Which XP?

josephinekelly · #1 03-04-2004, 05:34 AM

I shall soon be ordering a new computer. There is an option between XP Home and XP Pro. What are the advantages of XP Pro above the Home edition which I have at present and am very satisfied with. It is only an extra £50, so would this be worth taking advantage of..? Many thanks.

ultrasolve · #2 03-04-2004, 09:48 AM

Basically Pro has better networking capabilities and file security than Home.

So if in the future you see yourself setting up a network then Pro would probably be better, but if it's to be just a stand alone box then stick with Home.

Personally my preference is Pro.

ESALADUANE · #3 03-04-2004, 10:00 AM

Here is Microsofts page on the question. My personal preference is Home.

"Which Edition Is Right for You?"
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp

Azn_tweaker · #4 03-04-2004, 04:40 PM

i would rather prefer PROFESSIONAL.

njovin · #5 03-04-2004, 05:27 PM

Azn-tweaker - no offense but you have been giving some bad advise on some of this board. If you're going to throw out a suggestion for someone to spend more money, back it up with a reason, at least.

Gene K · #6 03-04-2004, 10:35 PM

I have XP Home. It does well for most purposes. From what I know of XP Professional, It gives you better networking capability and Security features. It also enables more Command Line options and some more tools. That said, it requires more knowledge and interest to use so make your choice.
Gene K

simbill · #7 03-04-2004, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by njovin
Azn-tweaker - no offense but you have been giving some bad advise on some of this board. If you're going to throw out a suggestion for someone to spend more money, back it up with a reason, at least.

i agree with you, this guys an idiot..

njovin · #8 03-05-2004, 09:56 AM

I would recommend XP home for anybody who does not need the strong networking capabilities of Pro (mainly being able to join a domain, Home works well for small home networks). But I disagree that Pro requires more knowledge to use. I find that out of the box the two are practically identicle. The only time you ever see a difference is if you are a "power user" and getting into the various security and networking settings.

Play_The_0dds · #9 03-05-2004, 01:42 PM

xp home and xp pro are almost identical the main difference is gpedit.msc(group edit) it is in a nutshell a way to set access for users on a network, and you can fine tune security a little better. most of xp pro's features can be duplicated on xp home, the only other things the xp loading screen has a blue bar on pro, and green on home, the xp wallpaper is green on home and blue on pro. everything else is the same, most users will never use the advanced features of pro, it's mostly something to brag about having. i have used them all, nt4ws,nt4server, 2k,server2k,xp home, xp pro, and server 2k3.

ESALADUANE · #10 03-05-2004, 01:49 PM

I agree.

snowmonkey · #11 03-05-2004, 02:04 PM

josephinekelly, you did not mention if that computer was for home use or office ! (it does make a different)

Two of the biggest issue with XP home used in office are :

XP home, can't join a domain server
XP home, does not have Novel network protocol (IPX) built in.

cheers

josephinekelly · #12 03-06-2004, 11:07 AM

Thank you all for the advice. I am a home user only and have no networking requirements etc, so I can see that the XP Home will still be quite sufficient for anything I will want to do. I shall spend the money on a keyboard!

Azn_tweaker · #13 03-07-2004, 10:16 AM

why go PRO?

TOP 5 reasons

1. work anywhere with access to files and appliacations anytime your're away from your office.

2. Share resources such as documents, printers, faxes, and an internet connection with up to 10 comuters.

3. You decide who has access to your most critical resources and data.

4. Your Confidential information is safe because of the advanced security and privacy features.

5. Get the networking foundation that has the flexiblity to grow with you and your home network or business...

Gene K · #14 03-07-2004, 03:47 PM

The most recent reply said it better than anyone. No, they are not exactly the same. In ending, if you can use the advanced capability of Pro and know enough to use it; get it. Most users do not know enough to use those advanced tools/capabilities and will be well served by XP Home.
Gene K

Lord Kalthorn · #15 03-07-2004, 07:41 PM

I personally have Pro; but unless you are intending on making a network have a special system to which you need some of the more interesting features of Pro then its not worth £50. I would not have upgraded to Pro unless it was free; I don't think it is worth the £50. But it also a status symbol; 'I have XP,' sounds much better when you say 'I have XP Professional.' But I don't think its worth £50 just to say that.

I really depends on your budget first - then whether you feel its worth the money. You can set up a Network on Home if you want!