windows xp prices?

[bearcreek]

I have been looking at the prices on pricegrabber.com and was wondering what is the difference in the software? Some are oem and others are for dell computers and claim they will work on any computer. There has to be something different because some places want 40 to 50 dollars and others want 150 to 250. How can they do this and what are the different service packs.

Can I use two hard drives with two different operating systems on each (linux and windows) and access programs from the opposing operating system?

[glc]

Dell OEM software can only be installed legally on a Dell computer. They may work on other computers, but you are violating the EULA. To be safe, buy an unrestricted OEM copy from a reputable vendor such as Newegg. You can expect to pay around $90 for XP Home and around $150 for XP Pro from a reputable vendor, and it must be purchased with hardware to keep it legal - Newegg will let you pick a 99 cent power lead Y adapter or something like that to comply. XP is now up to Service Pack 2 - any purchase from a reputable vendor should include that by now.

You can access data files across operating systems as long as you have compatible file systems, but programs will not run across the 2. I think the only common file system would be FAT32, which is not ideal for either Windows or Linux. However, if you have 2 separate computers, files will be accessible across a network regardless of file systems and OS as long as you set up sharing properly.

[Force Flow]

OEM XP cds are usually around $80, give or take about ten bucks. Anything less is usually pirated. Dell cds will NOT work in regular computers. They are made for specific systems with specific hardware and only install when a Dell BIOS is detected.

Retail XP cds usually run about $100-$150 or so.

Individual service pack cds come free of charge from Microsoft, but you will have to pay for S&H.

Yes, you can use 2 HDDs for 2 O/S's, and you will not run into conflicts because of it. In linux, if you use ext2 or ext3, you will be able to access it from windows using this tool: http://uranus.it.swin.edu.au/~jn/linux/explore2fs.htm

Linux has native FAT32 R/W support, but only NTFS read support. NTFS write support is still in the experimental stages.

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the replies, you just saved me some money. I just built a computer and have not installed a operating system. Will linux work starting with a new computer? I will probably buy xp, I am just trying to be cheap.

[glc]

Linux should work fine with a new computer as long as all the hardware is supported by your distribution or there are drivers available.

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the reply, I have another stupid question. I was looking at xp on Newegg.com and it says it must be puchased with new hardware. What does this mean?

[raftero]

Originally Posted by bearcreek Thanks for the reply, I have another stupid question. I was looking at xp on Newegg.com and it says it must be puchased with new hardware. What does this mean?

note glc's post above.

[Chiquito]

Bearcreek,I have bought and you can get a better ptice from Sales International which is also .com. They are very good on delivery and honest and you can deal with them over the phone. There XP is about $132.+ and they always tell to wait a week for delivery and in two days you have it. Not only that when the in the market place vary they will notify you that some $ have dropped and sometimes if you'er a steady customer and prices go they might give you the old price. Either way good luck Chiquito!!!

[Chiquito]

Bearcreek,I have bought and you can get a better ptice from Sales International which is also .com. They are very good on delivery and honest and you can deal with them over the phone. There XP is about $132.+ and they always tell to wait a week for delivery and in two days you have it. Not only that when the in the market place vary they will notify you that some $ have dropped and sometimes if you'er a steady customer and prices go they might give you the old price. Either way good luck Chiquito!!!
Oh yeah, and they will send the extra piece of hardware free!!!

[glc]

Chiquito, if you wish to add something after you post, please use the Edit function, please do not post a new reply.

[bearcreek]

Thanks for the tip and reply. I will check it out.

[Chiquito]

Bearcreek, Call after 10 am eastern time @1-888-871-3711 and ask for Jared.
Tell them to keep you posted on their best prices, I got Roxio 6 and Nero 6 for $6 and $8 two years ago when they were $39.00 on ebay. Chiquito!!!

[bearcreek]

Cool, thanks for the info.