Win XP Home vs. Professional

[Ruckus]

I'm sure that this topic has been done to death, but I'll be building a new computer soon and I'll be installing and using Windows XP for the first time. Which version should I use, Home or Professional? Price won't be an issue since I can get either for free (I'm a student). I mostly use my computers for gaming, browsing, and occasional programming and word processing.

[ConfusedAlien]

get Home version, the only differences are higher security, file incryptions (something students dont TEND to need...), and a versatile power mode...Im not so clear on that one, but someone's gotta know.


BY THE WAY...how are you getting this XP for free? Im a student myself, can you get me one? lol

[Ruckus]

I attend a college that struck some sort of deal with Microsoft a few years back, and we can get most of their software for free, except for OS's, kind of. We're only allowed to borrow OS CD's for two weeks at a time, but other stuff like Office XP we can get free copies of.

[ConfusedAlien]

any chance you can ship me a free one?

Need a XPpro

[kimike]

I would love a copy of XP Pro...I'm a student also...any chance of getting one?

[AceAirman]

Ruckus, if you can get either for free, go with XP Professional. Professional has many features that Home doesn't have such as remote desktop, multi-processor support, EFS (encrypting file system), extra networking features, administrative tools option, and many more. Sure as a student, you may not NEED those, but heck, if it's free why not get the OS with more features? While you are only using the system for gaming, browsing, and occasional programming and word processing you may someday find the added features nice to have. If it's free go Pro. The only way I can see Home as being better for you is if you just simply don't want those features at all for the purpose of having a more simple OS. For example, security being more complex with XP Pro. It's up to you. Bottom line: XP Home is simple. XP Pro has more features.

I am editing my post now because I just decided to try and get you a link so that you can read all about it yourself. I found one that may help you:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p.../choosing2.asp

That link basically reiterates some of what I said above, but it gives a simple breakdown of the features of Home vs. Pro.

PS- Everyone asking for copies of XP. Ruckus said they can only BORROW the OS CD's. Therefore he can't distribute them I'm sure. Am I right Ruckus?

[Ruckus]

Ace,

Thanks, you were a HUGE help I'll have to think about this one for a bit. To everyone else, like Ace pointed out, I can't distribute the CD's since I can only borrow them. Even if I could get a copy to own for myself I still wouldn't be allowed to copy it. I pay and earn most of my tuition money, so I think if I just gave out free copies to everyone I'd be robbing myself.

[AceAirman]

No problem Ruckus. My pleasure.

[rangeral]

You guys that want to borrow should check with your schools they should be able to help you, it makes me jealous a bit that you get to pay far less than I would have to, hope you do something to benefit mankind for the freebie deals you get once you graduate.

Besides borrowing is not going to get you past the 30 day wpa.