Differences between Windows Xp professional and Windos Xp Media Ce

[Guest]

I 'm glad to know the differences between Windows Xp professional and Windows
Media Center 2005. I'm planning to buy a tv tunner fo my computer so I want
to know if it's better to use Xp Professional or media Center. I red that
Media center is based on windows Xp Home edition, but I tried that version
last year then I decided to buy the professional Edition, becouse is more
stable. So before buying the Media center Edition I need some information!
Thanks to all for yours answers

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

From what I have heard, you can`t buy the Media Edition, it is only provided
to computer system manufacture`s. You can only buy the Home and Pro
editions publicly.

Jeff

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

MCE is a superset of XP Pro. You can find info. about MCE from these links:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/default.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/faq.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/top10.mspx

Follow the links on the above pages.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Depends where you live:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=74686

 

[jeffrey]

Hi Will,

When did that happen? I always heard Media Edition was only to be sold with
prebuilt systems.

Jeff

 

[Will Denny]

Not sure when exactly. There's another link as well for the US (I think) -
but of course, I can't find that ATM.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I 'm glad to know the differences between Windows Xp professional and
Windows
Media Center 2005. I'm planning to buy a tv tunner fo my computer so I
want
to know if it's better to use Xp Professional or media Center. I red that
Media center is based on windows Xp Home edition, but I tried that version
last year then I decided to buy the professional Edition, becouse is more
stable. So before buying the Media center Edition I need some information!
Thanks to all for yours answers

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is primarily based on a slightly
modified Windows XP Professional (SP2) core.
Certain functionality is no longer available such as joining a Domain.

You comment about Windows XP Professional being more stable then the Home
Edition is somewhat worrying as the stability of the 2 products is identical
as they are identical with the Professional Edition having a few extra
features aimed at the corporate market such as Domain membership and the
Encrypting File System
see
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx



--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Hi Will,

When did that happen? I always heard Media Edition was only to be sold
with
prebuilt systems.

Jeff

Windows XP Media Center Edition is an OEM only product and may be only sold
like other Microsoft OEM operating systems either with a new PC or with a
non peripheral hardware component.
So on the site that Will pointed out - read the small print near the bottom
of the page
"...
OEM Information: You receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) and a CD
containing the program on it. This is a legal OEM version of the product
licensed by Microsoft to be sold with any "non-peripheral hardware
component" and is bundled as such. OEM products are not retail packaged and
will not contain a manual. OEM versions cannot be returned under any reasons
...."

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[David Candy]

So why does MS permit such blatent fraud of it's end users?

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Where do you see "fraud" of the end user?

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

So why does MS permit such blatent fraud of it's end users?

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Stick with XP Pro. MCE is very limited in video card and tv tuner card
choices. Also, MCE is not sold "officially" thru retail stores. You may
find some people selling an OEM copy of MCE. However, Microsoft will not
provide support directly to you.

Y.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I 'm glad to know the differences between Windows Xp professional
and
Windows Media Center 2005. I'm planning to buy a tv tunner fo my
computer so I want to know if it's better to use Xp Professional or
media Center. I red that Media center is based on windows Xp Home
edition, but I tried that version last year then I decided to buy
the
professional Edition, becouse is more stable. So before buying the
Media center Edition I need some information! Thanks to all for
yours
answers

WinXP Media Center Edition is a _superset_ (iow, it does
_everything_ WinXP Pro can do, plus contains additional multi-media
features) of WinXP Pro. WinXP MCE is available to the general
consumer market only as on OEM product on specifically designed
systems.

Windows XP Media Center Edition Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ehome/default.asp

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH

 

[David Candy]

As the supplier is not complying with the OEM EULA (the MS to OEM agreement) then the supplier cannot license the OS to the user as the supplier is the licensor but has nothing to license.

4.3 Each Software Unit must be distributed pursuant to the End-User License Agreement that accompanies

the Software Unit. Under the terms of the EULA you are the licensor.



9. END-USER SUPPORT

The System Builder who installs the software must provide end-user support on terms at least as favorable as

the terms under which the System Builder provides end-user support for any fully assembled computer

system. The System Builder providing the support must place its support phone number conspicuously in the

fully assembled computer system help files or end-user documentation materials.


15.1 You may not advertise or price any Software Unit separately from its accompanying fully assembled
computer system or computer hardware. Except as granted in this license, you may not use, run, distribute,

copy, modify, display, repackage, or reassemble any Software Units or hardware, or any part of them.


I was hoping for a more official response rather than seeking to score points from you as this is discussed here a bit. If the supplier doesn't have to follow their license why should retail/upgrade customers (who unlike OEM users are YOUR customers).

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

David,

I a well aware of the contents of the System Build er licensing,

As I pointed out the link to the OEM edition on eBuyer clearly states that
it will be only supplied with a non-peripheral piece of hardware and in so
doing they are complying with the letter of the reseller agreement.

The license you are quoting from is the system builder license - which may
not necessarily the licensing terms eBuyer may be under.

Even so if they are in breach of any of the terms of licensing for their
sale of OEM software ,that is in no way defrauding the end user as your
initial accusation stated or were you directing that accusation at us
(Microsoft) - if so again there is no fraudulent activity taking place and
you should be more careful prior to making such accusations.

If you still feel eBuyer are in violation of their contracts and licensing
agreements with Microsoft feel free to report them to the
(e-mail address removed) e-mail alias with details of your complaint and
supporting evidence.
--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

As the supplier is not complying with the OEM EULA (the MS to OEM agreement)
then the supplier cannot license the OS to the user as the supplier is the
licensor but has nothing to license.

4.3 Each Software Unit must be distributed pursuant to the End-User License
Agreement that accompanies

the Software Unit. Under the terms of the EULA you are the licensor.



9. END-USER SUPPORT

The System Builder who installs the software must provide end-user support
on terms at least as favorable as

the terms under which the System Builder provides end-user support for any
fully assembled computer

system. The System Builder providing the support must place its support
phone number conspicuously in the

fully assembled computer system help files or end-user documentation
materials.


15.1 You may not advertise or price any Software Unit separately from its
accompanying fully assembled
computer system or computer hardware. Except as granted in this license, you
may not use, run, distribute,

copy, modify, display, repackage, or reassemble any Software Units or
hardware, or any part of them.


I was hoping for a more official response rather than seeking to score
points from you as this is discussed here a bit. If the supplier doesn't
have to follow their license why should retail/upgrade customers (who unlike
OEM users are YOUR customers).

 

[David Candy]

Well I have reported piracy of Win 2000 Server and workstations but MS don't care (anything under $100,000 I think). And it was you (MS) that I was accusing. And I did not read anything on that page that said it was supplied with hardware. There was a disclaimer on it but no signs of hardware.

Does MS advise that all retail/upgrade consumers buy OEM and save money.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Well I have reported piracy of Win 2000 Server and workstations
but MS don't care (anything under $100,000 I think).
And it was you (MS) that I was accusing.
And I did not read anything on that page that said it was supplied
with hardware. There was a disclaimer on it but no signs of hardware.

Does MS advise that all retail/upgrade consumers buy OEM and save money.

David,

Please provide details of where you think we (Microsoft) has engaged in
fraudulent activity in regard to this matter.

I cannot speak for eBuyer but I recently purchased a part that was OEM only
from another supplier and during the purchase process on the web site I was
required to purchase a appropriate additional hardware component to comply
with the OEM licensing I was operating under for the part I was purchasing
initially.


Microsoft offers our Windows opertaing system for general retail sale or
purchase preinstalled by OEMs. There is also a market in existence that
supplies Microsoft OEM products with non peripheral hardware as part of the
purchase

End users/customer should choose whichever purchasing options best meets
there requirements given the differences that exist between all the options
in a number of areas - examples being (but not limited to) support and
license usage rights (OEM one time use vs. Retail may be moved) etc.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

Well I have reported piracy of Win 2000 Server and workstations but MS don't
care (anything under $100,000 I think). And it was you (MS) that I was
accusing. And I did not read anything on that page that said it was supplied
with hardware. There was a disclaimer on it but no signs of hardware.

Does MS advise that all retail/upgrade consumers buy OEM and save money.

 

[David Candy]

Lets not worry about some foreign firm I've not heard of. My question is more generic. My mail box is filled with offers to buy XP OEM (and drugs from canada at ten times the Australian price and US mortages). It the principle generally of OEM software being sold as a retail product - no hardware required .

If you (MS) are giving the nudge, nudge, wink, wink to this practise then this is defrauding the customers that pay retail (3 times as much).

The links to such sites are posted here from time to time in licensing discussions. I did a survey for MS today. They got 1 (very good) for everything but ethics (where I scored them 5 - very poor). I did a big one two weeks ago and ditto. I'm sure I'm not the only person to answer that way.

 

[Guest]

Lets not worry about some foreign firm I've not heard of. My question is
more generic. My mail box is filled with offers to buy XP OEM (and drugs
from canada at ten times the Australian price and US mortages). It the
principle generally of OEM software being sold as a retail product - no
hardware required .

Without actually buying the product, you can't really be sure that hardware
isn't included.

All they have to do is include a floppy cable, or a sound card cable, or one
blank floppy disk or cd, etc. That's enough to satisfy the 'hardware' part
of buying an OEM copy.


Of course, I agree that many of them aren't entirely following Microsoft's
wishes. And some may not even be legit.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Lets not worry about some foreign firm I've not heard of.

Then why are you bothered at all whether it is a foreign form or a US based
one.

My question is more generic. My mail box is filled with offers to buy
XP OEM (and drugs from canada at ten times the Australian price
and US mortages).

That is not related to this dicsussion and is more related to SPAm in
general and the use of your e-mail address etc.

It the principle generally of OEM software being
sold as a retail product - no hardware required .

That is not the case in this discussing - both companies (mentioned in this
thread) clearly stated the position of the requirements of non peripheral
hardware being required.
If you believe that other companies are in breach of the requirements and
their licensing deals then report them.

If you (MS) are giving the nudge, nudge, wink, wink to this practise
then this is defrauding the customers that pay retail (3 times as much).

We are not giving any "nudge, nudge, wink, wink " to this practice - we
clearly state our terms of license for our products and the resellers and
OEM system builders are required to comply with the terms they have agreed
to. If they are in breach of contracts or licensing terms then they will be
dealt with accordingly.
If a customer chooses to take there business in full knowledge of what the
product they are buying is and the terms of that product are clearly
displayed to them and they agree to abide by them then this is customer
choice and free market forces in action. People have the freedom on choice
to purchase our products in many ways and each of these methods comes with
certain terms that they are required to adhere to.
Personal choice over a number of options does not equal fraud

I can buy an identical car from a number of sources and they will all come
with differing warrantees and costs - I am being defrauded by the car
manufacturer or do I make an informed decision about where I purchase given
all the factors ?

The links to such sites are posted here from time to time in
licensing discussions. I did a survey for MS today. They got 1
(very good) for everything but ethics (where I scored them 5 - very poor).
I did a big one two weeks ago and ditto. I'm sure I'm not the only person
to answer that way.

Your survey completions are not germane to this thread.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

Lets not worry about some foreign firm I've not heard of. My question is
more generic. My mail box is filled with offers to buy XP OEM (and drugs
from canada at ten times the Australian price and US mortages). It the
principle generally of OEM software being sold as a retail product - no
hardware required .

If you (MS) are giving the nudge, nudge, wink, wink to this practise then
this is defrauding the customers that pay retail (3 times as much).

The links to such sites are posted here from time to time in licensing
discussions. I did a survey for MS today. They got 1 (very good) for
everything but ethics (where I scored them 5 - very poor). I did a big one
two weeks ago and ditto. I'm sure I'm not the only person to answer that
way.

 

[Ron Martell]

WinXP Media Center Edition is a _superset_ (iow, it does
_everything_ WinXP Pro can do, plus contains additional multi-media
features) of WinXP Pro. WinXP MCE is available to the general
consumer market only as on OEM product on specifically designed
systems.

Windows XP Media Center Edition Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ehome/default.asp

Did you see Mike Brannigan's comment abput MCE not having all of the
Pro functionality? He specifically mentions logging onto a domain as
one capability that was removed from MCE.

That makes MCE more like a superset of XP Home, or rather a second
superset of XP Home, with XP Pro being the first superset.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."