Windows XP brings together two product families that were previously separate and decidedly unequal. From Windows 2000, it inherits a reliable, generally crash-proof foundation. It adds a host of user-friendly features and system utilities that were previously available only in Windows 98 or Windows Me. For good measure, it tosses in some interface enhancements and new capabilities that were previously available only as third-party add-ins.
Most importantly, Windows XP comes in two distinctly different versions:
Windows XP Home Edition. This budget-priced version is typically bundled with consumer PCs sold for use in homes and very small businesses. It’s intended for nontechnical users who don’t need to connect to corporate networks and don’t want to fuss with complicated system and security options. It’s compatible with any desktop or notebook PC that has a single CPU and a single video display.
Windows XP Professional. This version includes everything in the Home Edition, plus all the networking and security components required to join a Windows NT/2000/XP domain. If your system configuration includes certain types of high-performance hardware, such as a dual-processor motherboard, you’ll need Windows XP Professional to fully utilize it.
^^ - from me book.. hope that helps... no need to dual boot in my opinon, just keep pro and u should be good...