oem VS retail

[whatistime]

As old computers need replacement, I build the PC from spare parts to make a new one. Sometimes the old machine is running win95 and I install win98 SE, but in order to remain legal, I need to purchase extra liceses for these new machines.

I was wondering if I can purchase OEM liceses instead of always buying retail? I'm not selling the PCs I build, they are only for the company I work for.

Also, if I buy OEM licenses (saying it's legal vs buying a retail license), what exactly qualifies for a valid licese? Original cd only, licese code/book only, or both?

Does the definition differ from manufacturer to manufacter? (ie, Microsoft, Symantec)

How can I validate a real license vs a forgery? From what I've read in the past, the forgeries today are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.



Thanks,
WhatIsTime

[thekemp]

the way i see it, if the common person is allowed to buy an oem microsoft licence as aposed to manufacturers only then you are covered.
i have never bought anything microsoft retail, that manual and fancy box is not worth the extra IMO.

[MDS]

Have ya looked here for windozes

[bill1971]

(Hey,kemp)
Like thekemp, I buy only OEM. I usually purchase licenses w/
official MS COA's and keycodes from places like www.directdeals.com
There are others, CSO and I believe another that someone will
surely mention in this post,( 9 software or something like that ).
I believe these vendors are trustworthy, and you are assured of getting the real thing.
Of course ,I've never gotten an OEM keycode to work on an install
from a retail disk, for some reason. Maybe I need to install from an
OEM disk??
kemp: Manual? What manual? MS doesn't package manuals w/ the retail package anymore(at least for OS's). . .I learned that the hard way!

- Bill

MDS posted before me - looked at that link, and answered my own question - to use the license keycodes, looks like you have to install from an OEM disk only, not a retail or upgrade disk. Ahh! I think I understand now!
Thanks MDS

[whatistime]

I think I asked too many questions at once.

What's the definition of having a valid license? Book/License or cd?


When can OEM be used instead of Retail? I read from directdeals.com webiste about OEM: "Original Equipment Manufacturer. Some software and hardware manufacturers or copyright holders require that hardware (sometimes specific hardware) be purchased with their OEM products"

Then again, maybe there is a loop hole: what if an existing piece of hardware had an older version and you want to upgrade it, can OEM software be installed on it?

[bill1971]

w:
COA means Certificate of Authenticity that comes w/ MS authorized software. All authentic, legitimate software should come with this small certificate.(It's just a small graphic design, really).
You might get a small book(manual - I use the term very loosely,
here, as it's little more than installation instructions), no CD, but you will get a keycode number for that license that makes you legit.
I believe somewhere on the MS site, they have information on recognizing pirated software. I think you're safe ordering from any of the software vendors mentioned above. I think they're trustworthy.
Hope this answered some of your questions.

- Bill