If you plan to use Windows XP Pro daily at your office, it is important to at least know the basics. Whether you decide to go out and find training CDs about Windows XP Professional for sale, or simply find free tutorials online, it is crucial that you get some type of Windows XP Pro education and training. Learn enough of the basics to get started with the system, or learn how to perform more advanced tasks once you are comfortable with the program.

If you are not sure where to look for assistance when it comes to learning this operating system, first check out Windows XP Pro suppliers. However, be aware that help is everywhere on the Internet. You can find education assistance through the following courses of action:

1. Take an online certification course that teaches about the Windows XP Pro operating system.
2. Find tutorials online about Windows XP Professional.
   
3. Attend a seminar or webinar on the subject.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get certified once you buy Windows XP Pro online

If you want to learn everything from the basics to more advanced information about Window XP Pro, obtaining certification can be useful. Whether you decide to check out CD-based courses about Windows XP Pro for sale, or attend a live course with the goal of preparing students for their certification exam, there are several options available.

I recommend: ENO.com offers the Microsoft MCDST & MCP Windows XP Pro Dual Certification Training CBT Boot Camp, which teaches information about Windows XP Pro, including how to pass the certification exam. As the Windows XP Pro providers, it should come as no surprise that Microsoft offers Windows XP Professional certification courses.

Search for tutorials to help with your Windows XP Pro education and training

If you tend to learn well by watching professionals at work, now you can do so without leaving your office. Watching a video tutorial can be very effective when it comes to learning about Windows XP Pro.

I recommend: Apex Web Media offers Windows XP Pro video tutorials on its site. K Alliance sells tutorial CDs for Windows XP Pro training.

Attend Windows XP Pro seminars and webinars

The best way to obtain useful tips is to find seminars to attend about Windows XP Pro. If there are none near you, or it is difficult to find time to leave your office, consider searching for a webinar. This is simply an online seminar given at a scheduled time for a small cost.

I recommend: Find the Windows XP Pro seminar closest to you at FindaSeminar.com. Alliance Training and Consulting offers a training seminar that teaches both beginning and advanced users how to be more comfortable with Windows XP Professional.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many websites, books and journal articles also discuss Windows XP Pro, including its advantages, disadvantages and little known tips. Be sure to read such publications to gain some insight into the system.

Windows XP Pro continues to be one of Microsoft's more durable operating systems among home and business users, despite Microsoft's release of Vista in 2007. Introduced with Windows XP Home edition in 2001, Windows XP Pro's integration of features from earlier systems, along with an improved user interface and increased stability and efficiency, immediately scored points with business clients and power-users.

In addition to options included in the Windows Home XP edition, Windows XP Pro operating system offers the following: an access control, which allows specific user permissions; an encryption file system for better information security; a remote desktop server; and centralized administration. The software also offers other features specifically geared toward business users. However, as with many of Microsoft's products, critics have found security bugs for which Microsoft has created quick-fix "patches." Still many Vista users are "rolling back" to their former XP systems as they find XP more hassle-free. Here are some things you want to do before purchasing an Windows XP Pro operating system:

1. Get detailed information about Windows XP Pro to make an informed purchase.

2. Search online or locally for Windows XP Pro suppliers.

3. Find sites where you can get Windows XP Professional for sale.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research online to find information about Windows XP Pro

Make sure that Windows XP Pro is compatible with your computer. Find spec requirements as well as a breakdown of each feature to see how the system meets your needs. It isn't cost-effective to spend on features you will never need. Also find reviews and customer ratings to give you an idea of the possible problems you might encounter.

I recommend: Start with Microsoft's official web page on Windows XP Pro operating system. Another jumping point is Wikipedia, which provides specifics about Windows XP Pro, including pertinent links and articles about the operating system. Also, CNet provides a review plus both editor and user ratings. ActiveWin provides a great chapter-by-chapter breakdown on Windows XP Pro.

Find Windows XP Pro providers to give you more purchase options

Of course, you don't have to purchase Windows XP Pro directly from Microsoft. You can find plenty of Windows XP Pro suppliers online. The major computer software stores often have online deals on software. You can buy Windows XP Pro online or from a local brick-and-mortar computer store.

I recommend: You can find many Windows XP products at the major computer retailers, including CompUSA and Circuit City. Both also have brick-and-mortar stores in many cities, as do other Windows XP Pro providers.

Go online to find Windows XP Pro for sale

Although many major online sites offer Windows XP Professional for sale, you can always find it cheaper somewhere else. The thing to do is comparison shop.

I recommend: NexTag provides comparison sales on Windows XP Pro as does WinBuyer. Shopping.MSN.com also has Windows XP Pro for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Search online for manuals and guides on Windows XP Pro. You'll find tutorials on everything from installation, customization and configuration. You can also find downloadable guides as well.

Although Vista has been on the market for a couple years now, and Windows 7 is on the horizon, many businesses want to continue to use Windows XP Pro. XP has less system overhead than Vista, and is generally considered to be more stable in a business environment. The good news is that you can still buy Windows XP Pro, and Microsoft is planning on supporting it through 2014. If you order a computer direct from the manufacturer, you usually have the option of installing a Windows XP Pro update to replace Vista—for a small fee.

The following resources will show you what Windows XP Pro pricing and costs you can expect to find in the marketplace:

1. Replace Vista with the Windows XP Pro operating system when ordering a new PC.
2. Order a replacement copy of the OEM Windows XP Pro disc that came with your computer.
3. Find new copies of Windows XP Pro for sale, either the full or upgrade version.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a new or refurbished PC with Windows XP Pro preloaded

Although it is difficult to customize a new PC with Windows XP Pro on the manufacturer websites such as Dell, HP, Sony or Gateway, it can still be done. Usually you can accomplish this by going through the business division rather than the home user division of the given company. These companies will generally charge a fee of $50 to $100 to reload the PC with XP.

I recommend: PCMech has a great article on what to do if you want your new PC to come preinstalled with Windows XP. Alternatively, you can order a new or refurbished PC for around $500 from a seller like TigerDirect that already has XP installed.

Order a replacement Windows XP Pro CD from your computer manufacturer

Most major computer manufacturers offer OEM copies of Windows XP Professional for sale for a nominal fee. Certain companies will even replace your OEM Windows disk for free, as long as you can provide them with your computer's serial number or service tag.

I recommend: Contact Dell or HP to order a copy of your lost Windows XP Pro disk. This usually costs anywhere between nothing and $40. Other computer manufacturers have similar offers.

Order a copy of XP from online Windows XP Pro providers

If none of the above options suit your needs, you can still get your hands on a copy of XP Pro from online Windows XP Pro suppliers. You are less likely to find Windows XP at a brick and mortar store, simply because they tend to stock the most current version of Windows on their store shelves.

I recommend: You can purchase upgrade and full versions of Windows XP Pro from Royal Discount or VioSoftware for between $100 and $300.