difference between OEM software and of the shelf

S

souchie40

Hi everyone,

could someone tell me what is the difference between OEM software and off
the shelf?
I'm particually interested in the difference in the latest versions of
software.

MTIA
Souchie40
 
H

Harlan Grove

souchie40 said:
could someone tell me what is the difference between OEM software and
off the shelf? I'm particually interested in the difference in the
latest versions of software.
Click to expand...

Nothing except the licensing terms. OEM software is tied to the
machine on which the manufacturer installed it. Aside from Germany,
which bans OEM software by statute (and MSFT doesn't yet have the
clout to flout such bans at will), OEM software can't be installed or
used LEGALLY on other machines. Retail software can be used on any
machine and transferred between machines by uninstalling it from one
machine and installing it on the other. In terms of the software
itself, there's no difference between OEM and retail. In theory, OEM
software should be cheaper unless you believe the angst of installing
it cost more than the inability to transfer it to other machines.
 
O

Og

Other downside of OEM software:
The OEM, not Microsoft, is responsible for technical support of the
product OEM product.
If you purchase OEM software yourself, then 'you' are the "OEM" and
must, perforce, provide your own technical support.
Steve
 
H

Harlan Grove

Og said:
If you purchase OEM software yourself, then 'you' are the "OEM"
and must, perforce, provide your own technical support.
Click to expand...

If you purchase OEM software yourself, then unless you did so in
Germany you don't have a legal license to use the software.
 
O

Og

The OEM EULA does _NOT_ specify that an OEM is _required_ to have a
business license.
Many people build their own computers and, in the process of purchasing
hardware, purchase OEM Operating Systems and OEM Application Software.
Such people are, by definition, the "Original Equipment Manufacturer".
Steve
 
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