Windows XP Pro vs. Media Center

Discussion in 'Software' started by mbmadiw, Oct 4, 2006.

  1. mbmadiw

    mbmadiw Corporal

    Can anyone weigh in and tell the differences between Windows XP Professional and Windows Media Center?

    I'm going to order a laptop and would like to make the best choice for networking, security, Vista readiness, compatibility with other software, etc. I do a lot with pictures too though, so I'd like to find what Media Center offers too.

    Thanks!
     
    mbmadiw, Oct 4, 2006
    #1
  2. Bladesofhalo

    Bladesofhalo MajorGeek

    Why not wait till Vista comes out and get it instead of the choices you have currently since you want it for Vista readiness.
     
    Bladesofhalo, Oct 4, 2006
    #2
  3. Mac S

    Mac S Private E-2

    GO for windows xp Pro , better security
    you can get everything on there , you can always change your OS
    later

    Vista BUILD 2 is available , so go for the WINDOWS XP, you can UPGRADE TO MEDIA CENTRE AFTER , By simply uprgrading to media centre ,
     
    Mac S, Oct 5, 2006
    #3
  4. RPG

    RPG Private E-2

    Windows Media Center editions are simply 1 single software > apove windows XP.. Plus the fact that the software is even worst than plain windows XP with something like K-lite + Decent TV/Radio Card... ;)

    Go for Windows XP Pro I would say also on security.. But Vista is coming.. Although Vista looks one big hell hole in my eyes because it's new WinFS.. OUCH... Plus the fact it's security sucks..
     
    RPG, Oct 5, 2006
    #4
  5. nitecrawler

    nitecrawler Guest

    Almost any NEW notebook hardware specifications should be suitable to run windows vista if you so choose. Make sure you select a model that contains a capable CPU and enough RAM to give yourself freedom of choice....
    Whether you purchase online or at your 'local' store, ask the necessary questions to ensure your new machine will be 'vista ready' before making a final selection.
    Personally i have found windows XP Pro SP2 to be the most stable, versatile and secure OS that i have ever used... Media centre is based on this with a few extra bells and whistles thats all.
    As suggested, there is nothing around in 3rd party software that you cant add to it, to perform your required tasks!

    Good Luck......
     
    nitecrawler, Oct 5, 2006
    #5
  6. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    WinFS is not included in Vista yet, may come later after the release of Vista in 2007 as an Add-On product, Vista security sucks.. how so?

    plus why are Symantec and McAfee so worried about Vista they are in Symantec's case spreading FUD that their are security risks in Vista, when by Symantecs own admission they were using Vista builds from Dec 2005 for the tests they ran... :rolleyes:

    McAfee ran a large full page advert in the Financial Times this week about Microsoft not allowing there software access to the core kernel of Vista, funny that as their Enterprise 10beta version is Vista compatible so is Norton/Symantecs Enterprise version and the two smaller AntiVirus companies in Grisoft and AWIL have working products and actively work with MS to make sure they are fully fuctioning NOW and on full release day on 2007

    The two larger companies in Symantec and McAfee are pissed because they will have to spend time re-writing their retail products to work with Vista over just adding a few new graphical additions and re-branding it as a NEW product, using their old scan engines.


    As to the original question, unless you really need a laptop now I would wait as Blades mentions to nearer the time of Vista's release if thats the OS your aiming for as Home Premium & Ultimate versions will have bot Vista and Media Center built in so you gain the best of both.

    What I would suggest if your aiming for a laptop now is to get the best CPU you can be that Intel Duo Core or AMD64, at the min 1GB ram and a dedicated Grpahic Card not one that has shared memory.

    Another reason I mantion wait if you can is the emergance of Hybrid Hard Drives which increase performance, especially in laptops, maybe worth the wait?
     
    DavidGP, Oct 5, 2006
    #6
  7. mbmadiw

    mbmadiw Corporal

    I really appreciate all of the great advice. I am going to get the laptop this week for two reasons. It's my anniversary present from my husband, and he wants me to have it now. Also, I do need it for school this semester.

    All of the advice is great and very much appreciated. Thanks a lot!
     
    mbmadiw, Oct 5, 2006
    #7
  8. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    I see, nice present ;)


    One thing to look out for is the small sticker on the laptop that states its Vista Compatible, these ones are your best bet for compatability once Vista is released if you decide to upgrade to that OS.
     
    DavidGP, Oct 5, 2006
    #8
  9. mbmadiw

    mbmadiw Corporal


    Sure is a nice present. The '67 Camaro for our 10th was even better. Maybe I shouldn't say that in this type of forum . . . :)

    I will definitely try to do that for Vista too. Thanks!
     
    mbmadiw, Oct 5, 2006
    #9

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