Oem Os

[Airforce123]

Does anybody know what is the difference between oem version of operating system(windows), and retail version?
IS it only the box, or is orm version erasing itself after 1 or a few installations?
Thanks

[HAL9000]

The box, sometimes a better manual comes with retail software, sometimes better support options. Other than that the software is identical.

[Blankman]

Another thing, you'll find OEM alot cheaper.

[RobH]

Ive also seen where it is a requirement to buy a hard drive or another piece of hardware in order to buy OEM.Dont understand that-----they make a killing on the OS as it is.

[Confused]

Reputable dealers will only sell full versions with qualifying hardware (usually a HD or Mobo), and like Rob I don't understand the reasoning behind it.

Both my WIN98 FE and XP are OEM.
Chas

[morriswindgate]

They may be making a killing, which by the way is because of all the Microsoft haters who made enough noise to get the Government to sue them thereby increasing the cost of doing business which led to a higher retail cost after which you ended up using IE anyway because the new version of Netscape is crap, but that's life.
Anyway an OEM is basically a bulk sale like that you would get is you were a retail system builder. Same contents on the disk, no pretty box and of course you do not get that extremely informative and concise Microsoft Manual that comes in very handy when you have problems.
Like when you get a lock-up while playing a video file and the only entry in the manual's index that seems to fit, ends up reading something like "With Microsofts wide rangeing video features you will be able to enjoy many of the features found on todays computers, like .net and MSM. com"
So are you sold on the OEM yet.

[alexmacdonald]

microsoft changed the hardware requirements for OEM OS's. It used to be you had to buy a mobo, chip, and HDD, now you can buy anything to qualify for an OEM OS. thats why my supplier has the "1c case screw".

[RobH]

The reality is ---(my opinion) Microsoft make a decent product.NOT to argue with anyone,but I didnt see that much in my excursions in LINUX.
Windows is a good product (could be better) but by far better than alternatives for the normal home user--for sure.
I think it is over priced--but thats me--and I agree with MorrisW,if they didnt have to have a legal department the size of Montana the product would be a tad cheaper.
I like the 1 cent screw---=)

[Alfie]

Another point about OEM operating systems is that Microsoft doesn't offer support on them,you must go to the OEM for support(you!)
BuyCheapSoftware.com
sells them with no qualifying purchase neccessary.

[doubledragon5]

If you buy a PC from someone like Dell, or HP they sometimes will add a little something of their own into the OEM version because they are givin some but not all of the codes from Microsoft which enable them to do this.

And if you want support for when you have problems I suggest buying retail especially if your a home builder I would never buy OEM for a home built system.

[morriswindgate]

Is technical support from Microsoft worth the cost. I mean how many people call MS and set on the phone. You can go to the MS website or do a google search and find out more in two minutes than you will with 2 days on the phone. And the stuff that is added to the retail computers Windows disk is a bunch of Spyware and junk.
I say if you have a homebuilt use an OEM version.