Which OS to use, XP or 2000?

[salsbst]

Call me crazy, but I'd hate to administer separate user accounts on 7 different machines (yes, that is the number that are in my home -- maybe I am crazy).

[stanger89]

You are crazy, but heck I've only got 2 or 3 machines and I've thought of doing it, but I know I'm crazy

[Cayars]

Originally Posted by stanger89

The jist of Domain Joining is you have one computer (Domain Controler) and other computers can logon and be authenticated by that PC and you can have your profile stored there (roaming profiles). So yeah, it's not really useful in a home setting unless you're crazy.

As for MCE, I'd say why not. MCE is just an app that runs on top of XP (almost) Pro, plus I think MCE may be slightly cheaper than XP Pro OEM.

And an XP box can't be a domain controller. You need a server operating system like Windows 2000 or 2003 to be the domain server.

[stanger89]

Good point.

[SHS]

Home user really only need workgroup network.

[salsbst]

Originally Posted by Cayars

And an XP box can't be a domain controller. You need a server operating system like Windows 2000 or 2003 to be the domain server.

Linux+Samba makes a fine domain controller.... but the key on-topic point should be clear by now: unless you plan on being a network adminsitrator and/or have many machines on your network, XP Pro doesn't have much over XP Home.

[natesneat2000]

I have Samba as domain controller - works pretty well. PM or AIM (same name) if you want any details.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by salsbst

XP Pro doesn't have much over XP Home.

Except for the option NOT to use "Simple File Sharing"

"Simple File Sharing"

[Opus4]

For anyone interested, here is Microsoft's Windows XP Comparison Guide, comparing XP Homer and Professional.

I didn't see such a direct comparing that included MCE, but here is MS's page for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Features

Strangely enough, The MS site says it is based on XP Home, but then GamePC's Media Center Edition 2005 review comments:

Update: We're being told that Media Center Edition is based on Windows XP Home Edition Core, although the OS has many features which are only supposed to be in the Professional variants. It appears as if MCE2005 has scattered features of both operating systems.

- Andy