OEM software.?

Question

You know when you see computer software for sale on E-Bay, what is meant when it says the software is OEM version exactly? The details says it does not qualify for registration or support. I know it means original equipment manufacturer but what does it mean in terms of being compatible and does it go haywire after a while.

I read that OEM software is a version with reduced functionality. So does that mean its not as good as software you pay full price for from a store?

Answer 1

hi martin!

oem software has the same "compatibility" as the non-oem versions of the same software, and no, it does not go haywire after a while.

BUT... oem software is used by equipment manufacturers like DELL (extreme example, there are tons of smaller equip manufacturers that use oem too)... when they build u a system they will install the oem software and negotiate the appropriate licensing with the software vendor (like microsoft) before delivering the computer to you.

in order to properly/legally use oem software, you are supposed to buy a license from the equipment manufacturer that provided ur computer and/or the oem cd. u won't be able to deal directly with the software vendor (microsoft) if u buy an oem cd - they will refer u to the equipment manufacturer that provided the oem cd.

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Answer 2

The term "OEM software" is used to describe software that is bundled with other software or hardware, as opposed to software that is sold on its own, separately from anything else. (I.E. the software you would find in a box at Office Depot or Best Buy.)

The basic functionality of OEM software the same as the stand-alone version, however it is common for OEM software to have limited features. For example, the OEM version of Cyberlink PowerDVD only supports 2-channel audio. If you have a surround sound setup, and you want the full 5.1 surround sound experience, you will have to purchase the full version of PowerDVD.

Usually OEM software comes with a license that states that it must be sold together with computer hardware. This is why when you purchase a new computer, there is the option to add, say, Microsoft Office for "only" $150, when the version that you would purchase after market in a store can reach up to $400.

OEM software that you find advertised online is generally not licensed properly. I have been getting spam emails advertising OEM software such as Adobe Photoshop for less than $50, when the actual selling price is closer to $600! I would never purchase software from such sites, because you never know what could go wrong with it, and its likely they got the software illegally.

I'd have to research who is selling the OEM software before deciding to purchase from them. When a price sounds too good to be true, theres usually something wrong with it. Instead, try this: (still not entirely legal, but... I do it :-/ ) Pretend you are a student, and purchase a copy with a student license. (Or if you are a student, you don't even need to pretend.)

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

OEM software is a good source of cheap but high quality original software. I have OEM versions of Photoshop Elements 4, Norton Internet Security 2007 and Nero 7 Essentials on my system. Only Nero 7 Essentials is a "cut-down" version, but the full retail suite is a monster of a program and the OEM version does everthing I want. If or when they do "go haywire", I have the disc so I can reload either the affected file or program just like I could with a full retail version.

Answer 4

OEM stand for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM software packages are those sold to computer manufacturers for inclusion on new systems. Often, OEM software does not include full functionality and is produced to give the new PC buyer an idea of how the software works in hopes that the user will buy or upgrade to the full software package.

Answer 5

As you know, many hardware and software vendor sell to large computer manufacturers (e.g. Dell, eMachine, Lenovo...etc.). Both hardware and software sold to the manufacturers carry OEM warranties. For example, a Dell computer might have a DVD drive made by NEC installed; however, if the drive breaks, it is Dell and not NEC which provides tech support and/or a replacement. Computer manufacturers buy in bulk and are given a discount, which is why OEM versions are cheaper than retail versions. Supposedly, OEM versions are to be sold only to manufacturers but, oftentimes, they are sold to individual consumers. The consumer gets a lower price but there is no warranty. If you buy an OEM NEC drive, NEC will not provide any support. OEM also lacks accessories (e.g. USB cable) and owner's manuals.

Answer 6

Legit OEM software is stuff that is sold with a disc and a proper Key. It is above board in most cases, but if they do not provide a Key and full access, then its a fraud and should be reported. Amazon stores have proper OEM software at good prices and its all Kosher.
One reason that OEM software is sometime sold is that a place may have a site license, and so the OEM software is redundant, it used to be called MULP but is now something else. Anyways, the OEM gear is legit under most cases, however, Ebay is rarely good for this stuff.

Answer 7

Usually system OEM software is 'tagged' to the individual computer so it cannot normally be installed on another system[although workarounds do exist]. It is often supplied with the minimum documentation and could even be just be a recovery disc, which takes the computer back to as it was shipped.

Other OEM software such as CorelDraw will usually have a registration number but cannot be registered online for tech support etc.

Answer 8

OEM is designed for companies that build PCs. It just comes with the basics that are needed to make it installable. It is almost always fully functional but doesn't come with user manuals, proper packaging etc. What would a company that builds computers do with hundreds of manuals for a graphics card.

It may not quaify for support as this would be down to the company that uses the OEM. but you can usually register it

If you don't mind not having the complete package it is a cheaper way to get hardware, companies sell off the excess OEM software/hardware they have. It works ust as well as the retail.

Answer 9

The term compatible in computer world means you can purchase hardware and software from other vendors and they can work with you computer.Lets say your computer manufacturer is DELL but you can still purchase hardware or software from IBM and it will work in your computer - that is compatibility

Answer 10

It means the software was meant for the specific PC it came with! It was a contract between the software vendor and the PC mfg.