I was looking to buy Vista and I see two products available for me to purchase, one which is a system builder OEM and the other non oem. Besides the price difference between the two, what are the other differences (if there are any)?
2007-04-15 04:19:41 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
OEM versions are the ones sold directly through PC makers like Dell and HP. Other than that there are shelf versions which you can buy in a computer store.
2007-04-15 04:23:04 · answer #1 · answered by d00d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer. In computers a Windows OEM is the exact same thing as a Retail version. BUT! The Retail Version comes in a pretty box and the OEM in a Brown Envelope. Another aspect of OEM is support. Normally the builder gives the end support for the product. In the case of Microsoft a person would have access to the Support Downloads and Upgrades etc. from Microsoft, but, for the specific computer problems (Hardware and Software) that may arise the Builder is supposed to be the support site.
Below may explain better. This is Directron and where I get a lot of parts when I build a computer, including Windows;
For End Users they need to contact their System Builder for support. However, if they are unable to obtain support from their System Builder, there will be E-2-E Media Replacement support only at a minimal charge. The End User would access the End User Replacement Form via the below link: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246
2007-04-15 04:32:21 · answer #2 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM means "original equipment manufacturer". Windows Vista OEM version isn't any different from the regular versions, and it's specially designed for computer manufacturers to install onto their computers, so that when the computer ship, Vista is already installed on them.
2016-05-20 22:12:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you get OEM, you have to choose either 32 bit or 64 bit (the retail version comes with both) you can use it to upgrade to vista or to do a clean install. With OEM, you'll get no Microsoft support, no user manual and you can never transfer the license for OEM to a newer computer if you need to.
2007-04-15 04:26:42 · answer #4 · answered by hellllp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An OEM version has no support from microsoft, do not buy unless you're sure you can handle the tech problems that might occur. If you want tech support buy a full version(you get 2 free calls to tech support, the rest are $59 a call).
2007-04-15 04:30:46 · answer #5 · answered by zypher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep everyone pretty much summed it up. You can get a OEM version from http://tigerdirect.com
for around 200$
2007-04-15 04:26:54 · answer #6 · answered by Game-Guy Pro 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means original eqipment manufacturer. If you are thinking of buying an oem version of Vista its the best way to go. Its half the price and the only thing you dont get is the pretty box.
2007-04-15 04:23:58 · answer #7 · answered by OZ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer
If you buy the OEM version, it will by permanently tied to the first PC you install it on.
If you choose the Upgrade version instead, you can move it from PC to PC as you replace your PC.
2007-04-15 04:25:47 · answer #8 · answered by ELfaGeek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oem is when you by a pc and it has it installed but a company like dell, HP or how ever.
2007-04-15 04:23:54 · answer #9 · answered by jacob c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as d00d says. Just get the cheaper one. Makes no difference.
2007-04-15 04:24:38 · answer #10 · answered by Neo Q 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋