Which XP should it be?

[wjperry]

I have ordered much of the system shown in the signature below. It’s time to decide on the OS. I know it will be WinXP. But, is there a reason so many on the forums are using XP Pro versus the Home Edition? The only differences I know about are the networking features that allow true client/server with XP Pro. I will be using this in a home environment so really wonder if there is something I’m missing!! Thanks!!

[kram 2.0]

If it isn't for business networking and stuff, I would definately go with the WinXP Home. The XP Home is just as good as the Pro, without the business features, such as good network integration.

Hope that helps,
kram

[Panama Red]

XP Home works fine for me. I have four networked machines in my house with 2 desktops and my laptop running Home. I just finished a new machine for my daughter and I installed XP Pro just because I got it cheaper than Home with her student discount.

[wjperry]

I have 4 desktop on Cat5 and a Laptop on 802.11b, all running XP Home on a peer-to-peer network. That doesn't include a linksys media adapter that's also on the .11b. I couldn't see paying the extra, right now it's $43.

[imbest123]

I think Home only detects 1 cpu while Pro detects 2 cpus. Pro would help you out since you have an HT cpu.

[wjperry]

imbest123,
That's interesting! Any utilization of the HyperThreading with XP Pro would be worth the extra. Anyone else want to jump in on that one! I'm going to look on the MS web site and see if there is anything specific. Thanks!!!

[Panama Red]

Originally posted by imbest123 I think Home only detects 1 cpu while Pro detects 2 cpus. Pro would help you out since you have an HT cpu.

First time I've heard this! My HT shows up and works just fine in home. What's the source there, imbest123?

[imbest123]

I said I think, I wasnt sure but I remember hearing it somewhere but if yours is working fine then I guess I may be wrong .

[wjperry]

The two references below indicate that HT runs on both XP Pro and Home Edition.

This explains HT problem described as an application interpretation of a query return and not a function of either version of XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

This is the definitive documentation to the HT question. In short, Home Edition supports only one physical CPU. However, with the implementation of HT, a second “virtual” CPU is created in both XP versions!
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp