Windows 2k OEM vs Retail...

[SHoddyCOmp]

What exactly is the difference in what you get if you buy an OS in the retail package or OEM form? Its an enormous price differential ($100) so I was wondering what I wouldnt be getting and what I still WOULD if i got the OEM version of W2KPro?

And is it really that big of a deal about W2k is better than XP? I would be playing games and using CAD programs..

 

[Derango]

I believe that the two versions are exactly the same...technicly the OEM version has to be bought with some type of hardware. Typicaly stores include like a cheap mouse or a mousepad or somthing to get around that requirement.

And about Win2k being better than XP....thats really a personal opinion question. I can't tell you what you're going to like They're both pretty close to the same featureset, with XP having more convienence type features. However, its still relativly new, so its stability isn't quite up to where it should be.

 

[Carbo]

There is no difference. The data on either CD is identical. The only difference is that the full retail version includes the full manual, (which no one ever reads), while the OEM version has a "lite" version of that manual, (which no one reads, either). I bought the OEM version quite a while ago and it was a good deal and works perfectly.

 

[SHoddyCOmp]

<< There is no difference. The data on either CD is identical. The only difference is that the full retail version includes the full manual, (which no one ever reads), while the OEM version has a "lite" version of that manual, (which no one reads, either). I bought the OEM version quite a while ago and it was a good deal and works perfectly. >>



haha, bingo, thats exactly what i wanted to know Prettymuch what you get with a box PC, that funky little manual and the CD, okeydokey. Complete waste of money then to get retail.

 

[bandguy]

"I believe that the two versions are exactly the same...technicly the OEM version has to be bought with some type of hardware. Typicaly stores include like a cheap mouse or a mousepad or somthing to get around that requirement. "


I thought you had to buy a MB or HD to purchase the OEM version of an operating system.:confused

 

[c0rv1d43]

There is one other difference. The OEM version is supported by the OEM. That means that, if you call Microsoft Tech Support with an issue on the OS they'll tell you to get your support from the OEM, which would be you.

- Collin