Windows XP Home vs. XP Professional

I know that Windows XP Professional has a number of additional features compared to XP Home. Most of them relate to networking and security, if I'm not mistaken.

My question- does XP Professional utilize significantly more system resources (CPU, memory) than XP Home?

For example, if I bought an HP Mini-Note 2133 with Linux or Vista Business and wanted to install a version of XP- would XP Home be a better choice than XP Professional for performance/system responsiveness?

It's just curiosity at this point....but if I find a 2133 under $400, this could be very useful information!

 

Most of the additional features in XP Pro are not installed by default, and they can all be disabled from startup etc.
Therefore, the impact on performance between XP Home and Pro are negligible.

 

I recommend XP Pro. It does not use more resources than home. It has more to offer in a networked environment, and you have more control over security.

 

I just recently upgraded to XP Pro from Home on a 6 y.o. VAIO running a 1.3GHz Centrino and really haven't noticed any sort of performance degradation or slow-down, so I think the answer is "no."

 

Oddly enough my Medion was always "for the worse" on XP professional comnpared to XP home... still, I'd recommend XP professional, if not only for the additional security settings.

 

Here's the thing that always stumps 'em--what security settings?

Most people have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to Home and Pro. If you are asking the question, which do I need, the answer is Home.

Honestly, if you needed the differences, you would already be aware of it, and most people who say XP Pro never use the added features like enhanced access control lists, ability to connect to domains, group policy and the encrypted file system (a few others).

 

I think security settings for files come in handy when your comoputer decides to lok you out of your own files...

But I suppose:
XP home will suit a lot of people...

 

I am using XP home for years for my desktop, and never needed to upgrade.

 

Network sharing is a lot better on pro. If you share a lot of stuff or just want a bit more security/advanced control, go for Pro. Otherwise, meh. Same OS.

 

Some people have argued that Home and Pro are two different kernels, they are not. I mostly use Pro, but have a computer with Home on it and any Pro feature that I "NEEDED" to use on it I could activate via reg edit (or a simple hack or two). Home has the same features as Pro, they are just not as easily accessible as Pro or you can just get them from MS as a free download.

Most of the features I've "NEEDED" in Home I've been able to access through round about ways in Home. Never really used WinXP MCE, but I've heard its easier to get at Pro features then Home.