Purpose

• Windows XP Student Edition is similar to the Windows XP Home Edition. The purpose of the student edition was to provide a less costly version of the software for students. The software was usually offered under two separate academic licenses: one that required the student to return the software after they have graduated and another that gave the student rights to the software forever.
  
  

Student Edition Versus Professional

• Windows XP Professional was designed for business clients. It had many additional features including a multiprocessor, Remote Desktop access, the ability to logon to an Active Directory domain and integrated fax capability along with a host of other additional features.
  
  

Buying the Software

• Since Windows XP Student Edition was marketed for students, usually only college bookstores and other resources that provide services for students had the software available for sale. Many college bookstores required students to show a college ID proving that they were enrolled before selling them this version of the software.