WinXP - OEM vs. MS Package

[blyhqqt]

I had someone tell me that there is a difference between an OEM "brown box" version of WinXP Pro and the Microsoft retail product. They told me that the OEM was based on NT and the MS version was based on Win200. Is this true and does it make a difference?

Thanks

[Budfred]

Welcome to PCGuide!!

Win2000Pro and WinXP are both based on NT, so what you were told is true in a sense. The only real difference between OEM and MS retail is that the OEM doesn't have MS's wonderful support which approaches completely nil. MS will allow you to call them a couple of times on your dime. They generally have better support freely available on their web site and you can get support at sites like this. I would go with OEM if you can get it for a good price.

Budfred

[blyhqqt]

Thanks so much. I've found what I consider to be good prices at Ebay and other off-the-path sources, this will help me make my decisions.:D