Windows XP question (about versions)

[Bug-eyed Earl]

So what are the differences between the versions? What is the upgrade version? What is the professional version? So-on-and-so-forth.

I'm just asking before I boot-camp my Mac.

 

[giant384]

upgrade versions are used to well upgrade a older install of the operating system. for example 2000 to xp. the retail versions are overprice in my opinion so i recommend you dont get that. what i recommend though is to buy an OEM copy of xp online. basically the copy is just the install cd and your xp cd key. also it is much cheaper then the upgrade and retail package. professional and home edition, to me i dont really notice a difference. there are a few more programs that you might or might not use. i believe the programs just allow you to have a backing up feature and some other system management.

 

[BabyHeadCrab]

I'd go pro, if I remember correctly it handles multi-core processors better.

 

[Asus]

The differences in content are between Home, Pro, 64bit Pro, Media Center, and Tablet PC editions. PRO supports both multi-core CPUs and/or Dual CPU socket systems (2 physical CPUs). HOME only supports 1 CPU socket but it can be a multi-core CPU. PRO has better networking and a few other differences with Accounts/Users. side by side

The content in the UPGRADE versions is the same as FULL. Same with Retail XP vs OEM (except no tech support). The only difference between UPGRADE and FULL is that you need to have proof of a previous Windows OS (98/ME) for the UPGRADE version. Either an older version installed or just the CD to put in the drive so it can verify when installing the XP Upgrade.

 

[Bug-eyed Earl]

Would the x64 bit version of XP Pro do anything for dual core processing, or dual processing of two multicore processors?