I wish to upgrade my OS. Ebuyer have OEM software, is any one allowed to buy and use OEM software or am I breaking some sort of licence? Just they are so much cheaper!

Thanks

You can buy OEM; I think the distinction is that you cant ring Microsoft for support.

OEM licence should come with hardware, tis technically against ms rules to sell it seperate these days

basically means you get no manual etc generally

tis designed for computer companies as most provide their own support manual, eg packard bell, acer etc

idea behind it being that it is a no frills package, if you know what you are doing then you are fine

Ebuyer will likely only allow you to purchase OEM software when bought at the same time with a major component of a computer system (processor, ram, hard disk).

The Software is then only for use in a computer system that contains that hardware.

If you want a better O/S with no bulls**t licence restrictions, why not just download Ubuntu for free?

The GPL sets you free!*

*I think I just used all my GNU zealot points for today there...

Back in the day a couple of places would only allow you to buy an OEM OS when you bought a hard drive at the same time, dunno about now.

Buy a HDD or some RAM, either is cheap enough these days, then add the OS onto the list.  OEM Software can be bought with any piece of hardware that is essential for the system to operate.  Some companies include Keyboards and Mice, but most will only let you have it if you buy a HDD, RAM, Motherboard, CPU or Graphics card.

Some companies let you upgrade with a minor component too - such as a new keyboard or mouse.

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer - basically for sale to a company that manufactures or builds PCs but actual usage has become rather blurred. If you put your own compy together at *any* point then I think you count.

Dont upgrade, keeping the original licence and buying an OEM version as a separate item. That allows you to install and run on two computers or gift the old one on, I did this with a previous copy of windows.

Personally I wouldnt upgrade to Vista yet - wait a few months at least for them to sort out bugs, even for SP1 if possible.

Thanks for information.

Had Vista on my machine since early Beta days so no problem in moving to it.

Dont care for turning this into an OS debate so thread closed.

Cheers all

Quote from: M3ta7h3adEbuyer will likely only allow you to purchase OEM software when bought at the same time with a major component of a computer system (processor, ram, hard disk).

No they dont.