XP Pro or Home - what to purchase

[Gail Gordon]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for xp. I use
Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the computer crash more
often, even when I do all the technical things advised to avoid that.
Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and graphic packages.

Thanks.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for xp. I use
Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the computer crash more
often, even when I do all the technical things advised to avoid that.
Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and graphic packages.

No Network?
No need to remoptely log into your PC?

Stick with Home Edition.

 

[Jim Macklin]

If you want to experiment with the OS, XP Pro has more
settings you can play with, but otherwise Home and Pro run
the same speed.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| Gail Gordon wrote:
| > I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home
computer, even
| > though there is no computer network, because the
professional version
| > will run better than the home office version. I'm
wondering what
| > opinions people have about this - is it worth spending
the extra money
| > to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?
| >
| > I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for
xp. I use
| > Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the
computer crash more
| > often, even when I do all the technical things advised
to avoid that.
| > Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and
graphic packages.
|
| No Network?
| No need to remoptely log into your PC?
|
| Stick with Home Edition.
|
| --
| <- Shenan ->
| --
|
|

 

[XPUSER]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for xp. I use
Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the computer crash more
often, even when I do all the technical things advised to avoid that.
Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and graphic packages.

Thanks.

==============================================================================================
What Operating System came with this Dell Dimension 4100?
What Operating System are you currently running?
I strongly advise talking to Dell before doing any OS upgrade.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/default.asp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316639

http://support.dell.com/upgrades/Advisor.aspx

http://support.dell.com/fileLib/Dev...tegory=0&OS=WW1&OSL=EN&SysID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100
==============================================================================================

 

[CS]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for xp. I use
Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the computer crash more
often, even when I do all the technical things advised to avoid that.
Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and graphic packages.

Thanks.

For use at home, no network or extra security needed, no joining a
domain, etc., purchase the Home version. The Pro version will cost
you over $100 more and does not run any better or faster than the Home
version. Just make sure your hardware is up to running XP. If you
have problems with your current OS crashing often, I suggest you fix
whatever is wrong before upgrading.

 

[XPUSER]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for xp. I use
Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the computer crash more
often, even when I do all the technical things advised to avoid that.
Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and graphic packages.

Thanks.

==============================================================================================
What Operating System came with this Dell Dimension 4100?
What Operating System are you currently running?
I strongly advise talking to Dell before doing any OS upgrade.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/default.asp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316639

http://support.dell.com/upgrades/Advisor.aspx

http://support.dell.com/fileLib/Dev...tegory=0&OS=WW1&OSL=EN&SysID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100
==============================================================================================
Also, it is never a good idea to try to resolve problematic systems by just doing an OS upgrade.
Rather it is a much better idea to try to address whatever issues are plagueing the system.
You would probably be better served by just posting your specific symptoms to the appropriate newsgroup or
contact Dell's "Award Winning Support" (Dell's words - not mine).
===============================================================================

 

[Papa]

Do not upgrade to either until you have the current problems resolved and
repaired. Otherwise those problems will most likely carry over onto your new
OS. After that, use the XP Upgrade Adviser to evaluate the XP feasibility of
your system. The Adviser is included on any XP program disk, and can be
downloaded from Microsoft, but it is a large (over 40 MB) file.

If you cannot resolve those problems, consider doing a clean install
(re-partition and re-format the system drive followed by an install of the
new OS). Of course all existing data will be lost, but you won't be
transferring any old headaches to your new system.

Personally I prefer XP Pro, but I have 3 desktops and 1 laptop on a
wired/wireless LAN.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Whomever offered you that advice should stick to their day-job
flipping burgers at McDonalds. They certainly don't know enough about
WinXP to be offering advice.

The two versions are _identical_ when it comes to performance,
stability, and device driver and software application compatibility,
but are intended to meet different functionality, networking,
security, and ease-of-use needs, in different environments. The most
significant differences are that WinXP Pro allows up to 10
simultaneous inbound network connections while WinXP Home only allows
only 5, WinXP Pro is designed to join a Microsoft domain while WinXP
Home cannot, and only WinXP Pro supports file encryption and IIS.

Windows XP Comparison Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp

Which Edition Is Right for You
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp

Windows XP Home Edition vs. Professional Edition
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

"Which is better?" That depends entirely upon the uses to which
you put your computer, the network environment in which you'll operate
it, your specific security needs, and your level of computer
knowledge.

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

 

[Visitor]

The Pro version does have a few extra features that the Home version
doesn't.

Go over to Microsoft's XP page and see a summary of the differences.

Basically, if you have to ask, then you don't need Pro.

It's got some encryption available that isn't normally available to the Home
version. It has the system restore feature. It can handle multiple
processors. And a few other minor things.

But generally, if you have to ask, then you probably don't need Pro.

With some carefull shopping, you can pick up a legal OEM copy of XP Pro
upgrade for about the same price that you'd buy a retail copy of xp home.
(The OEM status shouldn't really make any difference.) (Many places sell
OEM versions of xp with a cheap piece of hardware, such as a floppy cable,
to make it legal.)

 

[Jim Macklin]

Both Home and Pro have system restore. Home has backup, but
it isn't installed by default.

Security, user management and domains are other Pro
features. If you want to learn about IT then get Pro,
you'll learn more. If all you want to do is computer at
home, save money with Home.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| The Pro version does have a few extra features that the
Home version
| doesn't.
|
| Go over to Microsoft's XP page and see a summary of the
differences.
|
| Basically, if you have to ask, then you don't need Pro.
|
| It's got some encryption available that isn't normally
available to the Home
| version. It has the system restore feature. It can
handle multiple
| processors. And a few other minor things.
|
| But generally, if you have to ask, then you probably don't
need Pro.
|
| With some carefull shopping, you can pick up a legal OEM
copy of XP Pro
| upgrade for about the same price that you'd buy a retail
copy of xp home.
| (The OEM status shouldn't really make any difference.)
(Many places sell
| OEM versions of xp with a cheap piece of hardware, such as
a floppy cable,
| to make it legal.)
|
| | > I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home
computer, even
| > though there is no computer network, because the
professional version
| > will run better than the home office version. I'm
wondering what
| > opinions people have about this - is it worth spending
the extra money
| > to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?
| >
| > I have a Dell Dimension 4100, with sufficient memory for
xp. I use
| > Dragon Naturally Speaking, which seems to make the
computer crash more
| > often, even when I do all the technical things advised
to avoid that.
| > Primary uses are word processing, photo shop, and
graphic packages.
| >
| > Thanks.
|
|

 

[Guest]

I can't see the point of paying for xp pro when you are
not planning to run on a network. Xp home will be fine
for what you need it for.
The on;y reason i run pro is foer the added network
security, nothing else.

 

[Kelly]

Windows XP Professional include unlike Home Edition the follow features: SMP
support, Roaming user profiles, Remote desktop, Access control, Encrypting
file system, Offline files and folders, Remote installation service, Windows
server domain support, Group policy, Software installation and maintenance,
and Multi-lingual user interface support (add-on).

What is the difference between Home Edition and Professional?
http://www.ntcompatible.com/faq35.shtml

Differences Between Home and Pro
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

 

[Alex Nichol]

I've been advised to purchase windowsxppro for my home computer, even
though there is no computer network, because the professional version
will run better than the home office version. I'm wondering what
opinions people have about this - is it worth spending the extra money
to keep my system from crashing as often as it has?

That is not true. The two systems are completely identical outside the
additional facilities provided in Pro, primarily for use in corporate
networks. See
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp
for the list of things that are in Pro only. In addition Pro will
support ten simultaneous connections in a network - Home only five

If you see no need for any of these Pro only matters, save money and get
Home

 

[FaiRaNdbalANcEd]

By Pro

You might need it in the future !!

 

[Cerridwen]

By Pro

You might need it in the future !!

Then she can buy it in the future. That would be like me buying a car - I
don't need one now (because I can't drive) but I maybe able to in the
future. Why tie up the money? Buy what you need now - don't speculate.

 

[Kelly]

Great point and I agree. If the situation allows, always go for the full
product.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Normally I say most home users need only Windows XP Home.
However most home users buy an OEM computer and never consider
upgrading until they buy a new computer.
So if someone is upgrading an existing computer, I would say there is
more likely a chance they may eventually want Windows XP Pro.
Just my thoughts looking from a slightly different angle.

 

[Unknown]

Upgrading from Windows ME to XP doesn't necessarily mean the upgrader needs XP
Pro. Why is it 'more likely' someone upgrading an existing computer want XP
Pro?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

I did not say they would necessarily need Pro.
However the fact they are upgrading the OS at all puts them in a
slightly different group than the typical home user.
As such their needs are different.
More of the people who upgrade will eventually want Pro as opposed to
the typical home user referenced earlier.

 

[RobertVA]

Would ME even meet the previous version test for the XP Pro Upgrade? Does
the Pro Upgrade restrict to NT and 2000?