what is the main diferrence between the OEM and Retail version of VISTA??
2007-02-20 02:53:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
OEM comes without documentation or support (meaning call-in tech support from Microsoft).
Also, technically speaking the OEM version is tied to one PC and one PC only. The Retail version can be transfered once to another computer (but may not be done so for the sake of sharing the license with another device). While the OEM EULA technically says it can only be used on one PC, it has been successfully transfered once to another PC (just like with the retail version). Whether that remains to be true in the future is up in the air.
The OEM versions come in separate editions (such as Home Premium 32-bit and Home Premium 64-bit are sold on different DVDs). Retail versions have both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions on the same disc.
2007-02-20 03:02:40 · answer #1 · answered by conradj213 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally always go with OEM you will get same updates and etc. Heck for the price you save its well worth it. I personally wouldnt even buy Vista yet because other then a few cosmetic differences thats it. Oh you need a good video card and bare minimum 2gig of ram for smooth sailing any less and after a few eeks it will be as slow as your old pc assuming you can find enough sofware for it . There isnt enough software out there do make you need it. Now if you play Microsoft flightsimulator X and you have a Geforce 8800 video card and 4 gig of ram then you will see the benefit... Otherwise stick with XP for the next two years at least,, windows 98 stuck around awhile too.
2007-02-20 03:08:25 · answer #2 · answered by Steve Sanders 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM versions lack the support Retail versions carry.
So if you buy a piece of hardware (like a harddisk), you can buy an OEM license of Vista. If you need assistance, you'll have to contact the manufacturer of your PC: being yourself... Retail versions come with a PC. If you have trouble with the software, you can contact the manufacturer.
But most manufacturers limit their support to 3 or 6 months, so you may wanna think about it if you do need the support...
2007-02-20 02:59:37 · answer #3 · answered by pete_can_do 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the way I understand it is the OEM version can only be installed on one computer and can never be transferred to another. If you need support with Vista you will need to contact your OEM vendor, not Microsoft. Here is a page that will tell you the different editions of Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx
2007-02-20 02:59:46 · answer #4 · answered by 7S282 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM is just the software w/out anything extra and it goes into Licensing and stuff like that. OEM can "only" be put on a new computer. Whereas Retail you can put it on any system new or used.
2007-02-20 02:59:03 · answer #5 · answered by Rapid Repairs 4 Computers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
definite you are able to shop funds procuring the oem yet getting help for issues from microsoft will fee you they'll purely help for unfastened on some circumstances (like activation hardship)
2016-12-17 14:34:56 · answer #6 · answered by zabel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋