A lot of people have said "I don't know what's the difference between this and the full (retail) version." Allow me:

1- This is about half the $$.

2- If you get the full (more expensive version) and the PC (or its motherboard) dies, or you just want to replace (upgrade) it, you can move the (expensive) copy of XP to the new machine. You are NOT allowed to do that with this cheaper copy. It is "tied" to one PC (or one motherboard, depending).

3- This is XP Home. Compared to XP Pro, Home doesn't have the Encryption File System, Group Policies, Remote Desktop (server), Dynamic Disk support, Disk Manager, IIS (bad web server), Active Directory, Domain Login, Roaming Profiles, and only supports simplified (network) file security and not ACLs. The idea is that these are all things "corporate" users want and "Home" users don't need. The fact that you don't know what they are rather proves the point, doesn't it?

4- If you're using this in a "virtual" situation (like VMWare, or maybe in a Window on a Mac, but probably not with Boot Camp), the software may not be able to tell it's been moved, so item #2 may not apply to your situation. But I *think* it would be outside the terms of your license. But, really, who can tell? The "license agreement" is longer than a Russian novel, and mostly gibberish.

At least the Vista "agreement" (like you're actually agreeing to anything) says clearly that if you replace the motherboard, you have to buy another copy. Yes, it does.

Typically, I would prefer to stay with one of the more common and tested versions of the product than take my chances here.

I bought this because I wanted to run some Windows only software on my iMac without spending the full amount for Windows XP Professional or Vista and I don't see what's worse about this "OLD VERSION" because it still has Service Pack 2. So far, this version seems able to do what I need it to do.
Attention Mac users, if you buy and install a copy of Windows, be sure to also install the drivers on the Mac OS X install disc. Without them, you'll have trouble with Wi-Fi and Windows Movie Maker, among other things. Also keep in mind that while you can have a Windows partition larger than 32GB by NFTS partions, you'll need to use FAT32 if you want to write to the windows partition from the Mac partition. I have FAT32 so I can transfer photos and videos that need to be edited without having to put them on to DVD's first.
About the Bootcamp instruction guide, if you're sure you know what you're doing, then don't worry about printing it. If you don't know a lot about computers, then I'd recommend that you use it. The Windows software can only be installed a few times (I believe it's four, but don't count on this) before it will no longer accept the product key, forcing you to have to buy another copy so you'll want to try to make sure that you install it properly on the first time.

I bought the ASUS Eee PC 901 8.9-Inch Netbook (1 GB RAM, 20 GB Solid State Drive, Linux and dealing with Linux on this machine is a nightmare. So, I broke down and decided to XP it. Far better than the mess that was on there.

If you have the Linux version, the only plus is that you have more drive space. Wipe it out, and this is the XP disc you need. It is in fact the full version, and there is nothing different about it except it comes in a sleeve.

Do not throw out the plastic wrap! The sticker for registration is stupidly on the wrap.

The Asus instructions are basic, and their support is useless, but you should be able to follow the directions to installation on your own. But use the forums if you need help.

This comes with SP2, and that's the highest you should go on disc. I was able to upgrade to SP3 with no problem with windows update.

With no problem, I started using this along with my VM Fusion software on my mac. No problem at all, now I can use windows when I need it.