Windows XP Home or Pro???

[macgybl]

I am currently using Windows XP Home OEM that came with my Dell. I have heard that it's a "watered down" version of the OS. Is this true??? I will mostly be using this computer for Audio/Video editing, web surfing and light gaming. I also have a windows xp pro upgrade. Would it be better to stick with home or upgrade to pro for my application? I have no plans of networking this computer and I was under the impression that was the major reason for upgrading to Pro. Does Pro have more advantages to home besides networking, file security? Does Pro run faster, or does all those networking services slow it down? Any input and help is appreciated!! Thanks!!

A.J.

[Siliconjunkie]

The big differences are:
Support for SMP (2 processors)
Encrypting File System
Remote Desktop
Pro Can Join A Windows Domain

Most people dont need these and are just fine with home. Pro will look and act just like Home unless you join a domain. File security is the same, same services are running on it, so there will be no performance change.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...p_home_pro.asp

i prefer pro

[CraigK]

ASR-enabled backups are triggerable from XP Setup, allowing you to return your system to its previous state, even if the hard drive dies and has to be replaced. Unlike consumer-oriented features such as System Restore, ASR is not automatic: It must manually be enabled from within the Backup utility in Windows XP Pro.

this doesn't make sense to me. if the hard drive dies and you cannot boot your system. how are you going to manually enable it??

but besides from my question. Mac it doesn't matter really. if I were you i wouldn't bother upgrading if your not networking.

[Nighthawk]

I like Pro far better. I say if you have the upgrade already, there's no reason not to install it.

CraigK, from when I was poking around in ASR basically what it does is burn a hard drive image to a big file (like ghost), then creates a boot disk you can use to reimage your system. I haven't had a use for it yet because the files it would generate would be WAY too huge for practical use. I much prefer the ERD from NT/2K.

There are a few minor networking differences between Pro and Home editions, most notably the joining of a domain.

Helmig has a nice page about the major differences, if you are interested.

Cheers
Mick

[macgybl]

thanks for the help and input. Once last question that I still can't find the answer is the Dell OEM windows xp home I have watered down in any way, or is it identical to the official microsoft release?? Thanks again!

It may not be watered down, but it just might be Dell-ised.

If it says it's a recovery CD, then it probably won't be able to be installed on any other machine.

And Dell may have packaged a few extra apps just to make your computing experience complete.

So, unless you have a full M$ CD with holograms and all, it's probably the same OS but just customised for your Dell machine, and unable to be re-installed on any other machine.

Cheers
Mick

[SeanC]

There's few differences between Home and Pro except for the networking features. If you're not working with Domains then Home will do.

Most Dell CDs are "Restore" CD's. Not a real MS "Installation" CD. Like Mick said, the restore CD will have extra software included by Dell that you may or may not use. It can removed from Add/Remove Programs though.

Sean

[macgybl]

ok thanks!