Cheapest WinXP Pro Home Networking Solution?

[Guest]

Hello,

I'm looking for pricing suggestions. I have 4 PCs that are running Windows
XP Home. I have a Domain Server and want to perform domain logins and such
(with scripts and all that). One of the PCs could be converted to a Linux
computer as it is acting as a Printer Server and HP has better support than
ever for their printers in Linux. But, the others have to be Windows XP PCs.
What is the cheapest method of either upgrading or licensing 3 (maybe 4) PCs
with WinXP Pro? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Scott M.]

I don't think you have a lot of choices. You'll need to go out and buy 4
copies of XP Pro.

 

[Richard G. Harper]

For a network of this size there is no "cheapest" method - you'll have to
purchase enough WinXP Pro upgrades to do the job.

 

[Guest]

There's no "home licensing" program for Windows or any other Microsft
software, I suppose. That's kind of what I figured. That's a lot of money
for a home user. I would think there would be some upgrade that made it more
affordable for Windows Home users to move to XP Pro. The upgrade is more
expensive than buying new versions (through my company). I didn't want to
spend that kind of money without exploring other options. Thanks, Scott.

 

[Bob Willard]

Hello,

I'm looking for pricing suggestions. I have 4 PCs that are running Windows
XP Home. I have a Domain Server and want to perform domain logins and such
(with scripts and all that). One of the PCs could be converted to a Linux
computer as it is acting as a Printer Server and HP has better support than
ever for their printers in Linux. But, the others have to be Windows XP PCs.
What is the cheapest method of either upgrading or licensing 3 (maybe 4) PCs
with WinXP Pro? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Brian

Now that you know the cost of having a domain with XP PRO clients, perhaps you
should reconsider the incremental value of a domain over a workgroup.

 

[Guest]

I think you're right. It's just frustration that I had the capability with
Win9x and now I don't.... :-(

 

[andre]

There's the kicker - with Win9x it was built in. For XP it's add $600 for
Pro!

 

[Scott M.]

Are you saying that the networking capabilities of Win9x are anywhere near
the networking capabilities of XP Pro?