Okay! Let me tell you this horrible story that happened to me today.
I don't understand much in computers, only on the level of the USER.
My friend gave me her computer, which she received from her brother, who in turn bought it used from the univerisity.
I couldn't make wireless internet work on the computer for a long time. I tried to read through instructions, but it would still not work. Then I asked my friend to look at it... He said that the computer would work better if I installed Windows XP on it. The HUGE mistake that I did, was, because of my ignorance, I allowed him to install Upgrade of XP from his already used disc. I had not idea that it wasn't allowed. Anyways, my computer kept telling me that I needed to activate Windows... I tried to do what it said, but it told me in the end that that disc was already exceeded the number of activations. So I went to the university bookstore to get my own copy of upgade, but the young man there informed me that I have to reinstall the WHOLE system... because I tried to install "illigal copy". I was so mad at my friend. Can anyone tell me what I need to do now? Should I buy Windows home and install that first? What does Windows Home and Full version mean? Is that what I need?
Please help, because I am totally clueless in the kind of business.
Yuliajust buy windowsXP pro OEM version. the OEM version is a cheaper version. its cheaper because the OEM version is really meant for computer manufactures, however, websites and some stores sell it ANYWAY. there is no DIFFERENCE between windowsXP pro and windows XP pro OEM except the price.

heres the difference...

windowsXP-          $250.00
windows XP OEM-  $150.00Windows 2000-   Priceless