There is much confusion (and some unhappy customers) due to
the differences between Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home.
Windows XP Home is designed for the "home" user or someone on a small (less
than 10 user) "workgroup" type LAN. No domains! The idea behind
merging all of the Windows products to the "Windows NT" architecture is that
you only have a single kernel/device driver model to support.. So,
what is the differences and why should you buy Windows XP Professional.
Below is a list of things that are "enabled" in Windows XP Professional, but
CANNOT be enabled in Windows XP Home.
First and MOST important, Windows XP Professional can
"logon" to a Windows Active Directory domain; Windows XP Home can not
login to a domain. You can't make it. Neither can Microsoft
PSS. Don't even bother trying. Just give it up. It's
over. Go home.
Windows XP Professional can be managed by Active
Directory Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
Windows XP Professional gives users the ability to
remotely control their desktop through the Remote Desktop Connection
software included with Windows XP Professional (this is the newest version
of the terminal services client software.)
Encrypting File System support in XP Pro only
Windows NTFS file system supported only in Windows XP
Professional. This allows local security and much larger disk drives.
Support for two processors with Windows XP Professional
Multi-language support in Windows XP Professional (you can
switch between languages)
Windows XP Professional supports disaster recovery features
such as "device driver rollback", "Last Known Good Configuration", and "System
Restore".
Smart card support is not found in Windows XP Home
IP Sec support is not found in Windows XP Home
Support for roaming profiles only in Windows XP Professional
Notification of domain password expiration not supported in
Windows XP Home