Buying License keys

[mlahatte]

If you are going into the business of building computers for people. Is it best to buy the OEM version of the OS (Vista, XP, etc..) with each system? or is it better to buy keys? How does the buying keys thing work?

Also, if they want Office 2007, etc... is it better to buy the keys? Or OEM versions? I guess i'm fuzzy on how the key thing works.

Thanks

 

[Aberforth]

OEM license are meant for branded pc makers, for you it's better to get Volume License keys.

 

[mlahatte]

Originally posted by: Aberforth
OEM license are meant for branded pc makers, for you it's better to get Volume License keys.

How do you go about doing that? How does that work?

 

[mechBgon]

Volume license keys aren't valid for a full clean install, only for upgrades, so that pretty much precludes their use on a blank new system, not to mention you'd only want to go that route if it's your own fleet. So if you're selling the PCs to new owners, use OEM or retail.

 

[mlahatte]

What about for office? like this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116352

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: mlahatte
What about for office? like this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16832116352

As you can see, that's merely the media kit, without any licenses at all. You might as well download a free trial version of Office directly from Microsoft.com and save yourself $15, if that's all you want. If you want a licensed Office 2007 suite, there are various full versions at Newegg, some OEM licenses, some Retail product. Office Standard 2007, $349.99 for example.

 

[RebateMonger]

One interesting option for System Builders is the special Office 2007 pre-installed Trial. You pre-install it on the PC when you sell the PC. The client uses it for a while, and if the client wants to BUY Office 2007, they can buy it online from Microsoft and YOU get a commision from Microsoft.

It's obviously not the lowest-cost way of getting Office. But it could make sense if the computer buyer wouldn't otherwise buy MS Office and might change his/her mind after playing with it.