XP Pro vs XP Media Center

[Rich Olson]

What's the difference in XP Pro and XP MC? Is there a thread that addresses
this? Most new laptops seem to come with the Media Center edition, but my
work IS guys say I need XP Pro because of network security concerns. Is
having the MC Edition a non-starter if I really need XP Pro. What does the
Media Center Edition give me that XP Pro does not?

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Rich:

I'm told that XP pro and XP media center are identical in function except
that XP MC can't connect to a network domain. XP MC still has all the other
networking functionality that we normally associate with XP (networking,
wireless, etc) but domain connectivity (as I understand it and I'm not an
expert) is a higher level of networking usually associated with large
networks. Likely your IT guy at work is thinking of this difference. I think
XP MC also comes loaded up with lots of extra media type of applications too;
that's another difference. I hope a networking expert will confirm my above
domain explaination and elaborate because I don't understand the full
implications of this difference my self, I only now what I was told.

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

Media Center is XP Pro with a definite leaning towards multimedia
capability, but without the ability to run in a domain.. in order to comply
with work, you will have to lose Media Center and run with XP Pro.. have
you.. assuming that you have not yet purchased a laptop, you might want to
ask if XP Pro is an option at the point of buying it.. or maybe your work
could supply you with one of their volume licenses..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

What's the difference in XP Pro and XP MC? Is there a thread that addresses
this? Most new laptops seem to come with the Media Center edition, but my
work IS guys say I need XP Pro because of network security concerns. Is
having the MC Edition a non-starter if I really need XP Pro. What does the
Media Center Edition give me that XP Pro does not?

Thanks

WinXP Media Center Edition is a _superset_ (iow, it does
_everything_ WinXP Pro can do (except join a domain), plus contains
additional multi-media features) of WinXP Pro.

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


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Gene K]

The XP Media Center Edition 2005 is built over XP Pro with the domain
restrictions others have mentioned (XPMCE 2004, if my memory is correct, was
built over XP Home. The design is intended only for home use with usually an
external S-Video jack in order to stream video to your TV. It should also
include sound jacks in order to transfer the attendant audio to that video.
The OEM will then load a bunch of other software intended to assist/help in
the video/sound streaming. Try, but you will fail, to convince me that this
software should ever be loaded on anything but a desktop. Why so many
laptops are sold with this version blows my mind.
If your projected usage is only for straight business purposes, DO NOT buy
any desktop or laptop containing this operating system. For once, listen to
your IT folks.
Gene K

--
Gene K

What's the difference in XP Pro and XP MC? Is there a thread that
addresses
this? Most new laptops seem to come with the Media Center edition, but my
work IS guys say I need XP Pro because of network security concerns. Is
having the MC Edition a non-starter if I really need XP Pro. What does the
Media Center Edition give me that XP Pro does not?

Thanks