Compare bundled software with Microsoft source

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I have heard that the versions of Office and Windows that come bundled with a new PC are often not as complete, nor do they have the same benefits of upgrades, service releases, etc, as software purchased directly from Microsoft.

I would appreciate comments.

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they are OEM and are complete but generally don’t qualify for version upgrades, when a new version becomes available.

Service releases are slightly different. The patches will work on OEM but you may not be able to get a full, already patched cd from MS (so you only need this cd, not your original and the patch). The OEM may supply you with one, if not, you are stuck installing, then applying patches.

Otherwise, each application is identical.

Would i avoid OEM versions of office? not in the least. It’s often a very affordable way to get the applications.

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‘Scuse my ignorance, but what does OEM stand for? I have heard/seen it several times but don’t understand …

Ta muchly

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My understanding is Original Equipment Manufacturer.
e.g. you buy a Dell and the software discs are ‘branded’ with ‘Dell’.

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Ah, that explains it. Ta muchly.

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Mary:

Are you sure that OEM bundled licenses generally don’t qualify for upgrade pricing? MS’s licensing structure is, uh, murky at best, and I haven’t been able to find anything to that effect on their web site…

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murky is an understatement

i’ll see if i can find where i saw that OEM was not upgradable, it’s possible i was thinking of eligable for upgrade rebates. the page that lists the qualifications for upgrades mentions VAR, but not OEM.

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It seems like I saw something like that too. Maybe it was in the stuff for XP upgrades.

I know the OEM versions don’t qualify for the “free” upgrades. You know … “buy Office 2000 now and get a free upgrade to XP within a limited period of time. ” My understanding is that those upgrades only apply to retail copies and OEM isn’t a retail copy.

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I’ve poked around a bit tonight on MS’s site looking at their licensing FAQ’s – why a fella won’t do when the girlfriend is out of town, eh? Yup, let the good times roll!

From what I’ve read I believe that a license for Office 2000, whether bundled from an OEM or purchased retail, qualifies you for upgrade pricing to the equivalent Office XP product. That doesn’t speak to rebates, special offers, etc., but MS does say: “…or you can call 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist.”.

Just remember to call from a pay phone, and don’t tell ’em I sent you!

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There is and has been several issues with the OEM versions,
1) MS does NOT support it, OEM must (?)
2) All patches must come from OEM, MS will not send you the free ones if they find out it is OEM.
3) Some OEM’s want you to BUY the upgrades from them and they MAY NOT be good for a ‘retail’ upgrade.
4) The OEM copy is NOT to be moved to another machine, even if you delete the software from the old machine. The copy is to be used ONLY on the machine that it came with.
5) Read the fine print from the OEM, not MS, the OEM rules over ride MS rules.
6) Yes, some OEM’s ‘Brand’ the copy provided.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Wow. So short form is: grab a strong cup of coffee, a dictionary and a lawyer friend and check the documentation from the OEM. Thanks for the great info, Dave!

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When I bought O2K, it was missing Disk 2 and had two Disk 3s in the box, which thoroughly. This was a retail upgrade version purchased on-line, so I called MS and they said they would send me a replacement, which they did. The replacement was a set of OEM disks! I can hardly wait to see what happens when I try to upgrade the next time.

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i hope you kept the original set, if so, use it as proof. i forget what was on disk two – publisher? that might be a problem. if it was photodraw, no problem

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I had to keep the originals, when I need to reinstall something it doesn’t want to play with the replacements! I never did reinstall using those OEM disks because I found out what was on Disk 2 and didn’t need it for anything.

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I quote from a footnote on an IBM Thinkpad spec sheet – “Software provided with a machine or separately purchased as a software bundle may differ from its retail version and may not include user manuals or all program functionality.” This makes me nervous. Your comments, please.

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Read my post above (18-Jun-01 20:45), it says it all. And YES IBM has been known to make changes (Branded) to preinstalled software with an agreement with the SW maker.

I have less problems of the “Local” OEMs using branded SW than I do with the Big Boys, ie., Dell. Compaq, GateWay, IBM and etc. The locals do not have the time or money to support the branded SW.
Hope this helps.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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THere are added benefits if you purchase the retail version. Others can discuss those.

The questions is just how much are those benefits worth.

When I ordered a system a bit of 3 years ago, I had a choice of getting the default Office 97 SBE or, for an additional $199, I could get the OEM Office 97 Pro.

I opted for the SBE and purchased the retail version of Office 97 Pro at a net cost of, as I recall, $251.

For that extra $52, I got the benefits that I expect others will be discussing. Since I write macros for pay, I cannot be in the position of getting the lesser benefits associated with an OEM version of Office.

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