I don't know why there is such a range of prices at retail, but I can
give you some information on how it can be obtained cheaper. If you are
enrolled in a college course, it may be possible for you to get a legal
copy for as little as **FREE**! Microsoft has a program to promote its
software development tools. If a college or university subscribes to the
program, then students who are enrolled in computer classes may get the
software at no charge - the nice part is that the student may keep the
software (legaly) even after leaving school. Of course, you would not
have any support from Microsoft (as if there were any).

Peter
-----------------------------------------------
The NoSpin Group
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
I just put together a computer. I'm now intending to buy a Widows XP Pro
Operating System, full version in a retail box, not an OEM. Checking
Pricegrabbers and Nextag for price comparison, I was amazed at the
differences in price. For the same OS, the prices range from $199.00 to
$299.00. I would like to get one in the $200.00 range.  However, I don't
understand this great price difference.  There are sellers on the low
end and high end that have good ratings. I'm assuming that these ratings
are legitimate. The reason for this e-mail is that maybe someone could
clue me in if there is something that I do not know about. Thank you Jim
Markellos

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