My new laptop won't let me join a network domain. I can only join a workgroup... I don't even have the Network ID button, in the System Properties, Computer Name tab.

Is it because I am running XP home addtion, or am I missing something (which is very possiable)?

Windows XP Home Edition does not support domain networks. You can connect to a domain if you dial into it using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or dial-up networking connection but you can't actually wire yourself onto the network and connect straight into the domain.

Only solution to that is to upgrade to XP Professional I'm afraid.