Some facts about XP Pro vs. XP Home for the serious trader customizing a new PC or laptop:
Windows XP Pro Or Home?
by Peter John
http://www.radiusnetworks.co.nz/windows-xp.htm (see also the author's "Buying a Laptop")
September 16, 2004
If you plan to buy Windows XP, you need to choose between Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home. Many PCs and laptops come bundled with Windows XP Home.
Although Windows XP Home is more than sufficient for normal computing use, it has some drawbacks for business users and serious home computer users.
Windows XP Professional has better file sharing security and advanced networking capabilities. It gives you all the benefits of XP Home, plus additional remote access, security, performance, manageability and multi-lingual features that make it the operating system of choice for business users, in particular.
Here are the features of Windows XP Pro that are missing from Windows XP Home:
Remote Desktop: Remotely access your Windows XP Professional PC, from another Windows PC, so you can work with all of your data and applications when you're away from the office.
Backup Software: XP Pro comes with Microsoft's backup software out of the box; XP Home does not. (On Windows XP Home, you need to install Microsoft's backup software from the Windows XP installation CD.
Offline Files & Folders: When you're disconnected from the network server, Windows XP Pro gives you access to files and folders offline.
Scalable Processor Support: Windows XP Pro supports up to two processors. Windows XP Home can't support more than one.
Encrypting File System: This feature of XP Pro protects sensitive data in files that are stored on disk using the NTFS file system. A good security feature; especially if you have a laptop.
Access Control: On XP Pro, you can restrict access to selected files, applications and other resources, as a security measure.
Multi-lingual User Interface (MUI) add-on: On XP Pro, you can change the user interface language to get localized dialog boxes, menus, help files, dictionaries, proofing tools, etc.
Centralized administration: A computer with Windows XP Pro can be joined to a Windows Server domain to take advantage of powerful management and security tools.
Group Policy: Simplifies the administration of groups of users or computers on XP Pro.
Software Installation and Maintenance: You can automatically install, configure, repair, or remove software applications on XP Pro.
Roaming User Profiles: Gives you access to all your documents and settings no matter where you log on.
Remote Installation Service (RIS): XP Pro has support for remote operating system installations, where desktops can be installed across the network.
The last five points in the list above can be summarized as follows:
Windows XP Home can't be part of a computer network which is based on a domain network.
What Is A Domain?
A domain is one of the possible network structures on which a computer network can be modelled. It is commonly used by larger organizations, because of the number of users and the tighter security & access controls available on a domain. On a domain network, your logon and access to network resources are authenticated by a central server. The other commonly used network model is called a Workgroup. This is used in home/home office networks and in small offices with fewer than 10 computers.
The Bottom Line
If you're a business user who prefers Microsoft Windows, choose Windows XP Professional. You may save approximately $100 if you choose Windows XP Home, but you run the risk of not having a necessary feature when you really need it! Choose wisely now to avoid frustrations later.//
Dell's recommendations in choosing a Windows OS:
Dell recommends Microsoft® Windows® XP Home if you have basic needs.
Dell recommends Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional if you need optimal networking and security capabilities, including:
-
Primarily use a notebook
- Want unique mobility features that include improved network support, remote PC and file/folder access and improved data security
- Want simplified access to networks and domains
- Want the flexibility of using your home business computer for personal/family needs while maintaining security
- Want to connect to your computer from any other Internet connected Windows-based computer
- Connect to large networks (your external office)
- Want a higher level of data security protection
- Use Offline Files and Folders - access to files & folders on a network share when disconnected from the server
- Want to more easily restore your computer in the event of a catastrophic failure
- Want the Microsoft® operating system that has been optimized for your business needs.
All Operating Systems include Windows XP Service Pack 2
