Windows XP Media Center Edition (or XPMCEfor short) is a special version of MS Windows XP designed for use on a monitor or television screen and with features targeted at home entertainment such as storing pictures, music and video. It can be controlled with a remote control instead of a mouse.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) brings users the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft. It establishes stronger security settings that help defend against viruses, hackers, and worms and will provide unique new security features designed to make it easier for you to protect your tablet PC. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 is the new Microsoft operating system for tablet PCs. It combines new features for the tablet, such as the new TIP tool. Service Pack 2 is a free upgrade.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes many security updates. Installing SP2 helps protect your computer from malware, such as viruses, trojans and spyware. This is a Service Pack every computer running XP should have installed. Tablet PC Edition 2005, a part of SP2 for Tablet PCs, includes a huge improvement in handwriting recognition. It also has a much-improved Tablet Input Panel. This can be undocked so that the TIP is always close to your pen if input is available.

Unfortunately, video recorded in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, which is an MPEG-2 file that has a .dvr-ms file name extension, cannot be imported into Movie Maker.

For Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 only (for Itanium-based systems), fixed disks are partitioned using GPT partitioning. GPT disks can be converted to MBR disks only if all existing partitioning is first deleted, with associated loss of data.

Every Xbox 360 also works as a Media Center Extender-which means you'll be able to access recorded TV (including high-definition shows) and digital movies (including high-definition films), music, video, and photos stored on Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PCs through any Xbox 360. What's more, you can stay connected to Xbox Live and still receive game invites and messages from your friends while watching your favourite TV shows or movies.

Windows XP Home is designed as an upgrade for Windows 9x/Me and therefore ships with the same type of consumer features found in Windows Me. The biggest difference is processor support: Windows XP Home will support only one processor, while Professional supports two. I have a full and detailed list available regarding the differences between the two editions available, however: Use this showcase to determine which version is for you.

Microsoft recommends Windows XP Professional for the education environment. Windows XP Home Edition is a limited subset of Windows XP Professional and does not take advantage of the extended capabilities around desktop management, mobility and multi-processor support. Windows XP Professional includes ALL of the benefits of Home Edition plus: Greater security, including the ability to encrypt your files and folders, to protect your sensitive data.

Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition were introduced with the release of Windows Server 2003 SP1, all sharing a common codebase. It is this common codebase that allows SP2 to provide updates to all versions of Windows Server 2003 and the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. In August 2004, Windows XP Service Pack 2 was released for the x86 editions of Windows XP.

It has the same basic features as before, but it sports a redesigned menu system, mainly so you can control it from an Xbox 360 over your home network.

Ordinarily that answer is Yes, because Media Center is based on XP Pro. However, I have found some disk partition management and backup programs that did not work. In addition, there are apparently many audio and music programs that may not work - there's a detailed list here.

We require that eReader Pro must be purchased for each platform that is used on. We did this to defray the cost of the Reader on each individual platform. For example, instead of charging $80 for a eReader Pro that runs on Palm OS, Pocket PC, Mac, and PC, we decided to charge $20 for each copy since most people only want to use the Reader on one platform.

Yes, AutoCAD has received “Designed for Windows XP—Optimized for Enterprise” logo certification. This is the highest level of logo certification that Microsoft offers. The logo certification program ensures that software runs smoothly and reliably in the Windows operating system environment. Several fundamental changes have been made to AutoCAD to ensure its robust performance when running on the latest version of the Windows operating system.

You can do everything with your Media Center PC that you could do with Windows XP - word processing, playing games and of course, listening to music. Remember though that if you are using a TV screen you may find it difficult to read small text.

A Media Center PC must be relatively high spec to cope with the demands placed on it - typically a fast processor, high capacity hard drive, fast graphics card and advanced audio card. Many Media Center PCs reject traditional beige styling for a modern look that doesn't seem out of place in your living room or in your home entertainment stack.

Microsoft is aiming to combine the features of Windows Me for the consumer, and reliability of Windows 2000 for businesses and power users into one new operating system. This operating system in its' different flavors will have new features for gaming, multimedia applications, audio, etc. in addition to features for networking, development, etc. for businesses and power users.

Windows XP comes in Professional and Home versions. Servers will also come out, but they are still in beta testing.

Windows XP Home is $99 for an upgrade copy and $199 for the full version. Windows XP Pro is $199 for the upgrade version and $299 for a full copy.