What is this OEM stuff?

[rowan]

Hello folks,


What is the difference between a Win ME (OEM) for $76 and a Win ME for $155 besides the price? What exactly does "Original Equiment Manufacturer" mean practically speaking? I'm about to build a box and had planned to use ME, but I'll tell you, $155 is quite a bunch of greenbacks for an OS! Would I be alright using the $76 OEM version, or is this version incomplete in some way?

An example of what I'm talking about is at:
http://www.directdeals.com/category.asp?category=Software&subcategory=Operating+Systems (http://www.directdeals.com/category.asp?category=Software&subcategory=Operating+Systems)

Unfortunately, this machine has to be WinX for software compatability purposes.

Thanks!

r.



[This message has been edited by rowan (edited 07-19-2001).]

[Fingers]

OEM's are only intended to be include on pre-built systems.

WinME OEM won't come with manual, and if you call Microsoft for help, they'll tell you to contact your Original Equipment Manufacturer for tech support. Otherwise, you'll find no difference between the retail version and the OEM version of Windows.

[Richard_Cranium72]

OEM Software is for the "Original Equiptment Manufacturers"

In MY interpretation of this, YOU are the OEM of that system.

I've not found the legality of this business myself, I'm just guessing BTW.

I don't think MicroSoft or the Justice department will get upset unless you go copying the Operating System software and reselling it.

You know the drill, one copy of the o/s per computer, you are allowed to make a "Back-Up" copy, whiich I suggest doing in case you scratch the original.

The software is complete in every way, UNLESS you buy an "Upgrade" then you must possess the previous o/s to stick in the machine to grap a few files off of.

I like directdeals and 9software.com very much.

Fast shipping and a good selection.

Check out Corel WordPerfect 2000 and Corel Draw 8

Great programs for a song,, minus the instruction manual,, as is the OEM version of the operating system.

No manual usually.

DrVette

[Beemer]

And no support from Microsoft free online support either. This is the only advantage to retail I found. WinY2K (OEM) on this machine.

500 posts (again) YiPee!!!

[Fingers]

This is part of the Microsoft Windows EULA that can be found under "Help" on the Start Menu.

(3) Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) stand-alone product.
This form of license misuse occurs when OEM version software has been unbundled from its designated computer system and distributed as a separate, "stand-alone" product. Microsoft’s agreement with computer manufacturers prohibits them from distributing Microsoft products in this fashion, that is, without accompanying computer hardware. Microsoft products on the retail shelf should never include a line on the front cover of the User’s Guide that states, "For Distribution Only With New Computer Hardware."

[Psycho Logical]

You may be the OEM of your system in your interpretation,
but you are not an authorized OEM to Microsoft.

[rowan]

Thanks folks.

Looks like I'll be picking that OEM version up.

Regards,

r.

[Cody]

Good Idea... If you built the system yourself, you can literally say you are the OEM, and if not, you can still pick it up

Good Luck