XP Home or Pro edition?

[dajo]

Hello,

XP seems fairly stable, so it's probably time to upgrade from Win98. Could some of you please comment on the following questions?

Which should I get for a home system with 4 computers sharing DSL - Home or Pro XP?

What's the major difference between Home and Pro editions? Is the Pro edition like NT server in that you can designate a logon server and have greater security (file/folder permissions, etc.)?

Is Office97 compatible with Home/Pro XP, or would I be forced to upgrade that software also?

Home XP is quite a bit cheaper, so I'd prefer to get that unless there is a very good reason to go with the Pro version.

Thanks!

PS
I just saw a "Windows XP OEM Preinstallation Kit" at one vendor for $22. It says:


<< For System Builder use only in preinstallation of Windows XP. Not for distribution to end users. No activation codes or serial numbers are included. This is NOT for home/office use. >>


What's that about? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

 

[dajo]

* bump *

How about the Windows XP OEM Preinstallation Kit question? Would this run as a full blown XP install on my rig?

Thanks!

 

[bozo1]

Dude, go to www.microsoft.com/windows for info on the differences. Basically they are that the Home edition doesn't support dual processors, file encryption or file/directory level security. If you don't need any of those, save your money and go with Home. The XP preinstallation thing is something you don't want. It is not XP, it is just a bunch of scripts and instructions for vendors on how to automate XP installs. It does not include the operating system. Office 97 works fine with XP.

 

[dajo]

Thanks for answering. I guess for our purposes (sharing DSL, basic browsing, etc.) the home edition will be fine.

Thanks!

 

[TssTech2]

pro...pro...pro...pro...pro...pro

I have both and I consider Pro to be a must. Do you have any NT systems?? Will you ever use one?? Home will not connect to NT domains AT ALL. Big headache for and accounting firm I do business with. They have NT server and didn't ask me the difference before buying a new dell. It came w/home and I had to format a brand new dell and install 98 because they didn't want to fork over the money for pro. the above link should show you some of the other differences. Home has remote assistance, but not remote access, which is way better than remote assistance for fixing stuff. You get the whole window from the remote computer on your desktop instead of just a tiny window.

 

[VH]

I installed Word 97 in XP pro, but was unable to install Outlook 97. Anyone done this successfully?

 

[Psychoholic]

FAQ You!!! What is the difference between WinXP Home and WinXP Pro?

You may also want to see my reply in this thread, for some other differences not listed in the FAQ.