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Which Version Of Windows XP Is Right For Me?
By Spencer
Ferguson
Windows
XP is the latest in a long line of great desktop operating systems developed by
Microsoft. It has many improvements over prior operating systems including
increased multimedia capabilities built in, enhanced networking, and incredible
stability. With this said, one can only see the full capabilities of the
operating system by using it. Once this has taken place, it is a surety that
the user will never revert to their prior operating system.
Not it has
been established that Microsoft Windows XP is what you want to buy and use.
Now we need only to decide whether the Home or Professional edition will meet
your needs. For starters, the names of each version are a good indicator. Is
this for home and personal use? The Home Edition is cheaper and will probably
work for you. If you work in a professional environment that has networking
demands beyond peer-to-peer, shoot for the Professional Edition.
Sounds
simple, right? Not so fast. Windows XP Professional has everything the Home
Edition has, and more. The Professional Edition is just added features. Below
is more information on the key differences between each:
|
Feature |
Windows XP Home |
Windows XP Professional |
|
Networking |
Limited to peer-to-peer. CANNOT JOIN A DOMAIN |
Extensive network use and integration with Novell and Windows Server
environments, including the ability to join a domain.
|
|
Remote Desktop (gives you access to your home computer from virtually any
internet-ready computer)
|
Not
Available |
Available |
|
File Encryption (Encoding files so that they can only be accessed under your
profile)
|
Not
Available |
Available |
|
IIS (Internet Information Services) lets you host websites on your computer
|
Not
Available |
Available |
|
Processors Supported
|
1 |
2 |
|
Multiple Language Support
|
Not
Available |
Available |
There
are, of course, many more small features only available if you buy Windows XP
Professional that are not found on this chart. You can find out more about this
these features
by visiting Microsoft's
website. I hope this makes your choice easier, and I also hope you
enjoy your Windows experience!
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