Windows XP Home Edition

meleader2 · #1 08-13-2007, 03:32 PM

Mod note: this isn't a request for someone to help me obtain this through illegal means

I have a product key but do NOT have the CD. Can I just call up Dell and have them send me a copy free of charge? I bought a new HD and the CPU has the product key on the case of the machine. I looked for a stand alone download online but couldn't find any.

anyone have this trouble before/any idea what i can do?

meleader2 · #2 08-14-2007, 01:21 PM

you know what, i don't even need windows. i just need an operating system that has a GUI (not UNIX) so as to play movies.

my setup is my home computer in my office -> wireless router -> new computer in family room (needs an OS) -> VGA connection to 50" plasma to watch movies that i ripped onto office computer and plays through my network.

any thoughts on alternative operating systems?

funkyworms · #3 08-14-2007, 02:16 PM

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Arp220 · #4 08-14-2007, 02:29 PM

Debian linux is better than Ubuntu

CORed · #5 08-14-2007, 03:03 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Debian linux is better than Ubuntu

[/ QUOTE ]

VI is better than emacs.
KDE is better than gnome.
Microsoft sux.
Solaris is better than Linux.
Open source software is better than commercial.

Let the geek flamewars begin.

CORed · #6 08-14-2007, 03:10 PM

If you have the product key, you should be able to use any XP Home edition disk to reinstall. You can probably get Dell to send you one if you don't have access to one .

funkyworms · #7 08-14-2007, 03:12 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Debian linux is better than Ubuntu

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you think of any good reasons why the OP should use Debian instead of Ubuntu given his stated goals?

meleader2 · #8 08-14-2007, 03:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Debian linux is better than Ubuntu

[/ QUOTE ]

Can you think of any good reasons why the OP should use Debian instead of Ubuntu given his stated goals?

[/ QUOTE ]

are there any compatability issues when it comes to TCP/IP when talking with XP/Linux OS?

funkyworms · #9 08-14-2007, 07:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]

are there any compatability issues when it comes to TCP/IP when talking with XP/Linux OS?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've installed Ubuntu on at least 10 different hardware configurations and every time it worked right out of the box. I think the biggest compatibility issues right now are related to video drivers. I've never had any problems, though.

Also, Ubuntu, like all Linux distros, is free. Just try it out and see how you like it. You won't hurt anything.