Question about OS differences

[jon@af]

Ok, so I'm looking at getting a laptop before I head to Washington to study and have a quick question about OS's for my future computer.

What exactly are the differences between Windows Media Center 2005 and Windows XP Professional? The only difference that I personally know right now is the price, which is why I thought I would ask someone who knows the differences before I make my final purchase decision.

Thanks in advance :-)

[Neutrino]

Media cnter is just regular windows XP with an extra piece of software that will give you a pretty interface designed for remote control navigation:



the only thing I'm trying to remember is if media center is on top of Xp pro or home. I'm fairly sure is on top of pro.

[jon@af]

Cool. I'd much rather have it on top of pro than home . Thank you .

[Oz]

XP Media Centre has the same networking limitations as XP Home. It is the prettier interface, but the networking limitations are you can't join a domain and your sharing is limited. What do you want to use it for? If you need it at college or work on a Domain you'll be stuffed.

My advice: get XP Pro. If you're attached to the pretty bits, we can suggest some plugins and utilities to dress it up like Media Centre Edition.

[jon@af]

Well, I'm going to be studying/working in Washington D.C. this fall (from August 23-December 13) and will need it basically as my main computer the entire time, as well as something to use often when I come home.

Right now I'm looking at probably getting it on an Alienware notebook (the Area 51-m5500 for anyone curious) and was wanting to know differences so that I could make a good choice when I configure my options.

[dave92cherokee]

Just go with xp pro and save yourself the time and headache of dealing with the trouble associated with it just because it looks pretty.

[Oz]

I'm with Dave - get XP Pro, and install the hack to make it like Media Centre edition if you want. PM me if you can't find the hack, I have it somewhere.