Satellite A105-S4364: Q? re which OS

Just found my way here today; this seems like a friendly forum with lots of knowledgeable folks who are generous with insight and wisdom. Thanks!

I recently purchased a Toshiba Satellite A105-S4364 and am still getting used to it. It's my first Toshiba but not my first laptop. I've discovered something kind of weird and I'd appreciate your thoughts about whether this is a problem and/or if I should do anything about it.

Which OS is on this laptop?
It's Win XP Media Center Ed. 2005 according to 1) the tag from the store (Office Depot) where I purchased it, 2) the sticker on the bottom of the computer, and 3) My Computer / Properties / General.

It's Win XP Professional according to 1) Start / System info / System summary / OS Name, 2) Start / Help and support, and 3) various settings.

So I *think* I have Win XP Pro. But what are the implications?
Which OS will the version of Vista that I receive be for? And will it be OK if it's not for the OS installed?
How would I find out which OS is on the Recovery Discs (of course without running them)?
What other concerns should I be thinking about?
Have you ever heard of this? How would you suggest I proceed?

 

Yes, this is a fairly common question, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is essentially Windows XP Professional without some advanced networking options and with a media center program installed. You have Windows Media Center Edition and if you are entitled to the free Vista Upgrade program then you will recieve Windows Vista Home Premium.

In addition, your Recovery DVDs should be for Windows Media Center Edition 2005 if you recieved them with the notebook.

 

Thanks so much for your reply. Now to look into what I can remove from starting automatically. The challenge (for me) with a new computer is all the things that you only do once every few years. The stuff you do every day is much easier to remember!