Which XP version to buy?

[Russ Smith]

Probably a dumb question but it appears I can get a HD cheap enough for the laptop that I may buy new software rather than go through the hassle of using the recovery CD and then upgrading it to windows XP professional small office(Need special download from Toshiba to install on new HD and then probably from Microsoft to install upgrade).

So what version of Microsoft Xp professional do I need to buy to make sure it not only has IE, but it has word and excel? I'll likely end up installing Firefox again but I know you have to get IE. I'm looking at Microsoft's site but it's very confusing as to what is actually included with each flavor of XP? I'm basically looking for the minimum for home but I like XP.

Suggestions?

 

[Ryanwb]

In a nutshell....

You can't add Home to a domain, but pro can. If you are looking for any office products, you have to buy them separately and each version supports it. I prefer professional and most people do but home is almost exactly the same to the average user

 

[Chaz]

There are two versions of XP: Professional and Home.

Then there are three different types of licenses.

OEM: This is intended for 'original equipment manufacturers'. They can be purchased and install by regular users as well. These are lower cost options when you have new hardware and do not have an exisiting copy of Windows to upgrade.

Upgrade: This is the version for users that already have Windows. You can do a 'clean install' with this version. The XP install will ask you for the previous Windows disk. You will need the disk of the qualifying product to complete a clean install. Obivously you would need the previous version of Windows installed to complete an upgrade.

Retail: This is the full version of Windows. No previous version is required but it is the most expensive.

There are other volume business licenses but you have to buy five copies to get started.


Unless you need the features exclusive to XP Professional (remote desktop, detailed file permissions and sharing, and/or connection to a Windows domain) I would say that XP home is just as good.
With most retailers if you are buying a new hard drive you will qualify for the OEM version.


Hope this helps.


EDIT: also both version come with IE6. Mozilla could be install after the fact on either as well.
Office is a separate group of programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access) that is sold on it's own although sometimes it is included with a new computer install.

 

[Russ Smith]

I think I gave bad info what I get with the recover disk(already installed) is Xp home. I had an additional Office XP small business CD that has word and excel on it. That was my old setup. The recover disk installed with no problems whatsoever, I'm not sure the small business will. If it does, no problem, if it doesn't, I need to buy something that will give me word and excel since the preinstalled software on the recovery disk doesn't have that.

I have XP professional at work thus my confusing first post.

So far so good, I'm doing all my windows updates. then I'll do the XP small office install, copy over the files we copied off the old drive(pictures resumes etc) and if that goes I just need the printer drivers and stuff for the cable modem when I get home and I have all the install cd's for both.

 

[Chaz]

The Office XP should install fine.

I know that that having Office and Windows share the XP title is confusing.

 

[Mike Olbinski]

XP Pro, hands down.

Mike