OEM or not OEM

[fe71jt]

If I want to buy an Operating System, will be better one that says "it is a OEM" , or one that is not a OEM. If someone can tell me the diference betwen the two , I will apreciate. Thanks

[rjfvillarosa]

OEM "original equipment manufacture" this generaly means that the hardware or software was destined for a particular manufacturer and as such is configured with very little information or backup, this then becomes the responsibility of the manufacturer who would then fit the hardware and configure it to operate with the rest of the system and bundle the basic drivers with (usualy) an OEM version of windows. OEM windows usualy only contains the drivers and support for the hardware fitted to the machine that the manufacturer has specified to Microsoft, if you buy an OEM version of windows you are technically breaking the EULA because it was originally intended for a particular machine and not for general resale, should you buy and install one of these versions of windows you will probably find yourself serching for drivers for some of your hardware. Floppy drives, optical drives and hard drives are all supported basically by native windows drivers, but any thing specialised like CD/DVD burning software will have to be purchased and your mother board chipset drivers will have to be downloaded from the internet.

[ghost2003]

When i got windows xp OEM i got everything except a fancy box and it cost half the price. I dont know about support but even if you dont have any we are always here :) So i recommend using oem.

[Hi Ho]

The OEM version of Windows is exactly the same as the retail version minus the fancy box and the free tech support. PCmech can be your tech support though. :)

[mjkovis]

The OEM version of Windows is exactly the same as the retail version minus the fancy box and the free tech support. PCmech can be your tech support though. :)
Well put Hi Ho. Buy the OEM version and save yourself a few dollars to that you can use elsewhere! :D

AK

[rjfvillarosa]

If you use an OEM version of windows on any machine other than the machine it was intended for is in violation of the EULA. Most of the OEM versions I have seen were intended to be installed on HP machines so installing it on anything other than a HP machine would be in violation of the EULA.

[Hi Ho]

The OEM copies they sell at Newegg can go on any machine. They are meant for independent builders.