Windows OEM vs Retail & AE

[Matt6]

Hey all, first post woot... anyways I've basicly just realised I should start to update my OS. I'm wanting to buy Windows XP Pro SP2 then i'll download SP3 from the Microsoft website as I hear it's free now and then I'm wanting to also buy Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate.

Now to my question.

Is there any reason to get a Retail version and not OEM version? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Also what exactly makes me valid to buy an academic software?
"Academic software is not licensed for use in a commercial environment or a business." I'm a student but I also use my computer for various other things besides college work like playing games etc so would this still make me acceptable to buy a academic software version?


Thanks a bunch

[David M]

The difference between OEM and retail is that with retail you get customer support.

Try the bookstore at your academic institution for the academic version. They will want to see your student ID card.

Do you really need the more expensive versions? Most people don't. Which one is right for you? - Microsoft Windows

[Matt6]

Is that the only difference between the two?

Could anyone confirm if this is true or false. If you buy a OEM version, you will not be able to upgrade your motherboard as it will be set to that certain motherboard.

I checked on that link earlier and the Win 7 Pro is the one I need really.

[glc]

You will be able to upgrade your motherboard. You may just have to reactivate by telephone.

Get Win 7 Pro from your school.

If you want to buy XP, buy XP with SP3 OEM. However, why do you need XP?

[Matt6]

I doubt my college would give me Win7, it's not University.

But I thought you can download XP SP3 for free on the Microsoft website?
And i'm wanting XP so I have Win7 and XP on the same computer because I prefer XP but for newish games and just general stuff, its better to have Win7 for DX10/11 etc.

[EzyStvy]

SP3 is only a service pack and they've always been free

[Matt6]

Originally Posted by EzyStvy SP3 is only a service pack and they've always been free

Free and genuine?

I found you can get the service packs from Microsoft for free but I really want to have a Pro edition.

[Anomo]

I don't think you care, but Microsofts agreement license states that you ONLY can install OEM on a completely new PC. (never had an OS on it)

[Matt6]

Originally Posted by Anomo I don't think you care, but Microsofts agreement license states that you ONLY can install OEM on a completely new PC. (never had an OS on it)

Well I do care as that is very much related to this topic.

[Anomo]

Originally Posted by Matt6 Well I do care as that is very much related to this topic.

There is no actual block, but if they bust you ;P

[David M]

Don't waste your money on XP. It is no longer necessary, even for running legacy software. Windows 7 Professional has the ability to emulate XP for running older software.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...indows-xp-mode

Windows Genuine Advantage (Microsoft's advantage) will eventually catch up with you if you do not validate your OS license. If you do not update your older version of XP version in order to try to avoid the installation of Genuine Advantage then you leave yourself very vulnerable to all sorts of exploits...aka, viruses and all kinds of nasty things that could ruin your day.

If you go back with the XP versions before SP2 then it will not recognize drives larger than 137 GB.

There is no way of getting around this...legally...and we don't teach people how to break the law on this forum.

[Force Flow]

Only Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate offer Windows XP Mode for free. For other editions, you need your own XP license.

However, you would probably be able to use these images:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/e...displaylang=en

They're only active for a certain amount of time before it expires you have to re-download the next release.

[glc]

Time out.

XP will not be free - ANY version. You have to buy *something* - whether it be with no SP, SP1, SP2, or SP3. The SP's to update whatever you have are downloadable free from M$.

Now, let's be realistic. There is NO reason why you can't buy OEM versions of XP and/or Win 7 and install them on ONE computer - and still be able to do selective hardware upgrades. Microsoft's intent is one computer per copy of the OS, regardless of whether it's OEM, retail, or upgrade. If you can save money by buying OEM or academic, go for it. Your college may not GIVE you Win 7, but they may make it available at a reduced cost, look into that.

Please note that I am NOT advocating piracy in any way, shape or form. I am simply telling you how to legally work the system to your advantage.

[Matt6]

Originally Posted by glc Time out. XP will not be free - ANY version. You have to buy *something* - whether it be with no SP, SP1, SP2, or SP3. The SP's to update whatever you have are downloadable free from M$. Now, let's be realistic. There is NO reason why you can't buy OEM versions of XP and/or Win 7 and install them on ONE computer - and still be able to do selective hardware upgrades. Microsoft's intent is one computer per copy of the OS, regardless of whether it's OEM, retail, or upgrade. If you can save money by buying OEM or academic, go for it. Your college may not GIVE you Win 7, but they may make it available at a reduced cost, look into that. Please note that I am NOT advocating piracy in any way, shape or form. I am simply telling you how to legally work the system to your advantage.

There was never a point when I said I wanted to go down the piracy path. This is why i'm on the forum so I can get some assistance with finding the best deal and price. I already own Windows Home Edition and that is why i'm looking for Windows SP2 Professional then when I have that i'll update it to SP3 via the microsoft website or automatic update. Now at the same time i'm looking for Windows 7 as it's the most recent version of Windows and having it can have benefits. I like both XP and Win7 and thats exactly what i'm looking for both so I can have them both on my computer.

[EzyStvy]

Originally Posted by Anomo I don't think you care, but Microsofts agreement license states that you ONLY can install OEM on a completely new PC. (never had an OS on it)

I've never heard that statement before. And any place like Newegg that sells OEM software don't mention it either

[glc]

Microsoft Win XP with sp2

OEM 7 Pro is 140 bucks at Newegg. Academic upgrades can be found somewhat cheaper. It *IS* possible to install the upgrade clean.

EDIT: My comment re: piracy was not directed primarily to you - it was directed to all thread participants.

[David M]

Originally Posted by Anomo View Post
I don't think you care, but Microsofts agreement license states that you ONLY can install OEM on a completely new PC. (never had an OS on it)

That's not correct. You can install an OEM version to whatever you want...even to the backside of a camel. All Microsoft cares is that you paid for it.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by David M Originally Posted by Anomo View Post I don't think you care, but Microsofts agreement license states that you ONLY can install OEM on a completely new PC. (never had an OS on it) That's not correct. You can install an OEM version to whatever you want...even to the backside of a camel. All Microsoft cares is that you paid for it.

Technically speaking, the OEM EULA states that the OEM version is for "system builders". There is, however, nothing that prevents installation on anything.

[Anomo]

Originally Posted by David M That's not correct. You can install an OEM version to whatever you want...even to the backside of a camel. All Microsoft cares is that you paid for it.

Printed directly on the DVD: Licensed for distribution only with a new PC.
The packaging says "OEM system builder pack. Intended for system builders ONLY.

I'm not saying that you HAVE to, just stating that that is what the OEM is for. Some people care, others don't. And OEM does stand for Original Equiptment Manager (aka new stuff).

There is no actual block, just stating the license

[David M]

OK, I stand corrected...except for one minor detail. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, not Manager.

Given their verbiage, what the hell are we supposed to use for computers that are not new? Are we supposed to pay full retail if our computer is old? Are they insane or grammatically inept? It's probably the latter.

[glc]

M$ could care less - but if you are running OEM and call them with a support issue, they won't talk to you without paying a substantial fee. With retail, you get a certain number of free "incidents".

[David M]

Yup, there is the letter of the License Agreement and then there is reality. And then there is the moral argument..as long as they get their money then do whatever you want with it.

[glc]

do whatever you want with it.

Within reason and without being blatantly illegal about it.