I can purchase the OEM version for a much reduced price from Amazon. If I do, can I install it much the same as the fully fledged version?
I am actually upgrading the laptop and effectively "building it". I have run the Vista upgrade check and its all ready?
Can anybody please offer some help?
2007-03-13 08:00:11 · 10 answers · asked by indigoBOI 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The official Microsoft answer to that is no. OEM is for original equipment manufacturer and Microsoft are taking the stance that this is actual system builders. They clarify that as any company or individual who builds computers as a business. I would be inclined to agree with the first two answers do you really need it. Firstly it's not compatible with some games even in XP mode, secondly as usual some hardware has not yet got the appropriate drivers and thirdly it's largely eye candy IE XP with candles. My suggestion is to wait till they release the first service pack to get rid of the bugs. By then the price may have dropped a little. Good luck whatever you decide.
2007-03-13 08:14:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
MacGeek has not even tried to answer your question and has probably never tried to run Vista. Anyone who thinks Vista is rubbish is, frankly, wrong. If you think Vista is slow, it is because your hardware is rubbish. My Vista Ultimate 64-bit machine runs faster than any XP machine I have EVER used (then again I do have 4gigs of RAM and a nice little 64-bit dual core processor running away in there!)
So to your question, yes the OEM version will likely run perfectly. You probably won't even spot a difference - the OEM might come with an extra wallpaper for whatever company's computer it is for (e.g. Dell) but that's about it. It will run just like the Vistas that are twice the price.
2007-03-13 10:01:56 · answer #2 · answered by Rich 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OEM, when used to describe software, is used to differentiate that version of the software which is bundled with other hardware or software from that same software package sold on its own as a retail package. The packaging and legal rights that come with the OEM versions of a software package generally differ from what is provided with the retail versions. The functionality of the software is often the same, but it is quite common for the OEM version to be a version with reduced functionality. (For instance the OEM version of Cyberlink PowerDVD supports two-channel audio but not multi-channel sound systems. A customer who wishes to play DVDs with multi-channel sound is required to pay to upgrade to the full version). The OEM version of a software package may also be limited to be useable with the hardware it came with. For instance the Nero burning ROM OEM software only functions with the same brand burner it is bundled with.
Typically OEM software licenses require the installer to agree to additional terms to have a valid license. Microsoft requires certain conditions of distribution and support for its System Builders, which is how it describes the installers with privileges to use OEM licenses. The requirements include: automated methods of installation of the product; customization of the installation to identify the OEM; first level technical support of the product; application of a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) to the hardware; and distribution of original media and booklets.
OEM software may be licensed under conditions requiring that it be sold with computer hardware. To avoid contravening the conditions while passing OEM software savings on to end users, some retailers will sell OEM software with a token hardware device of small cost, such as an obsolete motherboard, single SIMM, or a cable splitter to satisfy the letter of the licensing agreement. This practice is questionable, and may open the end user to audits by publishers.
The practice of utilizing OEMs in today's cost competitive environment falls under the broader category of outsourcing - a popular business strategy which taps into the original manufacturer's ability to drive cost out of production of the product through manufacturing economies of scale; thereby being able to pass on a more competitive purchase price to the reseller which, in turn, makes each partner in the transaction more competitive.
2007-03-13 08:18:18 · answer #3 · answered by omvg1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The OEM version will run just as the retail version does. The only downside of the OEM version is that it ties to your hardware (motherboard in particular) and cannot be installed on any other machine after the initial install.
2007-03-13 08:10:03 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin Doyle 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As Marvin reported sure, you may. basically you should truthfully installation the version your computer got here with. Vista Dvd's all comprise all variations of the OS and your key's barely for the version your gadget had.
2016-12-01 22:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got windows
Vista and frankly it take a lot of memory and hard drive space. I'm using XP on a separate hard drive, because as of yet a lot of my programs just don't run on Vista.
2007-03-13 08:17:44 · answer #6 · answered by Mountain Man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you have done your homework and checked for compatability, then yes you can. Remember it is a new operating system and still has a few bugs, so don't throw away your XP disk, you can always roll back.
2007-03-13 08:07:08 · answer #7 · answered by hmhhhdirtbag 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't want Vista. It's garbage. Stick with XP or buy a Mac.
2007-03-13 08:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by UbiquitousGeek 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
yes i got vista home premiun for £72.84 and mine works fine on my lap top . tip for pc stuff click on the link below and see what you think http://www.overclockers.co.uk/
2007-03-13 11:22:19 · answer #9 · answered by stargate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe
2007-03-13 08:05:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋