OS Advice Please

[Skirmisher]

I need some advice regarding Operating Systems for Windows.

I would like either a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of XP Home, XP Pro and XP Media Edition and also the pros and cons of purchasing the OEM versions of them.

If anyone could either type out a comparison or even just give me a good link I would greatly appreciate it.

[Bobmuhthol]

XP Home - it's home.
XP Pro - it's pro.
XP Media Edition - it's aimed towards media and that sucks.

My first choice would be pro. Can I cite examples why? Nope.

[Hakonne]

XP Pro gets my vote, home edition isnt as secure, and in my experience Pro is more user-friendly...who woulda thought it?

Hak

[Artha]

Pro will give you more control over your computer and especially users other than yourself (the admin).

Home is basically the same, but with less functionality and probably some special features that pro didn't need.

Honestly, in day-to-day use, I don't find any big differences.

Media center is probably not good unless you're going for a kiosk of some sort.

[Wezas]

I've tried both. I would definitely say Home is the easier one to use, especially for someone with your excellerated skill, Skirm.

BTW, I use XP Home at home. The multiple logins are nice. I have a guest account that doesn't keep any internet history, google history, windows media player history, recent documents, etc.

Pr0n on!

[Skirmisher]

No mocking of my excellerated computer skillz. :talktohand:

Any reason to avoid the Media edition if I find a good deal that includes it by default?


Any reason to NOT get the OEM editions if upgrading?

[CrystalTears]

I hate to say it, but upgrading OS really sucks. I know people will say it's not a big deal, but seeing as you're starting with ME, you really should consider a clean install, regardless of which one you decide to use.

OEM versions are not any different than retail versions other than not having a manual included. BFD. I've heard people say that Media is not great, and home has it's problems. I recommend XP Pro.

[Wezas]

5 versions of Windows XP compared (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/compare.mspx)

I haven't tried Media edition.

[kranfer]

save time... goto www.redhat.com download fedora and install. No worries about viruses and script kiddies :)

[CrystalTears]

Okay telling someone who's not very good with computers to install Linux is just mean. :P

[Skirmisher]

No poking the non pc skillz having peoples with sticks plz

[DeV]

Damn, you're using that horrible shit that is ME. I'll cry for you tonight.

Seriously though, what Wezas said.

[kranfer]

Learn linux then :) You can get free programs! Like The Gimp and open office and never use MS again! YAY! heh

[Sean]

I used Media Edition briefly. It has a fun media GUI but after like a couple of hours of tinkering with it, it gets old. Otherwise I coudln't find any real or worthwhile reasons to use it over the others.

[Parker]

XP Pro is hands-down the best, due to better security and more options, concerning administrating the computer.
Home is just for the budget people
Media Center is basically a glorified Windows Media Player. Unless you're going to try to do the 'integrated home electronics' route, I wouldn't bother.

[Trinitis]

The only difference I've personally seen between XP Media and the other XP's is for some reason, AIM don't work well with XP media. AIM must crash three times before it stays on for me, every single time. Dono why, but those the breaks.

[Skirmisher]

Well i guess that was what I was looking for kind of.

I may have the opportunity to make a purchase but many of the deals i've found have the Media Edition which i have heard vague grumblings about but few specific complaints.

[Bobmuhthol]

Here's my solution: get someone to send you a cracked version of XP Pro.

Works every time.

[hectomaner]

xp pro corporate, embedded cd key, ftw

also, xp MCE is nice, run it on a machine i have at home, watch tv on it while playing wow a lot, no complaints on my end. never had aim crash on it either

[Edited on 10-24-2005 by hectomaner]

[Drezzt]

If you go with bob's route, U2U me and I'll send you a link. Why is everyone after my warez today???

heh!

[imported_Kranar]

If you're buying a new OS, then just sit out and wait for a couple of months since Windows Vista is coming and will completely annihilate any other version of Windows to date.

Windows Vista is the next generation of Windows OS' and will be to Windows XP what Windows XP was to Windows 98.

[CrystalTears]

Windows Vista, I'm betting, is going to require a big system upgrade. If someone is running ME, chances are the computer won't be up to the requirements. AND since I don't trust Microsoft further than I can spit, I always wait a few months, sometimes even a year, before getting a new OS as it usually comes out full of bugs and problems. Better to go with Windows XP for now.

[Skirmisher]

Yeah Kranar!

You are forgetting i'm a computer newb !

I can't fix my machine like you can when the inevitable first 6-12 months worth of bugs shake out.

You technological have you. :shoot:

[Edited on 10-25-2005 by Skirmisher]

[HarmNone]

I'm running XP Home Edition, Skirm. I'm quite happy with it. It serves my needs. :)