Win xp home vs. pro

[Floris]

Yeah I do, and yeah I do, but I also have different operating systems which I use. I use windows for the programs that don't perform or aren't as nice to work with yet, as done in windows.

Most security , server management , file management .. the more serious stuff of an operating system, I still prefer to jump to a different os then windows for that.

[vBR]

It's like I've said before, so many people bash Microsoft, and rant about how MS "sucks" so much, yet they continue to use the products.

It is Micro**** that sucks, not it's products (much).
I want to use some of its software but I am not comfortable with gathering information or poking around.

[bigmattyh]

It is Micro**** that sucks, not it's products (much).
I want to use some of its software but I am not comfortable with gathering information or poking around.

A firewall will keep it from calling home -- or am I wrong?

[CeleronXT]

Where can you buy the OEM version of the OS though?

[Floris]

In shops that don't listen to the rules and sell OEM's without new computers, lol

[Wayne Luke]

In shops that don't listen to the rules and sell OEM's without new computers, lol

You don't need to sell a whole computer to throw in an OEM copy...

Microsoft's licensing rules allows OEM copies to be sold with new CPU's and Harddrives as well.

[centris]

A firewall will keep it from calling home -- or am I wrong?

NO, in Norton for example a rule is established by default for Windows update when you install the software. If you delete the rule and then use auto-update you are asked to create another rule (allowing communication with Microsoft servers) The only safe way round is to get to know the sites that get the updates (somehow) so that you can download to your HDD and install via that route.

http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/updates/#WindowsXP

[JamesUS]

NO, in Norton for example a rule is established by default for Windows update when you install the software. If you delete the rule and then use auto-update you are asked to create another rule (allowing communication with Microsoft servers) The only safe way round is to get to know the sites that get the updates (somehow) so that you can download to your HDD and install via that route.

http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/updates/#WindowsXP

Microsoft do give out downloadable updates through their Corporate Windows Update site, which IIRC anyone can get to. I don't have the URL here though.

[centris]

I had the link a while back and looked it out, when I clicked it, rather than the corporate update site I was re-directed to the Windows auto-update page?? Seems old Bill is determined to get you

Take a tip from Scotsmist's sig;

The box said "Requires Windows 98 or better" SO I INSTALLED LINUX

That sig kills me every time I see it

[JamesUS]

The link used to be corporate.windowsupdate.microsoft.com or something along those lines - then they changed it and I haven't needed to use it since.

However, I have just looked up the new link and it is actually part of the normal Windows Update site. Go to windows update, and when it has loaded click 'Windows Update Catalog' in the left-hand nav bar.