OEM Software, advice please.

[billybigfoot]

I live in the UK and was thinking of upgrading my OS to the new Vista Home Premium system but because of the priceing policy of dear old Microsoft and the current exchange rate we poor riped off brits are expected to pay almost double that which is charged to our counterparts in the US therefore I was looking at some web bassed vender sites which offer OEM versions for a great deal less than the "commercial" versions.

what I need to know is is OEM software legal, what sort of support could I expect and should I bother anyway?

[Massa]

OEM is generally restricted to purchase "with new hardware". It's the same thing as any other copy of windows, except you don't get a box or manual, just a CD and key. It's great, and if the site requires it you could always buy a 10 pound NIC to satisfy the requirements (this is perfectly legal). All in all, a great way to save cash.

This thread will also get moved fairly soon, but that should answer your question.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Also, OEM software is licensed...so that it's with that machine only.....meaning, if something croaks on that PC...and you through out the PC...you throw away your license also..you are not allowed to transfer that license to another computer.

Various online reseller sites have their own interpretation of the rules required to purchase OEM software..but generally it focuses around...you need to purchase at least 3x main components for a computer..such as CPU, motherboard, RAM/hard drive, in order to be able to pickup an OEM OS with it.

[Izzo]

OEM is just fine.....support?.....just fine. I find Google works very well for support