As far as I can see the only difference is the price.
OEM is much cheaper. Which should I buy?
2007-04-02 04:52:09 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
OEM means no support from microsoft! These are editions usually put on a computer by a manufactuer or someone who builds computers for other people and can help them troubleshoot any problems by themselves. In otherwords, it's worth the extra fifty bucks to by the retail version, especially if you're prone to OS problems.
Hope this helps,
Ryanaven
2007-04-02 04:59:13 · answer #1 · answered by ryanaven 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Standard: Disk and product key sold in a box.
OEM: Less expensive than the standard product and is identical except you only get only the disk and the product key.
Upgrade: Allows upgrading from a previous legal version of Windows.
Students Version: Least expensive but can not be upgraded but costs less than an upgrade.
I recommend everyone get Vista Home Premium OEM or Vista Home Premium Upgrade.
There are 6 types of Vista.
Vista Enterprise:
Vista Business
Vista Home Basic
Vista Home Premium
Vista Ultimate
Thus you have the following OEM versions.
Vista Enterprise OEM version
Vista Business OEM version
Vista Home Basic OEM version
Vista Home Premium OEM version
Vista Ultimate OEM version
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How to Install a Vista Upgrade on a Blank Hard Drive
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/how-to-install-a-vista-upgrade-on-a-blank-hard-drive-232770.php
How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp
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Upgrade, Vista Home Premium, Students Version: $69
https://usm.channelonline.com/rtech/storesite/Products/Overview/?id=M003552199&fr=AFUNtQXAV5DJSTHyHoRdooiOmLbxqI-YexIDVLn-VWWb2z7s93jy_ZQAAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en
Upgrade, Vista Home Premium, Students Version: $69.85
http://www.campustech.com/c/campust/MSCD23142WIAE.htm?mv_pc=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=Windows_Vista_Home_Premium_Upgrade_&fr=AHdWIlrNhy9nFC0a7TDK7_XvuDbMwHCIpC1el1piQ6m6AAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en
2007-04-02 05:23:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM should only be sold with hardware, usually if you buy a new computer. As most people have been suggesting you might as well just stick with XP. Microsoft doesn't plan on offering Vista SP1 until at least 3Q 2007. You'll find that you'll have problems with printer, and programs and installing Vista.
2007-04-02 05:40:55 · answer #3 · answered by Katie F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi
Microsoft dint offer full support on QEM software.It is meant to be installed by small system builders who offer support.On X.P. it would not matter so much but vista is new and there are still problems with it.
Stick with X.P. for a little time more as the only difference seems to be the graphics .I'm running both at moment and while vista looks good it is disappointing plus there are not enough drivers available for all your favourite gadgets such as web cams
2007-04-02 05:12:48 · answer #4 · answered by gerard_brennan64 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference is the OEM is the same but isn't offered the tech support from Microsoft..the retail version of Vista is! Most OEM's are sold with new bought computers like from ma and a stores however you can get them with a purchase of some sort of hardware!
2007-04-02 05:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by Stuart B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
OEM comes only with a new computer preinstalled. Vista itself is sold separetly only in Retail version and it can be installed only on one computer.
You'll have to choose between Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate, either on 32-bit arhitecture or 64.
2007-04-02 05:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by agent-X 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OEM is cheaper because didn't include the fancy package,the instructions and usually the warranty. Is you know how to used and the dealer had a good reputation and is going to honor the warranty is a good deal
2007-04-02 04:56:47 · answer #7 · answered by vrostar 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Premium has seven letters and OEM has three.
2007-04-02 04:59:33 · answer #8 · answered by Student 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't want Vista, trust me. Stick with XP.
2007-04-02 04:55:04 · answer #9 · answered by UbiquitousGeek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx has a comparison of each edition to the others.
2007-04-02 04:55:18 · answer #10 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋