Windows XP Home vs Pro

[Cloudbringer]

I'll second the 'don't buy more than you need' advice as it's a matter of money for you right now and if you can do with a less expensive version (Home) then by all means go that route!

We had a few problems with installing my pro version and getting our wireless network setup- but once we got it going, it's been pretty reliable and according to the hubby, it was much easier setting up the network and the security with the pro version.

[shamrock_uk]

Originally posted by Hivetyrant: The enterprise edition is (buisness edition) but the other editions are due out Q1-Q2 next year

At the moment

[Callum]

Have no fear... I mentioned I was tempted... But I'm going for the legit copy... *sigh* Damn morals

Well... my school, I realise now, uses domains, and so when going to university (UBC... anyone know it?) it seems likely that they may also use it...

I'm trying to go for the don't buy it if I don't need it...

HT: When you say it only supports single processors... does that mean dual-core Athlon X2 3800s are out? Or, as I think you mean, you can't have two or more separate processors running.

I'm on Pro at the moment, and have installed it several times (on my Dad's work copy... which is legal, I checked )... with out any real hassle...

It'll just be the same again...

I will be using a firewall, and (again, going by my current school's setup), may need to connect to the university's network... Presumably with more than five computers.

And from that link, can anyone explain these a little clearer (I had seen the site, but couldn't understand it )

* Scalable processor support – up to two-way multi-processor support.
* Access Control – restrict access to selected files, applications, and other resources.

[shamrock_uk]

Access control - this is simply talking about a permissions system. In other words, you (the administrator) get to decide which users can access particular files/folders and run particular programmes.

So you may want to allow Tom and Dick unfettered access to everything on your computer, but perhaps only let Harry use word processing and email because otherwise he'll waste his time playing games.

Practically, I've found Windows permissions to be a bit 'clunky' and imprecise but it's better than nothing. If you're not running a multi-user system (ie the computer is only for your personal use) then you can pretty much ignore this.

I've never been able to get XP Home to do per-user permissions however.


I believe 'scalable processor support' is simply what Hive alluded to earlier - that only XP Professional supports dual-core processors. If you're planning to upgrade your computer in the future, then perhaps this may be important.


----


Something that's just niggling at the back of my head - I have a feeling that XP Home also only allows you to use what Windows terms 'basic' filesharing rather than 'advanced' filesharing. If you're ever going to be sharing folders then I would take Pro, as IIRC 'basic' filesharing blows.

I remember having read access to all the C: drives of people running XP Home at university - they didn't believe it until I sent a screenshot or two, but XP Home appeared to be sharing everything by default as they certainly hadn't told it to.

It's only about 30 quid more, I would go for Pro everytime.


----

I'd like to ask a question of my own though - what is the difference between a domain and a workgroup? Back in university we had to have a specific computer name and specify what I think was a workgroup in Windows. (although never had to do this in Linux for some reason if it helps narrow it down) - when would a domain be used instead?

[ 05-02-2006, 10:58 AM: Message edited by: shamrock_uk ]

[Cloudbringer]

Shamrock, yes, the default setting is to share all on Home. One of the riciculous defaults that MS seems to have set up!

[Callum]

Well, as I'm going for a dual-core processor... *Sigh* An extra 200 ringgit down the drain

[Hivetyrant]

Originally posted by Cloudbringer: Shamrock, yes, the default setting is to share all on Home. One of the riciculous defaults that MS seems to have set up!

True, but all filesharing is done through the guest account so security is not completely comprimised

[Hivetyrant]

Originally posted by Callum: Well, as I'm going for a dual-core processor... *Sigh* An extra 200 ringgit down the drain

Yes, this is this worst part about Windows from what I hear (the buying part) luckily for me I have never purchased a copy of Windows in my life [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Callum]

Well neither have I... Till now... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Cloudbringer]

Originally posted by Hivetyrant: quote: Originally posted by Cloudbringer: Shamrock, yes, the default setting is to share all on Home. One of the riciculous defaults that MS seems to have set up!

True, but all filesharing is done through the guest account so security is not completely comprimised [/QUOTE]LOL, hopefully no guests drive by and pick up your network!

Of course most folks here know to put the security measures in place on home networks. I know that a lot of people don't, though! We were helping friends set up their laptop for their teen age son (they already have a desktop pc) and I was talking to my friend and asking her about getting a wireless system for their house or was she going to wire things so her son could use the laptop online from other rooms and not have to sit in her study to work, when in wanders my husband with their laptop. He says "Hey I got you on your network, you're all set!"

I told him they not only didn't have a network, they didn't have a modem or know what he was talking about.....hubby figured out he'd logged into the neighbors connection and had access to much of their system! He got off it quickly and told the teen not to log onto any 'networks' til his folks set their own up!

[ 05-03-2006, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]