Buying an O/S

Hello,

I have a computer which the rest of my family are gonna use now and then. Problem is, there's no O/S for it.

I was just wondering what would be the best bit of software to buy. XP would be the choice although I'm not exactly sure what would be needed.

I've seen XP SP2 advertisted in other places but the price range is £60-£140 - Why is this?

I don't want to go down any illegal routes obviously, although I don't want to splash out a bomb for a O/S that'll be used now and again.

Would this be suitable:

http://www.dabs.com/productview.asp...rchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=50310

Obviously I'd like updates from Microsoft and all that sort of thing.

I've heard of Vista, but;

1) I imagine it'll cost a lot more than £140
2) It'll probably not be out any time soon

Thanks for your help.

 

Because there are several "types".

OEM vs. Retail
Upgrade vs. Full Version
Home vs. Pro

 

Your link, OEM XP Home is fine, not sure of price, in USA you can get for around $100 (Dollars) or even less if ya shop around.


XP Home & XP pro will be around for long time, OEM is Legal no problem with updates.
IMO it's too early for 64 bit OS

Want to try XP Pro x64 for free
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/evaluation/trial.mspx

 

Cheers for your help.

The trial is interesting, I think I'd rather settle for a proper version as I'll be in the same situation after 120 days.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the 64bit for, anyway?

I understand the Pro & Home, Upgrade and Full version, but retail and OEM I don't understand?

Thanks for the tip, perhaps I'll hunt around and see if I can get it for cheaper.

 

OEM doesn't allow upgrades, doesn't include any warranty support, usually has no manual, and require a piece of hardware be purchased with it.

 

Technically, if you look at it this way:

If you were to subtract the value of the warranty support, and the box and manuals from a retail version, it would cost almost the same as OEM.

 

Buy the upgrade version for XP Home or XP Pro. Here in OZ they are both around the same price. About AUD$120, or GBP 50. You must have access to an older CD version of M$ W98,W98SE, 2000, etc., or have a version of Windows already installed on your Hard drive. It is a hell of a lot cheaper than a full version. Bazza

 

Yeah, but OEM has no prequalification requirements, and its the same price as an upgrade