Why so freakin' expensive???

[roomwithamoose]

Okay, so in the process of begining to build my first computer, I find myself with a dilema. I don't want ot fork out the cash for Windows XP!!! It's pratically the most expensive part I'll buy! I thinks it's bull. My questions:

-Is OEM okay? Will I get any help from Microsoft if there's a problem?
-And will I lose my soul for aquiring a pirated version from a man in a trench coat?

Everything else I know I need and have decided what to get, it's just this little snag. Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks!

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, OEM is okay. If you have problems, post here. I have never called M$ for any tech support, nor would I. It's a waste of time when this forum exists.

Yes, you will lose your soul for acquiring a pirated version. You will lose your ability to ask for help here, since we do not support piracy and threads involving pirated software are not allowed.

Go with the OEM version. If you don't want to pay for an OS, go with a flavor of Linux.

[roomwithamoose]

Cool. And just to be sure, I can get all updates with and OEM version, right? I'm more than happy to pay $85 for OEM.

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

All updates etc, just no help from M$.

[roomwithamoose]

Awsome. I'm sure this forum is more help than MS. Thanks you guys!

[mb26]

if u are a student or something it may be possible to get it cheaper under a student licence (? - i'm not sure so if someone else could confirm or deny it)

it should be cheaper though IMO, i'm sure that companies like dell pay less than $10 for XP on each PC... they are exploiting their monopoly and individual pc builders' lack of buying power. personally i dont know why bill gates bothers? i mean M$ have money mountains of billions and he is the richest guy in the world with all the money to do litterally whatever he wants with even if he never gets another cent. whats reducing the price a bit going to make any difference to him/them. oh well live and let live i guess..

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by mb26 if u are a student or something it may be possible to get it cheaper under a student licence (? - i'm not sure so if someone else could confirm or deny it)

If you have a valid college student ID (not high school), you can buy the XP Pro at Newegg for $84. That's only $6 less than the oem version of XP Home. Plus the Pro version is an upgrade. You need some previous Windows version (98, ME, 2000, or XP Home) to temporarily put in the CD drive during the install to prove that you "qualify" for the upgrade.

[ZeratulsAvenger]

Originally Posted by mb26 i mean M$ have money mountains of billions and he is the richest guy in the world with all the money to do litterally whatever he wants with even if he never gets another cent. whats reducing the price a bit going to make any difference to him/them. oh well live and let live i guess..

Actually I think that some guy passed him up... I remember I was extatic when I heard the news Don't know who, or how, but I am pretty sure some guy did.

Back on topic though... Ya, XP is expensive and I wish they would lower the price, even 20 bucks.

[RayH]

The student version may not be a bargain. It does require a prior installation. Does the activation check to see if the prior OS has already been upgraded?

Besides, the student OS is only valid for as long as the person is a student. The OS cannot be transferred to another person. That is the computer cannot be sold with the OS intact.

[speeddude2000]

Originally Posted by ZeratulsAvenger Actually I think that some guy passed him up... I remember I was extatic when I heard the news Don't know who, or how, but I am pretty sure some guy did. Back on topic though... Ya, XP is expensive and I wish they would lower the price, even 20 bucks.

that guys happens to be steve ballmer i think. they DID lower the price of xp pro upgrade retail. it was $199 before, now you can find it for $179.