Windows XP SP1 and SP2

[Dark Dragon]

I am in need of buying an actual version of Windows XP so I can install my new PC-Cillin..won't install on the burned copy of windows.

After spending four hours combing the net I do not understand what the differnce is between the Service Pack 1 and the Service Pack 2.

Secondly what are the major differences between the Home version and Proffessional version of XP? Is the Home version a bit easier to work with? Does it grant just as much stability than the Proffessional version?

Lastly...what does OEM stand for and is it different from the other versions of windows? Some versions don't even mention a service pack.

I'd really appreciate it if someone could help me out. I am not asking these questions to be a pain or a hinderance. I am tired combing the net and getting more confused instead of more informed...in fact I am sure I heard something fizzle out in the depths of my brain too. :eek:

Anyways..Thank You for your time.

[ErolinDesigns]

SP2 has a bit more security.

Professional allows you to install IIS to develop ASP.NET web sites.

OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer, used for large corporations in creating equipment. It allows interfacing to different machines, etc. There is also Windows XP Enterprise, which is supposed to network better with Windows 2003.

I suggest Pro if you're goign to develop ASP.NET sites. Other than that, Home should be fine.

[Dark Dragon]

Oh..okay..I see. Thank You very much, I had been looking hard for a version of Windows XP and wasn't sure what was what.

Does XP Home have the same utilities for maintenance as XP Pro does? I assume it does...

Anyways..I digress, thank you for the information..I do appreciate it.

[ErolinDesigns]

Yes it does. It'll have the basic maintenance tools. Pro just has IIS, or the capability to install IIS.

[NogDog]

Note that if you install with a SP < 2, you'll be able to update to SP2 level over the web.

[Mausau2000]

Pro also has more admin tools That I find useful
SP2 Is better 4 secuarty.

[pcthug]

Home should be more then enough for the average person, the extra cash will only give you a whole lot of features that the professional (Geek) will ever use.

SP2 can easily be downloaded of the m$ site, however it is too big for slower connections

[felgall]

Microsoft has dropped support for XP Home unless SP2 is installed because the earlier versions have so many security holes that once you connect to the internet you no longer control what is on your computer.

[Mausau2000]

Home should be more then enough for the average person, the extra cash will only give you a whole lot of features that the professional (Geek) will ever use.

SP2 can easily be downloaded of the m$ site, however it is too big for slower connections

though u can gt SP2 cd of some PC mags long time ago.
Now u order off Microsoft 4 free though i think u have 2 pay Shipping and handing.

[Dark Dragon]

Yep. Just installed XP Service Pack 2..works just fine..though the "Windows Activation" thing threw me for a loop.

I activated it on mine then went to install it on my dads comp so he could use PC-Cillin and other things....and now we are stuck because unless we buy another license or something..after 30 days dad won't be able to use his comp....didn't know that the XP we bought can only be used on one computer only..... :eek:

I really should have read more carefully..after going through pages and pages of XP software..your eyes start to cross.

We replaced XP Pro with Home because the Pro version we had was a copy a friend gave us to help my dad recover his computer.....oh well.....

I do like the pop-up blocker so I use that plus AdSubtract and PC-Cillin...work great too. :D