Is this a legit deal for Windows XP Pro?

[The C Man]

I was looking at an old link GM posted for an OEM copy of XP Pro, but it's expired by now and the seller doesn't have any other XP auctions at the moment. I did come across this one though:

http://auctions.overstock.com/item/31640888

I don't understand these deals where the prices aren't just low, they're insanely low. It clearly says it's not an original CD. I have no idea what the WGA/WPA CD is the seller is referring to:

"WGA PATCH ON A CD TO RETRIEVE UPDATES YOU NEED TO GET UPDATES WHICH YOU WILL NEED TO GET SERVICE PACK 2"

So what's the story with this thing? Woody, you're reading this, right? I know you know, so fill me in.

[Woody]

No, it isn't legit. You could buy it, call Micro$oft, and offer to pay up to get your own "license" and THEN it would be legit. Or you could purchase it, run a keygen (one without trojans or a virus is preferred), run a crack so you can use "Windoze Update" and get all of your updates. Or you could do the above, but instead of using "Windoze Update" you could download Service Pack 2 by itself (right from Micro$oft... it takes a bit of thought, but it is right there in front of everyone), and then use Autopatcher XP to apply all other updates.

Or you could say "F it" and get yourself a FREE, LEGITIMATE copy of SuSE Linux, burn it to a DVD or some cd's, install it, learn it, and use it. Free security updates as they arise (patched in minutes, no kidding, instead of having to wait 2 months), no virus worries, a much more stable and secure operating system.

[The C Man]

Woody, I'd love to say F it, believe me! I've considered Linux several times but have never whole-heartedly made the attempt to learn it. I think I might have to stick with Windows for my guitar programs, and for Winamp or Foobar and the plug-ins I use (Ozone, and some speed/pitch things for guitar)...... but if I do build a new PC I could install Linux on this one once it becomes my 'old' PC and finally start getting familiar with it.

I'm know there are projects like WINE that let you run Windows programs on Linux, but how do I know if it'll let me run the programs I have?

[Woody]

http://www.winehq.com

There you go man. Center of the page towards the top. Look for "Applications Database" and you can check to see how well a certan app runs.

[Scaper-S2k]

How old is your computer? Will it run okay with XP?

[The C Man]

Yeah, it's far from cutting edge but more than meets the minimum system requirements. I really need a new (bigger) hard drive because I'm finally getting all my music stored losslessly so I was thinking I'd pick up a copy of XP even though I'd really rather stick with my customized 98.

Win98 has some issues I'm not sure it can overcome though. One, I'm not sure if it supports USB 2.0. I'm fine with USB 1.1 for transferring pictures from my card reader to the pc, but for transferring gigs of music files to the MP3 player I want to get I definitely would want USB 2.0. It might support it, I just haven't researched it yet.

More importantly, Win98 doesn't recognize hard drives larger than I think 128 GB, and that's a major issue with regard to getting all my music on one drive.