server os. so my question is, will the winxp pro load unnecessary server files that will slow down my home computer?