Windowx XP Media Center 2005

[theprodigalrebel]

Hi, I have a query to make. I am building a new system (well, my ONLY system) and I was thinking of just installing Windows XP Pro when I heard that Media Center 2005 is available for retail and not just with new computers from OEMS. I saw it selling cheaper than XP Pro on NewEgg and was wondering if it makes sense as the OS on my only computer.

If I am right, its supposed to be Windows XP Pro with a simplifed, great-looking interface thats optimized for playing media files and TV with a remote (just like you have these digital jukeboxes in coffee shops that are really Windows 2000 running a full-screen jukebox software).

My question is: how much of a performance hit do computer activities (actually..just gaming!!!) take when you switch from XP Pro to Media Center, if at all? Can users turn off the pretty-fullscreen-interface? if not, can it be terminated in task manager or is it tied in with explorer.exe? I will be installing it in an Athlon64 3200+, 512 MB of RAM (that i will upgrade to 1GB as soon as I save more cash!) and a geforce 6800GT. Anyone seen any benchmarks on identical systems running XP/MC2005?

I love XP Pro and REALLY REALLY need the File Security and Encryption options. It may not be the best but it keeps my whole house out of my files!

Thanks. I know I'm asking the right people!

Nouman Khan
Torch-Bearer for Teenage Wasteland

 

[TonyRic]

HAHAHA windows and performance lolol

 

[loup garou]

I don't have any benchmarks, but I doubt you'll notice any differences. The 10 foot interface can be toggled on and off, when it's off, there's hardly a difference between MCE and Pro.

I wouldn't mess around with NTFS Encryption on a home computer, you'll just be setting yourself up to get screwed.

Originally posted by: TonyRic
HAHAHA windows and performance lolol

Real helpful reply there. Almost 6 years here and acting like a n00b.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

thanks werk. really appreciate it.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

I have both, but not running on identical systems. I do everything you mentioned, except file encription, and don't notice any problems. I can run all the new games like Doom3, Riddick, BFV, etc on the system below on high settings just fine.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Is MCE just Pro with the MC software? Or is there actually a difference with administration stuff? I already have an old unused copy of Pro laying around...but was still looking at MCE for the very simple PVRness of it. But, since I'll be setting up the new computer (whenever I get around to ordering/building it) for multiple users/machines on a network, I'd like to be able to do all the admin kinds of things I'd be able to do with Pro.

 

[dev0lution]

MCE is available retail, but it's still the OEM copy so depending on where you purchase it they still might require you to get it with a drive, processor, board, etc (which shouldn't be a problem since you're building a system, but something to remember) Unless I'm mistaken MCE is only available as an OEM product and not in upgrade or "retail" versions for now.

 

[Daniel]

Originally posted by: dev0lution
MCE is available retail, but it's still the OEM copy so depending on where you purchase it they still might require you to get it with a drive, processor, board, etc (which shouldn't be a problem since you're building a system, but something to remember) Unless I'm mistaken MCE is only available as an OEM product and not in upgrade or "retail" versions for now.

Correct, MCE2005 is only available in full install, OEM versions right now, well that is all I've seen available anyway.

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: Daniel

Originally posted by: dev0lution
MCE is available retail, but it's still the OEM copy so depending on where you purchase it they still might require you to get it with a drive, processor, board, etc (which shouldn't be a problem since you're building a system, but something to remember) Unless I'm mistaken MCE is only available as an OEM product and not in upgrade or "retail" versions for now.

Correct, MCE2005 is only available in full install, OEM versions right now, well that is all I've seen available anyway.

There have been many threads here discussing this very topic. MCE 2k5 is basically XP Pro, but it cannot join a domain after Setup has completed. Also, the OEM license technically restricts the OS to the machine on which it is first installed; the license cannot be transferred to another PC.