OS question

[Jerry-o]

Hiya all,

I'm gettin ready to embark on my first build (just ordered the stuff today) and i have a question about installing the operating system. I have Windows XP home for my old comp (pre-SP2) and was wondering if i could use this for my build and then upgrade to XP pro later (i can get XP pro upgrade for free through school). As ive never done this before im not sure how to proceed. Thanks a ton for your help!

[rjfvillarosa]

You can do that provided you uninstall it from the old machine.
One licence - one computer.

[Staren]

It depends on if the copy of XP Home you have is an actual hologram CD from Microsoft or if it's a Dell or HP or someones restore disk. If you have a full copy you can do what you want just fine. If it's a restore disk, then no it won't work.

[Jerry-o]

Would you suggest running XP Pro or Vista (which version?) in the new build, i also have several computers in a home network so would i have to upgrade them all to the same OS in order to file share or can they remain XP Pro? Thanks a bunch! Also would you suggest buying OEM? Seems a bunch cheeper and i can probably add it on to my current order.

[flanzig1]

OEM. Works the same as retail. I would go with the XP Pro, Vista hasn't been in the real world long enough to fully prove itself.

[moodyblues100]

I have also used OEM versions on many computers without any issues. As stated previously, just be sure you aren't getting a manufacturers restore disk. Sharing files between computers is just a matter of permissions and configuration. The OS doesn't make that much of a difference. Here is a good source for networking info. (http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/)

[Staren]

As stated above, the view around here is to hold off on Vista until the first service pack to let the bugs get worked out a little more. OEM is just fine, Thats what I buy for all my computers. And no, you don't need the same verson of Windows to share files. Moodys link is I good read.