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few OS related questions

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Jleagle, 2007/10/16.

  1. 2007/10/16
    Jleagle

    Jleagle Inactive Thread Starter

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    Whats the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit OS?

    What exactly is an OEM OS?

    OEM OS' seem to be cheaper, is that just because they don't have a box etc?

    Thanks.
     
    Jleagle,
    #1
  2. 2007/10/16
    charlesvar

    charlesvar Inactive Alumni

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    If you're asking about XP versions:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP_Professional_x64_Edition

    http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/windowsxp_x64_preview2.asp

    http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-versus-Windows-or-32-bit-versus-64bit-1349.shtml


    It can be sold with a computer only. There are instances of being sold with a mother board/RAM which technically can be a "computer ".

    Also may be added to by the OEM who originally purchased the license from MS.
    That also explains why it's cheaper.
     
    charlesvar,
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  4. 2007/10/17
    Jleagle

    Jleagle Inactive Thread Starter

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    64 bit seems to be more trouble than its worth with DLL files and drivers etc...

    A shop near me sells the oem CDs on their own without a computer.. (http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/products/a731x1y0z1p1s0n0m0). If i buy one of these will it come with a windows lisence so i can activate it legally or would i need one of those before hand?
     
    Jleagle,
    #3
  5. 2007/10/17
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    As I understand (?) it #1:

    A RETAIL copy comes with Microsoft Support. You have a few phonecalls to "your credit ". I don't know how many calls but it is a VERY limited number. It doesn't justify the price premium.

    An OEM copy does not come with Microsoft Support but with support from the computer manufacturer. If you build the computer yourself, you can buy an OEM copy and as the manufacturer, you provide support yourself. (I have tried to call myself on a few occasions but it's always busy ... :p ...)

    As I understand (?) it #2:

    You can uninstall a RETAIL copy from the original computer and install it on a new computer as long as the operating system is installed on only one computer at every given time.

    Once an OEM copy is installed, you cannot legally uninstall it and install it on a new computer.

    Maybe an EULA-guru can shed some more light on this?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  6. 2007/10/17
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    In Sweden, Vista Home Premium RETAIL is priced at SEK 3049 (USD 469) compared to Vista Home Premium OEM which is priced at SEK 1095 (USD 168). This means that you can buy (almost) three OEMs for the price of one RETAIL. A new build won't make the previous one useless because you "nick the OS ". You can afford a new license.

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #5
  7. 2007/10/17
    Rockster2U

    Rockster2U Geek Member

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    JLeagle:

    Somehow this has gotten very confusing. Your original thread http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=67933 indicated you had taken this to a shop and had your HDD reformatted and XP was installed. Are you now going back to the same shop to buy another copy of the OS? Perhaps a moderator could merge the two threads.

    And, if you want to know what comes with that CD re: a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) and license key, why not ask the shop? Who knows what is being sold better than them - an OEM CD should come with a COA but based on your response in the first thread, you never got a CD along with the installation. Did you get a COA?

    Why not ask the shop what you get ??????????????

    ;)
     
    Rockster2U,
    #6
  8. 2007/10/17
    Jleagle

    Jleagle Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have emailed the shop about what they have installed on my PC and ive not got a reply yet. I wanted to find out more about OEM, if they come with a license then its cheap enuf to forget about what i have atm and buy a new OEM, using its licence.
     
    Jleagle,
    #7
  9. 2007/10/17
    charlesvar

    charlesvar Inactive Alumni

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    Yes, it'll come with a license. You wouldn't be able to install w/o the license.

    The issue is will MS accept the license when it comes time to validate it. If this is a legit shop and you'd be able to go back to them, it should be ok.
     
    charlesvar,
    #8
  10. 2007/10/17
    Jleagle

    Jleagle Inactive Thread Starter

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    Jleagle,
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  11. 2007/10/17
    charlesvar

    charlesvar Inactive Alumni

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    charlesvar,
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  12. 2007/10/17
    Jleagle

    Jleagle Inactive Thread Starter

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    the table that post links to is very handy, after looking at the requirements on wikipedia for xp and vista im temped to stay with xp. I know my computer will be able to handle vista, but i wouldn't want the OS to use up half of my ram etc without even having any programs open...
     
    Jleagle,
    #11

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