What do I buy?

[JP]

My daughter asked me to get her windows XP for her computer. My
son-in-law said there is nothing on the computer at the moment. I am
assuming I need to get the entire operating system. My question is, what
do I buy?

I have found:

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Full Version EOM DSP

Or do I need something altogther different?

I find references to no operating system, which I assume is what he
means when SIL said there is nothing on it right now. I think he picked
up the computer from someone he was serving in Iraq with. It had Windows
XP on it, but he couldnt get updates because the softwear wasnt
registered in his name.

Please help. Thanks in advance.

JP

 

[Jerry]

The latest versions of XP are Home w/SP2 and Pro w/SP2. (XP is the operating
system.)

Which version to get is dependent on what the computer will be used for. You
could go to Best Buy, Circuit City, or similar and read the box to determine
the main differences between the two - or do a Google search.

 

[Kayman]

My daughter asked me to get her windows XP for her computer. My
son-in-law said there is nothing on the computer at the moment. I am
assuming I need to get the entire operating system. My question is, what
do I buy?

I have found:

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Full Version EOM DSP

Or do I need something altogther different?

I find references to no operating system, which I assume is what he
means when SIL said there is nothing on it right now. I think he picked
up the computer from someone he was serving in Iraq with. It had Windows
XP on it, but he couldnt get updates because the softwear wasnt
registered in his name.

Please help. Thanks in advance.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

I'd go for WinXP Pro SP2.

 

[Daave]

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

I'd go for WinXP Pro SP2.

Pro is more expensive than Home and probably won't be of any extra
benefit to OP's daughter.

 

[Daave]

My daughter asked me to get her windows XP for her computer. My
son-in-law said there is nothing on the computer at the moment. I am
assuming I need to get the entire operating system. My question is,
what do I buy?

I have found:

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2

Windows XP Home Edition with SP2 Full Version EOM DSP

Or do I need something altogther different?

I find references to no operating system, which I assume is what he
means when SIL said there is nothing on it right now. I think he
picked up the computer from someone he was serving in Iraq with. It
had Windows XP on it, but he couldnt get updates because the softwear
wasnt registered in his name.

If the PC was originally sold with Windows on it, chances are it still
has a valid license.

What is the make and model of the PC? Does it have a Certificate of
Authenticity sticker on it? I assume that it doesn't come with
installation disks, but it's possible the hard drive has a hidden
partition containing an image of a fresh install of Windows. Need more
info!

 

[Kayman]

Pro is more expensive than Home and probably won't be of any extra
benefit to OP's daughter.

As far as I'm concerned, the extra security features in Pro would be an
overriding factor...

 

[Daave]

As far as I'm concerned, the extra security features in Pro would be
an overriding factor...

Which particular security features are important to you? I'm guessing
features such as EFS and C2 certification won't be needed whatsoever.
It's appropriate to be concerned about safety, but that entails a good
firewall and applications that prevent malware from being installed,
which means that Home and Pro are basically on an even playing field as
far as your daughter is concerned.

But if it makes you *feel* better to get Pro, I'm sure Mr. Gates won't
complain!

For a good comparison, see:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp