Windows XP DSP/OEM

[johnet]

I'm looking around for a good deal on Windows XP and I see a lot of OEM and DSP versions. I understand OEM no problem but I've never heard of DSP versions before. Some are even listed as DSP/OEM. Does anyone know what this means? Thanks.

[dysangel]

The Delivery Service Partner version. I found this article at

http://www.compuclinic.com/osr2faq/

Microsoft wants to force small OEMs to sell/distribute only the more expensive DSP version of OSR2 (as well as other product, such as Office97). The small OEM that complies with MS's licensing pays more overhead and becomes less competetive than the small OEM that does not comply. I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but it seems to me that only a company of Microsoft's size (read MONOPOLY) can force thousands of small companies into ever-diminishing profit margins just by a slight refinement of it's licensing policies. And who does this refinement benefit? Microsoft's big Delivery Service Partner distributors, of which there are only a handful. Microsoft wants to force all the small OEMs to buy all their Microsoft OEM software from just a few big distributors. So, it's lining the pockets of the big guy at the expense of the little guys. And the little guys can only pay more or break the law, and have absolutely no say in the matter. Oh, Justice Department! Hello! Why don't you guys come have a look at this!!!

[johnet]

Thanks for all of the good information. My main concern was that there was no difference in the DSP version of XP as to how it would work/perform on my PC. You cleared that up for me, just more Microsoft game playing.