OEM?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Cockles, Oct 19, 2006.

  1. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Hello

    Lets pretend, in a world far, far away, that I am going to buy Windows XP, and I have a choice of Windows XP Home Edition, or Windows XP OEM Home edition

    I know what OEM is, but does that mean there is any real difference in the product, despite the fact that OEM is a damn sight cheaper?

    Thanks guys, stupid question I know but buying software is a relatively new thing for me
     
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  2. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    There is no difference in the versions bar from the fact that the Windows XP OEM expirers when your PC does. I use a Corporate version through work but I think for instance with the way XP registers itself with Microsoft if you tried to install it on another PC other that the original it wouldn't work.
     
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  3. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    To be honest im not sure...but i think that there is no difference in the actuall software. Win XP Home is the same whether OEM or retail, Same as XP pro is same OEM or retail.

    The only difference is the Licencing. Correct me if im wrong but OEMs are only supposed to be supplied pre-installed on new PC's. The Manufaturer of the PC owns the licenced copy of XP which is why on many new PC's a windows disk isnt supplied, just a backup/restore disk (basic drive image) with all the software on it.

    At one point you could only sell a legal OEM version of XP witha piece of PC hardware (like a usb key) due to the wording in the EULA from MS. I think thats changed now to state it can only be installed/sold on NEW PCS not HARDWARE.

    I got my XP from the G/f's Bro and that was a OEM version of Pro.....
     
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  4. Boycie
    Honorary Member

    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Some system builders (used) to issue the machine with a full blown version of XP that would go through setup but not ask you for a 25 digit key. On the first boot to the desktop you would have to clear via MS centre.
    I recently swopped a motherboard on a system like this and it went sweet as a nut.

    Now, all you will get is an image of the machines hard drive as it left the factory with most purchases or a recovery partition at the very least.

    Si
     
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  5. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Yeah that was the case. I didn't know they had changed it.
     
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  6. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Oh right. I've seen OEM for sale on Amazon, and also brand new on Novatech, but they do stipulate you nned to buy some hardward with it UNLESS, for some bizarre reason, you buy it over the phone.

    So in a nutshell, if I buy OEM for a lot cheaper, then 6 months down the line buy a new hard drive, motherboard or whatever, then technically speaking I would need to buy a new XP as it won't register on new hardware?
     
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  7. UCHEEKYMONKEY
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    UCHEEKYMONKEY R.I.P - gone but never forgotten. Gold Member

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    I thought OEM was just the CD and no booklet or fancy box.:blink

    Wikki say's its "Original Equipment Manufacturer"
    and if the firewall at work didn't block the page I would post it here:(
     
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  8. Mr.Cheeks

    Mr.Cheeks 1st ever Gold Member! Gold Member

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    your proxy blocked Wikki? Thats harsh! Did it state a reason like

     
  9. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Yeah, so you would think that it means everything would come from Microsoft, but I site I was looking at described OEM software and hardware as having components made by different manufacturers

    I might give up IT and take up knitting, my head hurts
     
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  10. UCHEEKYMONKEY
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    UCHEEKYMONKEY R.I.P - gone but never forgotten. Gold Member

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    What a good idea - take up knitting, I almost spilt me coffee reading that!:biggrin
     
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  11. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Well, knit one, pearl one, drop one and all that tosh, much easier than BIOS, CMOS, OEM, SCSI etc etc etc

    And you get a nice woolly hat at the end of it
     
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  12. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    OEM really does mean ANY manufactuers that produce equipment or software THAT THEY HAVE MADE THEMSELVES, not something like say a monitor made by sony and rebadged by Dell (as is the case on some of thier products). In this case SONY are the OEM and Dell just rebadge and sell monitors as thier own.

    The company i work for produce OEM units for the broadcast industry, we make them and developed the software for them, so we can legally use OEM XP as we're original equipment manufacturers.

    DEll get away with it because, even tho they dont make the GPU, CPU, motherbaord etc, they make a final product from it all.. thier PCs. If the just rebadged PCs from Alienware then they wouldnt be OEMs.

    bet that makes it as clear as mud in the dark!
     
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  13. Mr.Cheeks

    Mr.Cheeks 1st ever Gold Member! Gold Member

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    so its basically the person who finally puts all the componentstogether to *make the pc* gets to own the rights of OEM
     
  14. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    I think each company involved is an OEM as they all produce something "original". Basically so long as you dont take say an IPOD and call it CheeksMP3 but do nothing else to it, so long as you produce something out of the components you buy, you can be an OEM. Therefore with the case of Windows the OEM licence for that copy belongs to Dell when shipped with a Dell pc and not the end user as such.

    It does get complicated as to who is and who isnt an OEM which is why you can buy XP with USB sticks... the USB stick is the manufacturers hardware so they are an OEM making them really own the licence even tho they no nothing about or dont supply copies of XP with the stick, the retailer does that. Which is why is probably ilegal and MS wnats to stop it.
    That and the fact they lose money when OEMs are sold to the public.... as a true OEM would but large batches or XP at a greater discount than a normal retailer buying the retail version of same product.
     
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  15. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

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    Sort of, if you changed a hard drive or a video card I think you need to register XP again if it was a major component like the Motherboard I think your stuffed as Microsoft would see it as a new PC. When you register XP it registers a code based on your hardware setup when you change a component it changed the code hence it know you have changed components.

    Anyway I think this is how XP works
     
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  16. twizzle

    twizzle Gigabyte Poster

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    I've recently upgraded my pc. New mobo, cpu and graphics card. This qualified as a new system to XP and it asked me to reactivate it. However it wouldnt let me do it over the net as it said it had been activated too many times in past (onluy installed it a few month ago and only the once!).

    So i called the ever reliable activation helpline. After typing in the long 35(?) digit code the automated response told me it wasnt recognised so would be put thru to someone who could help......

    Well they asked my for the code again (this isnt the licence code that you get on the cd but an activation code that pops up in windows). They also asked if it was installed on more than one PC and They also asked if it was preinstalled on the pc when bought or did i buy it, which i said i'd bought it...meaning was it an OEm or retail package. They gave me a new code to type in and it activated all ok.

    So what would have happened if i had installed this OEM on 2 pcs and tried to activate it? If i had told the helpline it was a retail version on each would they have activated it? They definatley shouldnt have if it was an OEm as thats only supposed to by on a PC built by people like dell etc and comes preinstalled.
     
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  17. Boycie
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    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    Twizzle,

    One license per machine.

    As for activation, this is how generous the operator is :thumbleft

    Si
     
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  18. JonnyMX

    JonnyMX Petabyte Poster

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    OEM should only be available through 'system builders' who supply hardware. The may supply it pre-installed or shortly afterwards.

    If you find OEM softare in the public domain, even if it works, chances are that it is dodgy.
     
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  19. Keimos

    Keimos Byte Poster

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    Wow what a silly debate,

    Basically as has been said above, an OEM disc is no different to any other, you only get the disk and basic intructions. No packaging etc. OEM is meant for PC builders installers etc but, if you have the knowledge you can do it. It saves a hell of a lot of pounds.

    There is no difference to OEM software to the retail version. Just price. Fact.

    The support pamphlet, if ther is one, tends to be very slim as you are expected to be involved in the trade.

    Keimos

    Self built, P4, 2001, from win 98 to XP all OEM and never paid the full whack.
     
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  20. Cockles

    Cockles Megabyte Poster

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    Wow, a lot of info there, thanks to all

    I've seen OEM software on Amazon and Novatech and the like, if its the same as the 'real' package, then I think I'll stick to that.

    I knitted myself a lovely sweater last night.......:)
     
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