what does oem stand for???

[kljucd1]

Hi,
What is the difference between OEM and any others.
Thanks Daniel...

[Steve R Jones]

OEM

(n) Stands for original equipment manufacturer, which is a misleading term for a company that has a special relationship with computer producers. OEMs buy computers in bulk and customize them for a particular application. They then sell the customized computer under their own name. The term is really a misnomer because OEMs are not the original manufacturers -- they are the customizers.

Another term for OEM is VAR (value-added reseller).
(v) To provide equipment to another company, an OEM, which customizes and markets the equipment.

Check these out:
www.whatis.com (http://www.whatis.com) www.pcwebopedia.com (http://www.pcwebopedia.com)

[Stan]

Hi

OEM (http://webopedia.internet.com/TERM/O/OEM.html)

Stan

[Richard_Cranium72]

The other responses are quite true.

What you also need to know->>

OEM - As far as parts and stuff,

1. the warranty is usually very very short,
2. little or No documentation,
3. no cables with Hard Drives
4. CPU's come with NO Heat Sink or Fan

Retail

1. Full Mfg warranty, usually 3 yrs on Hard Drives, likewise on CPU's
2. Full manuals and documentation for the end user to install by.
3. Hard Drives come with cables,
4. CPU's with fan and Heat Sink.

The OEM boxes are usually plain with little or minimal packing.

The Retail boxes have Pretty pictures and specifications printed on the outside, good for "Retailing" of merchandise.

Don't fret, my first "OEM" hard drive purchase had me calling Quantum asking if I had bought some counterfeit Hard Drive..

hope this helps

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
DrVette

[kljucd1]

Hi,
Thanks a lot guys.
Daniel...

[Win_98]

for some reason oem are really just a little cheaper then retail package I find it kind of cheesy and crappy and horrible warranty. selling these kind of product make me wonder If this is already used before by someone.