Windows XP Versions Comparisons (Correct forum this time)

[ButtersStotch]

Sorry, my second post and I already screwed up! Anyways...

Hello, I want to get another version of Windows. I would like some thoughts on all of the different versions of WinXP. I was hoping someone could tell me the differences between Pro and Home, Retail vs OEM, and Full vs Upgrade. Well, like I have heard that if I save money to buy the upgrade version, I just need for example my Win98 disc but I'd still be able to do clean full installs, right? I could do this from scratch, like no part of Win98 gets installed, it just is used to get the XP disc going? Also, OEM versions would just be lacking manuals? I have the option to get the academic Pro upgrade version (this is the way that I'd like to go as it is fairly cheap), so how would it compare versus say the Pro retail full? If I purchase the upgrade version would that not qualify as a product to upgrade to the next future Windows version? Lastly, would a Win98 (also have then the Win98 SE upgrade) disc from a company like Dell work? I know some upgrade paths consider those as OEM versions and will not allow you to upgrade with those versions. I am mad at myself for not jumping on the Go Pro Pack a few months back! Well, any help would be appreciated...ButtersStotch

 

[NogginBoink]

The difference between FPP (full packaged product) and upgrade is simply that the upgrade version checks for a qualifying product to upgrade. That's it. (That and price, of course.)

OEM vs. Retail is a different story. OEM's can modify the product with custom stuff, including BIOS checks to ensure you're running Dell OEM version of the product on a Dell machine (for example).

The functional differences between Home and Pro is that Pro can join a domain and has remote desktop.

And that answers your questions in a very small nutshell.

 

[Budman]

What is the difference between WinXP Home and WinXP Pro?