Don't know about the DSP, I ordered the W2k OEM-Full with Cirtificate of authority for $112 from direct deals, along with the Norton Pro and Directdeals was VERY fast, responded personaly to emails, and everything arrived as expected. I was anticipating some hassles cause of the low prices, but got none.
I've ordered software twice from #9 software, both times without any hitches. All you get is the CD and, in the case of Win2K, it has the software key on the CD case. #9 software works great for me as they are in Virginia and I'm in North Carolina, and it took 2-3 days to receive the software after ordering. Each time I received exactly what was ordered, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again (barring hearing about some nasty problem reported from someone else, of course).
Well, everything seems to be on the up and up with #9 software.
I got a tracking number from UPS - only problem it takes a full 7 days to ship from VA to CA.
It's a good idea to post your experiences - positive or negative - with resellerratings.com (to help prospective buyers). Nothing is yet posted on #9 software.
Next Tuesday, I'll let you know how the $68 deal for Win2KPro went.
I got a tracking number from UPS - only problem it takes a full 7 days to ship from VA to CA.
It's a good idea to post your experiences - positive or negative - with resellerratings.com (to help prospective buyers). Nothing is yet posted on #9 software.
Next Tuesday, I'll let you know how the $68 deal for Win2KPro went.
Got it today. $68 seems a good deal for a legal copy of Win2K. Now if I can only figure out how to dual book with Win98SE.
Same here with #9. I got the W2K Upgrade in 3 days. It will upgrade W98 or NT. Comes with simple manual and CD/SN#.
Very good deal!
Very good deal!
If you are currently a student at a major univeristy, you might be able to get Microsoft softwares for free (I got me Win2k) directly from a Microsoft representative (every major college has one). Just be sure to give a good reason, such as wanting to learn more about programming for windows, etc.
For more info, goto: Studentdev.org
For more info, goto: Studentdev.org
Zap
Elite Member
- Oct 13, 1999
- 22,377
- 7
- 81
No COA (Certificate of Authenticity) means it is counterfeit , or otherwise illegal. The COA is probably the most difficult part of the distribution to counterfeit (and have it look original) so if it doesn't have the COA, it is probably counterfeit. Another possibility is that the reseller sells each copy of Windows twice, by giving the COA (but not the CD) to customers buying a new system, and selling to others the CD (sans COA). This is illegal and unethical, but doesn't necessarily mean it is counterfeit. From Microsoft's web site:
<< Consumers and resellers are encouraged to become familiar with the warning signs that can help them identify counterfeit or illegal software:
- Prices that are "too good to be true"
- Back-up disks or CD-ROMs with handwritten labels or components that appear to be of inferior quality
- Manuals that appear to be photocopied or are of inferior quality
- Software marked with a phrase, such as "For distribution with a new PC only," "Special CD for licensed customers only," "Not for retail or OEM distribution" or "Academic price - not for use in a commercial environment," that does not describe the transaction
- Microsoft OEM Windows 98 or OEM Office 2000 that is not accompanied by a user manual that incorporates a Certificate of Authenticity as the cover, as well as back-up media and an end-user license agreement that is visible on-screen when the programs are first run
Customers or resellers with questions about the legitimacy of Microsoft software should contact the Microsoft anti-piracy hot line, toll free, at (800) RU-LEGIT (785-3448) or send e-mail to piracy@microsoft.com. In addition, a list of authorized distributors and details regarding the OEM System Builder program are available at http://www.microsoft.com/oem/. >>
Now, note that there's a difference between "counterfeit" and "otherwise illegal." Counterfeit is definately illegal, just like making a burned copy. Otherwise illegal means Microsoft doesn't like it, but they may have still been paid a license for it. To be "legal" (besides not being counterfeit) according to Microsoft, you have to get it one of these ways:
a) Buy the product in a box
b) Buy the product as part of a pre-built system from larger OEMs (IBM, Compaq, etc.)
c) Buy the product as part of a pre-built or custom-built system from smaller OEMs (your local mom&pop shop)
a) will cost the most, and you'll get the product CD, install key, COA (sometimes a sticker on the box), the box itself and very limited tech support from Microsoft.
b) will cost the cheapest. Large OEMs pay around $40-50 or so to Microsoft for a license of "consumer" Windows (9x, Me). They get to distribute one copy per machine. This was part of one of the lawsuits against Microsoft. Microsoft was making OEMs pay for one OS (operating system) per system sold, even if the customer buying the system wanted an alternate OS installed. In any case, OEMs are allowed to have the OS pre-installed, plus have the CD or a "restore" CD packaged with the system. Important to note is that only one SETUP.EXE can be packaged with the system.
c) will sometimes be cheap, sometimes expensive. Why? Most of what you see on the market is either counterfeit or grey market (what Microsoft likes to call illegal, but has been paid for). The TRUE legal version is called DSP, and (for Win9X, Me) is available only as 5-packs from larger distributors. The DSP copy is the typical booklet with attached COA, shrinkwrapped to the CD. I recall the booklets saying DSP on them. The cost on these DSP copies are rediculous - about $100 a copy. It seems that Microsoft is intentionally making it difficult for small shops to compete. Most of the time it ends up cheaper. How? Well, either from counterfeit copies or grey market copies. Counterfeit ones are just plain copies, and Microsoft has not been paid for them. Grey market means that some company somewhere has indeed paid Microsoft for these products, but they are being distributed contrary to Microsoft guidelines. For instance, if a larger OEM has too many copies of a particular OS, they'll dump it on the grey market to recoup costs. But Microsoft doesn't want their software distributed this way, so they call it "illegal."
<< Consumers and resellers are encouraged to become familiar with the warning signs that can help them identify counterfeit or illegal software:
- Prices that are "too good to be true"
- Back-up disks or CD-ROMs with handwritten labels or components that appear to be of inferior quality
- Manuals that appear to be photocopied or are of inferior quality
- Software marked with a phrase, such as "For distribution with a new PC only," "Special CD for licensed customers only," "Not for retail or OEM distribution" or "Academic price - not for use in a commercial environment," that does not describe the transaction
- Microsoft OEM Windows 98 or OEM Office 2000 that is not accompanied by a user manual that incorporates a Certificate of Authenticity as the cover, as well as back-up media and an end-user license agreement that is visible on-screen when the programs are first run
Customers or resellers with questions about the legitimacy of Microsoft software should contact the Microsoft anti-piracy hot line, toll free, at (800) RU-LEGIT (785-3448) or send e-mail to piracy@microsoft.com. In addition, a list of authorized distributors and details regarding the OEM System Builder program are available at http://www.microsoft.com/oem/. >>
Now, note that there's a difference between "counterfeit" and "otherwise illegal." Counterfeit is definately illegal, just like making a burned copy. Otherwise illegal means Microsoft doesn't like it, but they may have still been paid a license for it. To be "legal" (besides not being counterfeit) according to Microsoft, you have to get it one of these ways:
a) Buy the product in a box
b) Buy the product as part of a pre-built system from larger OEMs (IBM, Compaq, etc.)
c) Buy the product as part of a pre-built or custom-built system from smaller OEMs (your local mom&pop shop)
a) will cost the most, and you'll get the product CD, install key, COA (sometimes a sticker on the box), the box itself and very limited tech support from Microsoft.
b) will cost the cheapest. Large OEMs pay around $40-50 or so to Microsoft for a license of "consumer" Windows (9x, Me). They get to distribute one copy per machine. This was part of one of the lawsuits against Microsoft. Microsoft was making OEMs pay for one OS (operating system) per system sold, even if the customer buying the system wanted an alternate OS installed. In any case, OEMs are allowed to have the OS pre-installed, plus have the CD or a "restore" CD packaged with the system. Important to note is that only one SETUP.EXE can be packaged with the system.
c) will sometimes be cheap, sometimes expensive. Why? Most of what you see on the market is either counterfeit or grey market (what Microsoft likes to call illegal, but has been paid for). The TRUE legal version is called DSP, and (for Win9X, Me) is available only as 5-packs from larger distributors. The DSP copy is the typical booklet with attached COA, shrinkwrapped to the CD. I recall the booklets saying DSP on them. The cost on these DSP copies are rediculous - about $100 a copy. It seems that Microsoft is intentionally making it difficult for small shops to compete. Most of the time it ends up cheaper. How? Well, either from counterfeit copies or grey market copies. Counterfeit ones are just plain copies, and Microsoft has not been paid for them. Grey market means that some company somewhere has indeed paid Microsoft for these products, but they are being distributed contrary to Microsoft guidelines. For instance, if a larger OEM has too many copies of a particular OS, they'll dump it on the grey market to recoup costs. But Microsoft doesn't want their software distributed this way, so they call it "illegal."
Thanks for that post, Zap.
I kind of wished you posted before I got this one.
Anyway, I am certain the Win2K CD is genuine MS - it is identical to the FrontPage2000 CD - I doubt the holography could be counterfeited that well.
Secondly, I asked #9 Software if the CD was legal. They assured me it was and could be registered with MS - no problem.
Now that you brought it up, I have little doubt this is a gray market - legal but gray. The CD booklet clearly states it is to be shipped with a NEW computer. I really don't care what MS prefers or wants[/b], as long as it is legal.
My conscience is clear.
I kind of wished you posted before I got this one.
Anyway, I am certain the Win2K CD is genuine MS - it is identical to the FrontPage2000 CD - I doubt the holography could be counterfeited that well.
Secondly, I asked #9 Software if the CD was legal. They assured me it was and could be registered with MS - no problem.
Now that you brought it up, I have little doubt this is a gray market - legal but gray. The CD booklet clearly states it is to be shipped with a NEW computer. I really don't care what MS prefers or wants[/b], as long as it is legal.
My conscience is clear.
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