OS, First time PC builder

[demetrics]

I am building my PC for the first time and I need to know what are the Pros and Cons of the Full version, Upgrade, and OEM. I have heard that the Upgrade is the same as the full version but u need to have a version of a older OS. Can u use the system restore desk for this? I have hard that the OEM version is the only bootable Version, I am confused about this. I have heard that the full version u need to boot from the floppy first. Like I said I am confused. Also if some one feels up to it could u take me throught the steps of what happens when u first install your OS? Any tips on anything? Thanks.

 

[MetalMusicMan]

I assume that you are talking about Windows XP? If so, here are the main points:

Retail: Full tech support, etc. But rediculous price. 99.99 for upgrade HOME , 199.99 for full HOME.

OEM: No tech support, but a MUCH lower price. I last saw Home edition FULL OEM on newegg for around $80.

Now, the only difference between FULL and UPGRADE is that when you buy the full edition, you can install it onto a blank hard drive with no CD check. UPGRADE can do the exact same thing, but there is a CD check for an older version of windows. So, the only difference is the CD-Check being present or not.

My advice? Buy the OEM from Newegg or a similar website, because the full edition costs about the same as the Retail upgrade.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Remember to buy the OEM version you need to buy it "with hardware" like a hard drive or motherboard. But OEM is definitely the version to get.

Also, a couple people here (and my brother) threw away the shrink wrap on the OEM version without realizing that is where the license key is printed. So save the wrap, and also write down the key on a label to stick on the jewel case.

 

[Zepper]

If you have to use Windwoes (these days it's easier than ever to cut M$ entirely out of your picture) I recommend Win 2000 Pro (and it's not just because I have a copy for sale in the FS/T section here <wink, wink>). I just don't like to have to genuflect in the general direction of Redmond every time I want to change my system.
. Just a reminder: Linux or BSD is FREE and no retail/OEM question involved - unless you are sure you will need factory support.
.bh.

Here, have a :beer: !

 

[TrentSteel]

Originally posted by: Zepper
If you have to use Windwoes (these days it's easier than ever to cut M$ entirely out of your picture) I recommend Win 2000 Pro (and it's not just because I have a copy for sale in the FS/T section here <wink, wink>). I just don't like to have to genuflect in the general direction of Redmond every time I want to change my system.
. Just a reminder: Linux or BSD is FREE and no retail/OEM question involved - unless you are sure you will need factory support.
.bh.

Here, have a :beer: !

Here's another vote for Windows 2000 Pro. I use it and XP and definitely prefer 2K.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I run both (and Win2000 server, and Win98 for old games) and would recommend XP over 2000 for most people, unless you swap video cards once a week.

I've activated XP once last December, and it's been humming along smoothly ever since. And Microsoft is pretty easygoing if you do ever call them: they got my brother a new key (no charge) after he did stupidly throw away his shrinkwrap.

 

[Navid]

Often, you may hear that OEM is the same as retail except that it has no manuals or something like that. That is not correct!
OEM (officially) has a big limitation compared to retail (or upgrade).

OEM is a license that you can use with one PC only. You are not allowed to install it on any other PC even if you uninstall it from that original PC.
You can install a retail license on another PC as long as you uninstall it from the first PC. In other words, you can use a retail version on any PC as long as you have it on one PC at a time only.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/partners/yourpc_do.mspx

 

[everman]

I'd prefer xp pro over home.