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by mcstout

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I currently have a wireless network consisting of 1 laptop and 1 desktop, both running XP Home. I don't have the OS disk as both were pre-installed. I am looking at adding 3 desktops to the network. My question is do I have to purchase 3 copies of XP Home since the license will only work for 1 copy when installed? Help!

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by thechas

Technically, even for DOS you need 1 license per PC the operating system is installed on.

With XP, Microsoft began enforcing the 1 OS license per PC with product activation.

Now, you do not need 3 full copies of XP, you do need at least 1 XP CD and 2 additional licenses.

Are you assembling the 3 additional PCs?
If so, check with your hardware supplier about getting an OEM copy of XP for each PC.

In the US, OEM copies of XP Home sell for around $100. XP Pro sells for under $150.

Just a side note: why XP Home in a networked environment?
The primary difference between XP Home and XP Pro is that XP Pro has better tools for operating in a networked environment.

If your network is primarily used to share an Internet connection, XP Home might work.

However, if you share files and resources, XP Pro would be a much better choice.

Chas

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