OS questions

[Diego]

What is the difference between the oem and the retail version of an Operating Sytem. And BTW are they both for installing and upgrading? Please Explain Im really confused.

 

[MrBucket]

ya id liek to no this too

 

[Bluefreak]

What is the difference between the oem and the retail version of an Operating Sytem. And BTW are they both for installing and upgrading? Please Explain Im really confused.

I'll take a stab in the dark...(happy to stand corrected)

OEM= Brand specific, eg. for DELL machines only

Retail version= install on any machine.

 

[computerhakk]

Almost all PC component and software venders make two versions of the same product based on a difference in the distributing them...the first 'version type' is retail boxed products...inn the case of software products such as Microsoft Windows, Symantec Norton Antivirus and others, the retail versions include the CD, manual and any other information applicable to the product..do these retail versions are packaged in a sealed box much like you would see at a retail store.

the second 'version type' is OEM products. Generally, OEM products are sold mainly to system builders, such as Compaq and Dell etc....the bulk-pack products do not have the retail packaging materials and are often produced in much higher volume, often resulting in lower prices for you(anyone) who is planning on buying it..the OEM products are of the same quality and often carry the same manufacture warranty as their retail counterparts... however, OEM software products may or may not include supporting materials such as manuals and other goodies...and OEM hardware products generally do not include cables, mounting hardware, software utilities etc.