Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 32-bit for System Builders - OEM

Pros: None - this is for system builders who are selling the computer and will provide support to a final buyer - so if you are making a computer for your own use don't buy if you think you will even need support as MS will not support any part of this software - in fact the disclaimer on the package you have to buy first to read, assuming you read the EULA before you open the package (impossible because the wrapping blocks parts of the contract) it states it requires pre-installation software - it should not be allowed to be sold to persons who want to make their own computers. Though it clearly notes that if you build your own computer you are both, still no support unless you want to buy that. Look online for all the bad aspects of using this software. I note that the retailers don't bother to inform the purchaser of this aspect. If you think you know how to resolve ANY problems that might arise then go for it.

Cons: As an attorney who can understand the legalese on the EULA I am certain it was meant to avoid any responsibility for support for one time builders - don't be suckered into buying because of lower price - it is for resellers like HP and Dell and there are many articles online questioning the contradiction of selling this software to home builders.

Other Thoughts: Given the duplicity of this situation I am considering using my retirement time to file a class action against MS. However, if they don't care that the European Union wants to fight them it is clear we are really in a corporate controlled world.

Pros: Windows XP Pro is very reliable. It just doesn't have the issues that the other versions of Windows is known for.

Cons: Its older.

Pros: The product installed fast and was easy to install as well.

Cons: This Operation system is becoming old school, because Microsoft has release other after it, Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7!!

Pros: Still the most widely used OS. With decent security measures you will be fine. Best driver compatibility.

Cons: It's an aging OS, Windows 7 is the replacement. :(

Pros: WinXP is great; we all know it...

Cons: None except see other thoughts...

Other Thoughts: I've installed WinXP on existing and new builds before...but recently I was tumped. I ordered this software with SP3 to make sure they did not sell out before my next build, and when I went to finally install it, it installed Windows, finished install, all seemed normal...but at desktop, NO Internet Explorer! No icon, no folders for it.zilch. What happened? anyone had this happen before? Am I missing something? thnx y'all

Pros: Good ol' XP pro, it is what is and if you've got older apps it maybe the best option for a while.

Cons: the usual but MS has moved on and xp will fade over time

Pros: Gotta love XP for it's stability. No bulky programs to gobble up resources, just the operating system. Clean installs are always nice.

Cons: None really

Other Thoughts: I hope they keep this around.

Pros: Service Pack 3. Works. Industry standard.

Cons: Still having to download endless updates after installation. It's still sub-par software, but better than it's successors.

Other Thoughts: My company is slowly building new workstations and we are staying with XP Pro on all of them. Why? We don't have time for software compatibility hiccups, having to purchase newer versions of very expensive programs we depend on, and blue screens of death. Everyone else can beta-test 64-bit / Windows 7 / Vista / whatever. We'll be getting work done. In a perfect world, our applications would support Linux.

Pros: It's still XP Pro for those multi-million dollar companies that refuse to move forward with technology

Cons: It's not Windows 7

Other Thoughts: Wish third-party people would support new operating systems, so I didn't have to use this!

Pros: What can I say. Its the best you can get at this moment

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: great for just about anything, although a macbook might be better for strictly school/work related things.