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Choosing Windows XP version... Pro or Home, and what about OEM?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Trident, 2004/02/26.

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  1. 2004/02/26
    Trident

    Trident Inactive Thread Starter

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    A neighbor is looking to purchase Windows XP (right now he's undecided whether to buy the Home or Pro edition). He has asked for my opinion, but I'm slightly confused (not having used XP) - when I look at vendors on-line. Some show an OEM version, other show what is called PC, and then there is an upgrade and some just show a plain Windows XP. Inasmuch as he's going to order on-line he'd like to get the correct one.

    He has a new HDD an would like to do a complete install - still comtemplating whether to use the NTFS or FAT32 format.

    In this matter I'm not of much help to him, so any insight would be appreciated.
     
    Trident,
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  2. 2004/02/27
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    This is how I understand it:

    1) The difference between OEM and retail is that OEM doesn´t entitle to Microsoft support. You have to get that from where You bought it.

    2) An Upgrade CD will do a clean install on a formatted harddisk but You will have to present proof of a previous version during the installation by temporarily inserting the old CD.

    Check out Upgrading from Previous Versions of Windows !

    3) Home or Pro?
    There are differences, especially in the networking department but I would say that most people who don´t network will do fine with Home. I don´t network but I have Pro simply because I know that I´ve got the complete version, so to speak.

    Check out the Windows XP Comparison Guide !

    4) NTFS or FAT32?
    The only reason to choose FAT32 is if the data should be readable from Win9X systems that can´t read NTFS. If WinXP is the only operating system to use the harddrive, then it is definitely NTFS which is more stable and have security features that FAT32 doesn´t have.

    A Google search for
    NTFS or FAT32 , check out a few of the links!

    HTH,
    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  4. 2004/02/27
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    This Thread has some other useful links to help your friend decide what is right for him. Tell him about the BBS and encourage him to post any questions that he may have.

    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
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  5. 2004/02/27
    Trident

    Trident Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks, Christer and Johanna, I'll pass the information along. I'm sure that will help him (and me too) to understand more fully as to what's out there and how and what to buy.
     
    Trident,
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  6. 2004/02/27
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    You´re welcome ...... :) ...... both of You!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  7. 2004/02/29
    RayH

    RayH Inactive

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    Get the OEM version. It costs less and does the same thing.
     
    RayH,
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  8. 2004/03/01
    kiddk

    kiddk Inactive

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    as just stated, OEM is really all you need, I just purchased XP Full PRO w/SP1 for 138.00 from newegg.com, you cant beat that price.
     
    kiddk,
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  9. 2004/03/01
    Johanna

    Johanna Inactive Alumni

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    An OEM is not the same thing, but, yes, it is cheaper. If you go for the OEM version of anything, make sure you get a real XP disk. We recently discussed the pros and cons of both here, , if you are curious about what others had to say.

    Johanna
     
    Johanna,
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  10. 2004/03/02
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    I think that buying an OEM operating system is different than buying an OEM computer. When I bought my Box Of Assembled Components, I also bought an OEM version of Windows ME.

    I have compared with a "full" version and found no other difference than the lack of M$ support for the OEM. There are no additions to my OEM CD whatsoever.

    In the shop where I bought the BOAC, there was no option to buy the "full" version since the shop was authorized to sell the cheaper OEM version. I don´t know the details about that "authorization" though.

    Buying an OEM computer is a different thing but there are different flavours.

    My friend bought a Compaq LapTop and with it came a set of recovery CDs which we all seem to dislike but in addition there was an OEM XP Home CD which is no different than the "full" version, not even a Compaq logotype.

    Other OEM computers come with the recovery CDs only.

    If I´m wrong about this, I´m sure someone will tell me so!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #9
  11. 2004/03/02
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    You ain't wrong. :)
     
    Newt,
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