You probably heard about OEM software before. And if you didn't, well, you didn't. Anyway, there are some advantages and disadvantages to purchasing OEM software.
First of all, OEM is an abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which is basically the same thing as regular retail, except cheaper and without the same "rights".
Advantage of OEM:
-Cheaper than the retail version
Disadvantages of OEM:
-Doesn't come in the nice, pretty box, or any comprehensive instruction manuals, or any cardboard surroundings (ok, this is a stretch...)
-When you buy OEM software, it comes in a sealed box with a "Certification of Authenticity" key. The first drawback is that once you break the seal, you're stuck with it--no returning or refunds!
-Once you install the software on your computer, it encodes the serial number on the motherboard, bounding or tying itself to the motherboard. In other words, you cannot install that software on another computer (or another motherboard, for that matter). If you get a new motherboard, you have to buy that software again.
-You are also your own technical support. For example, I called Microsoft for a question about my OEM version of Windows Vista (long story, I might tell it to you sometime), and once they heard the noble Certification of Authenticity key, they refused to offer any help. To put it more directly, you have to deal with any technical problems that might arise on your own.
Now, before you jump to any conclusions that OEM software is bad, I want you to realize that these disadvantages aren't necessarily that terrible--OEM software is mostly for people who are "sole PC builders". I don't prefer one over the other; they are both equal, in my opinion.
So, in conclusion, whatever is right for you is right for you.
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