Windows XP is based on Windows NT4 and Windows 2000 technology.
Microsoft is positioning the Windows XP Professional Edition to replace Windows NT4 and
Windows 2000 Professional. In addition, the Windows XP Home edition will be replacing
Windows 95/98/ME.
But do NOT expect to receive full Window NT4/2000 functionality when using the XP Home Edition:
There is a substantial difference in price, and that is reflected in some reduced functionality in the
XP Home edition compared to the XP Professional Edition : features turned off !
This is NOT a complete list, I am just listing the features related to networking:
| Windows XP Home Edition | Windows XP Professional Edition | ||
 | User management | Limited to 2 security levels, no policies | Full User Management and Security Policies |
 | Workgroup networking/ Joining domains | Limited to Workgroup network (unable to join a domain) | Workgroup networking and able to join a Domain |
 | Security on sharing disks and folders | no security, everybody has access to shared data | Full security based on User Management |
| Limit of simultaneous file-sharing connections | max 5 simultaneous file-sharing connections | max 10 simultaneous file-sharing connections |
 | Security of disks and folders (NTFS drives) | limited Security, made difficult to use | Full Disk/Folder Security based on User Management |
| Group Policy Editor | not included | Included | |
| Remote Desktop Access | not included. | Remote Desktop Access |
 | Backup Program | only included via VALUEADD | Included |
| ASR Automatic System Recovery | not included | Included |
The lack of the possibility to join a domain and the lack of securing a shared network resource
will prevent the use of the XP Home edition in most office networks, even in configurations where
Windows95/98/ME could be used.
More differences will be listed, once I encounter the item during my work.
Backup Program on Windows XP Home :
 | The default installation of Windows XP Home does not include a Backup program (as part of "Programs" / "Accessories" / "System Tools" |
If you have a copy of Windows XP Home on a Recovery CD-ROM : sorry.
 | If you have a retail copy ( as sold in the shops) of Windows XP Home, have a look on the CD-ROM to: VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP, which allows to install now the Backup program. |