Windows XP on a laptop with multiple domains... What do I need...

[David Bock]

Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like it to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

 

[David Bock]

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if you are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Yes you can access resources in other domains by providing an appropriate
set of credentials for that domain when you try and access resources in it.

Yes a machine can only be a member of one domain, so if you have one at
home and one in the office your laptop may only be a member of one.
Decide which one is the primary system you use and then just attach to the
resources in the other using the method mentioned above.
If you are not connected to that primary domain you can still login using
cached credentials and then access the other domain resources as above.
This negates the requirements for multiple desktops/profiles.

I am surprised your office allows you to bring in a "home" machine and
attached it to their network let alone join their domain.


--

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

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Rebecca Chen [MSFT]]

Hi David,

If you only want to access shares in different subnets, you can use WinXP
Home, when you connect the shares in other domain that need the
credentials, you will be prompted to input the username and password. After
correctly input the credentials, you then can visit the shares. This
behavior is the same in winxp pro. When the system finds that the current
credential cannot pass the authentication, it will promote you to input the
credential.


Alternatively, you can use the mapping drive by right clicking My
Computer->Map network drive->Click "Different User Name", you can input the
correct username and the password. In this way, you can access the shares
by simply opening the mapping drive.

If there are some domains in different subnets, you may consider purchasing
winxp pro edition to get more advantage from winxp pro.

If they are all workgroup, you can choose WinXP Home. In case you find the
WinXP HOME does not fulfill your needs, it is possible to perform an
in-place upgrade from WinXP Home to Pro edition without impacting the
existing the data.

HTH!

Best regards,

Rebecca Chen

MCSE2000 MCDBA CCNA


Microsoft Online Partner Support
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

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[David Bock]

Thanks Colin, I am our network administrator, Everything is in XP Pro, but I
use my laptop when I am going between sites. I have been using Win98, and I
only played with home briefly. Since I can buy the laptop with either HOME
or PRO on it, I would prefer to get the right restore disks with it. I would
actually like to play and get the best solution for me, but I guess I am
trying to ask the experts which one is best for my app.

I think what I will do is buy a cheap $500 machine and see if HOME will
allow me the functionality I need. My problem is that then I have trouble
justifying the $1100 one I want...

Thanks for your help,
David Bock.

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if you are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I

should
use

XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore

disks
for

the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I

buy
on

the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Hi Rebecca and Thank you.
None of the domains are on "WORKGROUP", but I am thinking that home should
give me MOST of the functionality I need. Logging into domains across
subnets would be helpful, but being locked into a domain would be worse.

I am thinking I will follow a suggestion I got in an e-mail; buy an
inexpensive $500 laptop with HOME on it and see if it will do what I need.
In XP Pro and Tablet you can have it as part of a domain. I guess my next
question is if I use PRO without being part of the domain, is it acting just
like HOME, or is it going to be my best solution. I don't mind spending the
money for PRO, but I want to buy the new laptop with the right OS.

Thanks Again,
David Bock

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

XP Home does not sound right for what you describe. If you can get Pro with
the appropriate restore cd, I sure would. I always pick Pro anyway because
I never know how I will wind up using my computers in the future.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks Colin, I am our network administrator, Everything is in XP Pro, but
I
use my laptop when I am going between sites. I have been using Win98, and
I
only played with home briefly. Since I can buy the laptop with either HOME
or PRO on it, I would prefer to get the right restore disks with it. I
would
actually like to play and get the best solution for me, but I guess I am
trying to ask the experts which one is best for my app.

I think what I will do is buy a cheap $500 machine and see if HOME will
allow me the functionality I need. My problem is that then I have trouble
justifying the $1100 one I want...

Thanks for your help,
David Bock.

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if you are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a
daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. I am thinking of buying a low-end test system with
HOME on it to see if it will allow me the functionality I need. As far as
why I connect to both "Home" and my office, I am our network administrator
My network at home is where I do my developement work and some simulations.
It is isolated from our main network. While I could burn a CD with all of
the files I need to transfer, it is easiear to work on one machine when I am
implementing a new piece of code. I also use this machine to configure local
firewalls, routers and printers. I am the only one here that needs this
functionality, and until my laptop died I had no need to figure out which
version is best.

I guess my problem is that I have always hooked the computers up as part of
the domain local to it's use, and never gave a thought to my "out-of-box
usage. I also don't know the added securuty enhancements to PRO (other than
allowing to be part of the domain)

Thanks again for your help...
David Bock

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Yes you can access resources in other domains by providing an appropriate
set of credentials for that domain when you try and access resources in it.

Yes a machine can only be a member of one domain, so if you have one at
home and one in the office your laptop may only be a member of one.
Decide which one is the primary system you use and then just attach to the
resources in the other using the method mentioned above.
If you are not connected to that primary domain you can still login using
cached credentials and then access the other domain resources as above.
This negates the requirements for multiple desktops/profiles.

I am surprised your office allows you to bring in a "home" machine and
attached it to their network let alone join their domain.


--

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

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I

should
use

XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore

disks
for

the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I

buy
on

the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Yes, I guess... If I don't join a domain (use the machine in "local mode"
Will it work just like HOME? I don't mind spending the extra money
(thanks again)

XP Home does not sound right for what you describe. If you can get Pro with
the appropriate restore cd, I sure would. I always pick Pro anyway because
I never know how I will wind up using my computers in the future.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks Colin, I am our network administrator, Everything is in XP Pro, but
I
use my laptop when I am going between sites. I have been using Win98, and
I
only played with home briefly. Since I can buy the laptop with either HOME
or PRO on it, I would prefer to get the right restore disks with it. I
would
actually like to play and get the best solution for me, but I guess I am
trying to ask the experts which one is best for my app.

I think what I will do is buy a cheap $500 machine and see if HOME will
allow me the functionality I need. My problem is that then I have trouble
justifying the $1100 one I want...

Thanks for your help,
David Bock.

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if you are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a
daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover,

will
Pro

force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the

connection.
I

would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Review this link and see what advantage there would be for Pro for you:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.mspx

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Yes, I guess... If I don't join a domain (use the machine in "local mode"
Will it work just like HOME? I don't mind spending the extra money
(thanks again)

XP Home does not sound right for what you describe. If you can get Pro with
the appropriate restore cd, I sure would. I always pick Pro anyway because
I never know how I will wind up using my computers in the future.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks Colin, I am our network administrator, Everything is in XP Pro, but
I
use my laptop when I am going between sites. I have been using Win98, and
I
only played with home briefly. Since I can buy the laptop with either HOME
or PRO on it, I would prefer to get the right restore disks with it. I
would
actually like to play and get the best solution for me, but I guess I
am
trying to ask the experts which one is best for my app.

I think what I will do is buy a cheap $500 machine and see if HOME will
allow me the functionality I need. My problem is that then I have trouble
justifying the $1100 one I want...

Thanks for your help,
David Bock.

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user
account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if
you
are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop
twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a
daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are
questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me
to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will
Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use
Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I
should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my
main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give
each
one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to
which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me?
If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection.
I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore
disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should
I
buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

See: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.mspx

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. I am thinking of buying a low-end test system with
HOME on it to see if it will allow me the functionality I need. As far as
why I connect to both "Home" and my office, I am our network administrator
My network at home is where I do my developement work and some
simulations.
It is isolated from our main network. While I could burn a CD with all of
the files I need to transfer, it is easiear to work on one machine when I
am
implementing a new piece of code. I also use this machine to configure
local
firewalls, routers and printers. I am the only one here that needs this
functionality, and until my laptop died I had no need to figure out which
version is best.

I guess my problem is that I have always hooked the computers up as part
of
the domain local to it's use, and never gave a thought to my "out-of-box
usage. I also don't know the added securuty enhancements to PRO (other
than
allowing to be part of the domain)

Thanks again for your help...
David Bock

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Yes you can access resources in other domains by providing an appropriate
set of credentials for that domain when you try and access resources in it.

Yes a machine can only be a member of one domain, so if you have one at
home and one in the office your laptop may only be a member of one.
Decide which one is the primary system you use and then just attach to
the
resources in the other using the method mentioned above.
If you are not connected to that primary domain you can still login using
cached credentials and then access the other domain resources as above.
This negates the requirements for multiple desktops/profiles.

I am surprised your office allows you to bring in a "home" machine and
attached it to their network let alone join their domain.


--

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

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection. I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Thanks, that is the info that I needed!!!!!!!
David Bock

Review this link and see what advantage there would be for Pro for you:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.mspx

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Yes, I guess... If I don't join a domain (use the machine in "local mode"
Will it work just like HOME? I don't mind spending the extra money
(thanks again)

XP Home does not sound right for what you describe. If you can get Pro with
the appropriate restore cd, I sure would. I always pick Pro anyway because
I never know how I will wind up using my computers in the future.

Pro,
but

I
use my laptop when I am going between sites. I have been using Win98, and
I
only played with home briefly. Since I can buy the laptop with either HOME
or PRO on it, I would prefer to get the right restore disks with it. I
would
actually like to play and get the best solution for me, but I guess I
am
trying to ask the experts which one is best for my app.

I think what I will do is buy a cheap $500 machine and see if HOME will
allow me the functionality I need. My problem is that then I have trouble
justifying the $1100 one I want...

Thanks for your help,
David Bock.

Home can access resources on a network. I don't understand the question
about Pro forcing you to reset your domain. You have to have a user
account
on a domain before logging into it. That account is meaningless if
you
are
not connected. I can't see why you would have to create a new desktop
twice
a day. If you are connecting to a domain based network at work on a
daily
basis it would make sense to use Pro. Having said that, these are
questions
for the network administrator to help you with.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me
to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will
Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use
Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

with
XP

home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I
should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my
main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint

where
I

need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give
each
one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to
which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection,

can
I

manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network

connections
and

allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me?
If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection.
I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore
disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should
I
buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Thanks again!!!
David Bock

See: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.mspx

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. I am thinking of buying a low-end test system with
HOME on it to see if it will allow me the functionality I need. As far as
why I connect to both "Home" and my office, I am our network administrator
My network at home is where I do my developement work and some
simulations.
It is isolated from our main network. While I could burn a CD with all of
the files I need to transfer, it is easiear to work on one machine when I
am
implementing a new piece of code. I also use this machine to configure
local
firewalls, routers and printers. I am the only one here that needs this
functionality, and until my laptop died I had no need to figure out which
version is best.

I guess my problem is that I have always hooked the computers up as part
of
the domain local to it's use, and never gave a thought to my "out-of-box
usage. I also don't know the added securuty enhancements to PRO (other
than
allowing to be part of the domain)

Thanks again for your help...
David Bock

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover,

will
Pro

force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?


Yes you can access resources in other domains by providing an appropriate
set of credentials for that domain when you try and access resources in it.

Yes a machine can only be a member of one domain, so if you have one at
home and one in the office your laptop may only be a member of one.
Decide which one is the primary system you use and then just attach to
the
resources in the other using the method mentioned above.
If you are not connected to that primary domain you can still login using
cached credentials and then access the other domain resources as above.
This negates the requirements for multiple desktops/profiles.

I am surprised your office allows you to bring in a "home" machine and
attached it to their network let alone join their domain.


--

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

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover,

will
Pro

force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give each one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me? If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the

connection.
I

would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should I buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[Ron_R]

David, you sound just like me. You want to examine as many "what ifs" as
possible, AND keep all your options open, too.
From an "analyze-everything-every-which-way" engineer, here's what I'd do in
your situation.

I presume you don't want to upgrade, or can't afford to shutdown, your
current Win98 system-- I wouldn't either. So, I would ...

Buy a RETAIL version of XP Home and install it on a used/borrowed/cheap
laptop. You might even consider *renting* one with XP Home installed. Then
if you find that Home doesn't fulfill your needs you can easily upgrade to
XP-Pro as Rebecca Chen suggests.

I say RETAIL because there can be "issues" with Restore disks from OEMs. I
have XP-Pro [OEM] on a desktop, but NO Restore disks. I installed the O/S
myself from the Microsoft OEM disk I purchased along with the system I
built. Therefore, updates, repair installs, etc., are all exactly like the
retail version. And the hardware/components/configuration are the way *I*
wanted it. The trouble with Restore disks is they typically "RESTORE" the
O/S and all the bundled software (if any) to the harddisk just as the
machine left the factory. That's not usually what an advanced user would
want to do. Restore disks are an easy/inexpensive way for OEMs to get
novices back to their as-new setup after they've unwittingly cobbled up
their system. Subsequent hardware changes and software updates can render
Restore disks next to useless.

If a new laptop is in your future anyway, try to buy it with XP [OEM] where
you get the O/S disk itself and not a set of Restore disks. Make sure it is
SP2. That makes for a lot cleaner re-install (read: w/o all the extra
bundled crap) should that ever be necessary. Also, your upgrade path to
XP-Pro is "clean." Again, with a restore disk, the components installed
with the O/S are determined by the factory, not you. You should still be
able to upgrade, but as one saavy user to another, why would you ever want
the manufacturer to determine your O/S configuration?

Another issue with OEM versions of XP is that of moving to another platform
and WPA. Buying a "cheap" system raises the question, "are you going to
want to move your setup to a new platform eventually?" There can be issues
with that where OEM versions are installed. It is not as restrictive as
many "alarmists" would have you believe, but where the O/S was installed AND
WPA "activated" by the manufacturer, it should raise some flags. Again,
this *could* limit your options.

Just some thoughts for you, David. Good luck. Let us know what you do, and
how it turns out. --RonR

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You're welcome.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Thanks again!!!
David Bock

See: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.mspx

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your help. I am thinking of buying a low-end test system
with
HOME on it to see if it will allow me the functionality I need. As far as
why I connect to both "Home" and my office, I am our network administrator
My network at home is where I do my developement work and some
simulations.
It is isolated from our main network. While I could burn a CD with all of
the files I need to transfer, it is easiear to work on one machine when I
am
implementing a new piece of code. I also use this machine to configure
local
firewalls, routers and printers. I am the only one here that needs this
functionality, and until my laptop died I had no need to figure out which
version is best.

I guess my problem is that I have always hooked the computers up as
part
of
the domain local to it's use, and never gave a thought to my
"out-of-box
usage. I also don't know the added securuty enhancements to PRO (other
than
allowing to be part of the domain)

Thanks again for your help...
David Bock
message
Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me
to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will
Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?


Yes you can access resources in other domains by providing an appropriate
set of credentials for that domain when you try and access resources
in
it.

Yes a machine can only be a member of one domain, so if you have one at
home and one in the office your laptop may only be a member of one.
Decide which one is the primary system you use and then just attach to
the
resources in the other using the method mentioned above.
If you are not connected to that primary domain you can still login using
cached credentials and then access the other domain resources as
above.
This negates the requirements for multiple desktops/profiles.

I am surprised your office allows you to bring in a "home" machine and
attached it to their network let alone join their domain.


--

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

Thanks, but beyond the "Business vs home" talk, Will Home allow me
to
connect up to resources without joining the Domain, Or, moreover, will
Pro
force me to reset my Domain before going into work every day (thus
creating
a new desktop twice a day)?

Thanks again
David Bock

Home cannot join a domain. If that is a factor then you should use
Pro.
Your usage is the key. Pro is a business client OS and Home is a
standalone
OS.

--
Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
Hi, My Windows98SE laptop just died the real death. I played with XP
home
when it first came out, and I think that it will do what I would
like
it
to.
I would like advice on how to configure it and whether or not I
should
use
XP Pro.

I have a test setup running Server 2003 (that is isolated from my
main
network) running 10.0.1.X (SN 256.256.256.0)
My main network is also a 10.0.1.X network, but has a different name
I have 3 other locations (2 of which have their own domains) On a
WAN
(10.0.2.X, 10.0.3.X,10.0.4.X)
I sometimes have to configure a router/firewall/Accesspoint where I
need
a
192.0.0.X subnet.

I would like to be able to read shared files,
Print to shared printers.
I do not need any of the collaberation stuff.
Ideally I would like not to log in to the network (we run some
inhibitor
software that I find myself disabling a good part of the time)

Can I set it up with 5 network connections with Home and give
each
one
a
different subnet with a UNC name? Will it then Auto configure to
which
network I will be on? If it won't auto select the connection, can I
manually
set it? (wired/Wireless) Will it remember my network connections and
allow
me to use shares?

What would using XPPro Vs XPHome VS Pen Vs Media Center get me?
If I
need
XP
Pro, can I have it set to log into a domain based on the connection.
I
would
normally buy it with Home and try it first, but there is an
advantage
to
having the OS on the machine when you buy it (to get the restore
disks
for
the version of Windows I will be using)

What I guess I really want to know is which version of XP should
I
buy
on
the laptop? and what is the best way to configure it

Thanks, In Advance
David Bock

 

[David Bock]

Thanks Ron_R,
I too have access to OEM products, and I agree about the bundled software. I
have found that on specialty hardware (read as laptops with proprietary
hardware) is to do a full restore and weed out what you don't want. There is
usually battery management/network adapter/WYFY software that isn't
available easily. I usually leave most of the fluff and remove the annoying
bits. My usage is very basic, I transfer some code updates, manage some
firewals/switches, and do some Word Processing.

My Sony Vaio (7 year old) laptop WOULD NOT update to XP PRO, so that is one
of my fears. I was happy with leaving it as W98SE, because it was easy for
me to remember where all of the IP data controls were. It died the real
death (no video and no beepsat startup. the power appears to turn on, but
there is nobody home)... I tried lots of things, but If it is the
motherboard or the monitor it just isn't worth fixing.

I have a friend who offered to let me use his Acer CM300 (Pen based) and I
may borrow it to see whether or not it will work. The Pen OS is really cool;
it can even recognize my handwriting!!!!.

Thanks,
David Bock

David, you sound just like me. You want to examine as many "what ifs" as
possible, AND keep all your options open, too.
From an "analyze-everything-every-which-way" engineer, here's what I'd do in
your situation.

I presume you don't want to upgrade, or can't afford to shutdown, your
current Win98 system-- I wouldn't either. So, I would ...

Buy a RETAIL version of XP Home and install it on a used/borrowed/cheap
laptop. You might even consider *renting* one with XP Home installed. Then
if you find that Home doesn't fulfill your needs you can easily upgrade to
XP-Pro as Rebecca Chen suggests.

I say RETAIL because there can be "issues" with Restore disks from OEMs. I
have XP-Pro [OEM] on a desktop, but NO Restore disks. I installed the O/S
myself from the Microsoft OEM disk I purchased along with the system I
built. Therefore, updates, repair installs, etc., are all exactly like the
retail version. And the hardware/components/configuration are the way *I*
wanted it. The trouble with Restore disks is they typically "RESTORE" the
O/S and all the bundled software (if any) to the harddisk just as the
machine left the factory. That's not usually what an advanced user would
want to do. Restore disks are an easy/inexpensive way for OEMs to get
novices back to their as-new setup after they've unwittingly cobbled up
their system. Subsequent hardware changes and software updates can render
Restore disks next to useless.

If a new laptop is in your future anyway, try to buy it with XP [OEM] where
you get the O/S disk itself and not a set of Restore disks. Make sure it is
SP2. That makes for a lot cleaner re-install (read: w/o all the extra
bundled crap) should that ever be necessary. Also, your upgrade path to
XP-Pro is "clean." Again, with a restore disk, the components installed
with the O/S are determined by the factory, not you. You should still be
able to upgrade, but as one saavy user to another, why would you ever want
the manufacturer to determine your O/S configuration?

Another issue with OEM versions of XP is that of moving to another platform
and WPA. Buying a "cheap" system raises the question, "are you going to
want to move your setup to a new platform eventually?" There can be issues
with that where OEM versions are installed. It is not as restrictive as
many "alarmists" would have you believe, but where the O/S was installed AND
WPA "activated" by the manufacturer, it should raise some flags. Again,
this *could* limit your options.

Just some thoughts for you, David. Good luck. Let us know what you do, and
how it turns out. --RonR

Hi Rebecca and Thank you.
None of the domains are on "WORKGROUP", but I am thinking that home should
give me MOST of the functionality I need. Logging into domains across
subnets would be helpful, but being locked into a domain would be worse.

I am thinking I will follow a suggestion I got in an e-mail; buy an
inexpensive $500 laptop with HOME on it and see if it will do what I need.
In XP Pro and Tablet you can have it as part of a domain. I guess my next
question is if I use PRO without being part of the domain, is it acting just
like HOME, or is it going to be my best solution. I don't mind spending the
money for PRO, but I want to buy the new laptop with the right OS.

Thanks Again,
David Bock
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