Which Windows OS is right for me?

S

socalcyclist

New Member
Will be doing my first custom build and really don't have a clue as to what the real differences are between the different Windows OS available. Currently using W98. At first glance Windows XP Home with SP2 - OEM seems the obvious way to go since it's the cheapest, $93.95 at Newegg. For $50 more there is Windows XP Pro with SP2 - OEM, $146.95 at Newegg.

Is there really significant differences or reasons to go with Pro? I read something about added security and features but it sounds like added BS for more money to me.

What is the difference between the OEM and more expensive RETAIL versions?

What would you choose and why? Thanks!

If it matters I'll be using the computer mostly for web stuff, downloading lots of music/movies, and using programs like Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Acrobat and Illustrater. Here's my probable build specs:
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Manchester 1GHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA4200BVBOX $357.00
-ASUS A8R-MVP Socket 939 ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 CrossFire ATX AMD CrossFire Motherboard $95.99
-CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory $68.99
-Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6L250S0 250GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 $96.00
-NEC Black IDE/ATAPI DVD Burner Model ND-3550A - OEM $38.99
-Aspire X-plorer ATXB8KLW-SS Silver Steel ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case – Retail - $58.00
-SAPPHIRE 1024-2C50-04-SA Radeon X300SE 128MB DDR PCI Express x16 Low Profile Video Card $47.99
-XCLIO GOODPOWER 500W ATX 500W Power Supply - Retail $48.00
 
downloading lots of music/movies

That would be illegal, and these forums dont support that kind of activity.
 
the following site will expain the difference between Home and Professional
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article10-002

Basically Pro has added security and its better suited for those who will add a network. While Home add work the same. It doesn't have the add security that Pro has. Home work with the AMD Athlon 64 X2, so there no problem with that.

What you want is really up to you because you'll be the one who will end up using the computer. I currently have Home edition and I like it.

OEM isn't a package, while the retail is package with other software. OEM also can be installed in only one computer while retail can be installed into 3 computers.
 
yeah go with home edition, there's no real need to be running xp professional unless you're in a professional environment. a home network does not constitute a professional environment either. although remote desktop is real nice...
 
OEM=bare install disc
Retail=pretty box + manual = higher cost!
Result= go with OEM; just make sure it's non-branded. That means don't get a (for instance) Dell disc, as it would only work on a Dell because it looks for a BIOS string to permit installation!
Tom
 
if u do lots of stuff with movies, music, and pictures, i would go with media center... but that is just me... i really like the media center application personally :)
 
You seem to have a lot of computer knowledge... Why go Win at all? Especially considering you have a 64-bit processor... (Windows anything + 64-bit = belly laugh)
 
i'd personally go fro XP pro, it may cost that little more but it is worth it just for remote desktop imo, that thing is amazing, it's just personnaly preferance but now whenever i hear someone moaning the internet isn't working etc. in my house i don't even have to get up to sort the problem, just type in the ip, user and pass then froblem fixed :D but i'm lazy like that

oh, and whatever version you have make sure it's oem, no one want's to pay the extra £££ for a pretty box and instruction manual

Lee :D
 
spacedude89 said:
And linux is better than "fine" for the average compuer user? :rolleyes:

Besides, Illustrator doesnt come on linux.
Click to expand...

First of all, Illustrator doesn't "come" on Windows. Hell, MS Office doesn't. IE and WMP won't pretty soon in some markets. However, LOTS comes on a typical Linux distro.

Second, how many "average" users have viruses and spyware?
Now, how many "average" users use Illustrator? LOL
 
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