On Thursday 11 July 2002 04:36 pm, bobwarasila wrote: > I realize this is probably a software question but thought I'd pose it here > first since it is part of hardware project. > > I ordered all the parts today Soltek /SL-75DRV5, Athlon XP 2000, 512 MB > PC2700, Plextor 40X/12/40, Toshiba DVD drive, Abit GF4/TI4200 card, IBM 80 > GB HDD. Total cost with case is running ~$850 before the OS. > > Now I need some advice on the OS - I'm thinking XP but should I use Home > or Pro? This computer will eventually be networked with one or two others > in my house. Also is there a source for educational discounts on software? > I teach at a college and can pass muster as an educational professional. > > Bob Warasila > [log in to unmask] (home) > [log in to unmask] (work) Bob: I don't know much about educational discounts other than such things do exist -- I'd ask around at your school, though. Do it quickly, though, because you can usually get the OEM version of MS software if you purchase it along with a motherboard or a hard drive; otherwise you have to pay the full retail price. You'll save about $100 on XP Home and $140 on XP Pro, but you won't get all of the manuals. AFAIK, this is fully legal, and qualifies for MS support. Sounds like a nice system -- good luck with it. Regards, Carroll Grigsby Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to Digest mode - visit our web site: http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml