On Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:40:40 -0800 (PST), "dirk.devos@usa.net"
<dirk.devos@usa.net> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.
Several points here:
1. Although there are volume licenses available, for only three
computers, the best deal is simply buying three copies.
2. What is the program that won't run under Me? Does it have to run on
all three computers, or can you keep Me on two of them? Have you
considered the possibility that it might be both cheaper and easier to
use some other program than to change three operating systems?
3. The cheapest kind of copy to buy is an OEM one. But it's not the
best way and I strongly recommend against it. An OEM copy comes with
several disadvantages, the most severe of which is that its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. It can
never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away
without that computer.
4. OEM versions can also only do clean installations, not upgrades.
5. I recommend retail Upgrade copies instead of OEM ones. They usually
cost only slightly more than OEM versions, and come without the OEM
version's restrictions. Moreover, despite what many people think,
Upgrade versions *can* do clean installations as long as you own a CD
of a previous qualifying version to show it when prompted. Most people
have such CDs, but worst case, if you don't, they can be bought used
inexpensively someplace like eBay.
6. Why do you want XP Professional as opposed to Home? XP Professional
and XP Home are exactly the same in all respects, except that
Professional has a few features (mostly related to networking and
security) missing from Home. For most (but not all) home users, even
those with a home network, these features aren't needed, would never
be used, and buying Professional instead of Home is a waste of money.
For details go to
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp
Also note one other point not mentioned on any of those sites:
Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only
five.
--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
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