PlanetZ forums - scopeusers.com

I have nearly got everything I need for my new machine !

intel d865PERL mobo
3.0ghz northwood CPU
1gb Kingston RAM matched pair
NEC dual-layer dvd writer
beautiful beautiful acousticase and quiet fans !

All I need is the graphics card (think I'm going to opt for a Matrox g650 if I can find a good price)

and, (i nearly forgot !) an operating system !!!

So, what is the difference between xp home and professional ? Which is better for our needs and could I get away with HOME (it is is a lot cheaper ...)

Cheers for any replies,

will.

get an oem version of xp pro. if you do a little research on the web, you'll find someone who will sell it to you. about $120 us

cheers gary,

Two more questions if that's okay ...

First, what is an 'oem' version of xp ? It sounds like a strange concept !

Second, it would be good to know (for me and others here) what you think the benefit of xp pro is over home ?

Ta,

Will.

about the benefits of pro, that was discussed here a while ago and i really don't remember the details....basically both will work, but pro is a little better for daw use.

an oem(original equipment manufacturer)version is a full version without the packaging meant to be included with a new pc. since you are the manufacturer, you have the right to sell the discounted version to yourself with your new pc...... you get a cert of authenticity and a cd in a plastic sleeve.

*edit* found it.... http://www.planetz.com/forums/viewtopic ... orum=19&24

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: garyb on 2004-10-16 13:32 ]</font>

Good question! The OEM point is good. Usually you have to buy some sort of hardware, any hardware at all, to qualify for the OEM, which is usually easy.

The only major differences I could gather from the Microsoft site were #1 no remote desktop and #2 no group policy. The implications of both of those things are kind of curious. Oh an no "multi proc" but you can do HT. So whatever. I'll be doing a "HOME" install on a machine, and I'll post here if I see it do anything awful.

Also note: The "Windows XP Media Edition" is out now, and that looks like an interesting direction. But for a DAW, probably the wrong direction

Whereas XP Home and Professional are almost the same, Pro version is more stable (espessially Corporative modification).
But according to practice, Win2003 Server Enterprise edition after some tuning performs much better, but costs a little more...

Thanks for all the comments

I can pick up an oem xp pro pretty cheaply (about £90 at http://www.ebuyer.co.uk) so I think I'll do that ...

Computer now half-built ! Just waiting on a graphics card, possibly another hard drive, and the OS.

Cheers !

Will.