Win2K OEM?

[westyellmt]

I've seen Win2K Pro Workstation (OEM version) offered on Pricewatch for substantially less than the full retail version ($135 vs $2xx). Is there a difference? (Duh) I understand that you can use your Win98 CD as proof of ownership when you get the Win2K Pro upgrade, is that correct? Harry

[Charles Kozierok]

Hi Harry,
First, here are my thoughts on price search engines: http://www.PCGuide.com/buy/ven/res_Search.htm
OEM software is usually software that originally came pre-packaged with a PC, or intended to be pre-pacakged with a PC. It's the same software you would be in the store, most likely, but in some cases the company will not officially support it, or may not consider it to have been properly licensed. I don't know what Microsoft's official position is on OEM software. You might find it on their cavernous web site somewhere. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
For a primer on retail vs OEM in general: http://www.PCGuide.com/buy/des/spec_Retail.htm
Hope that helps a bit.

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Charles M. Kozierok ( ixlubb@PCGuide.com )
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...

[This message has been edited by ixl (edited 08-27-2000).]

[Static-X]

Harry
Since OEM usually lacks documentation and fancy packaging I see no reason to buy anything else. Unless you like the shiny box I would get the OEM version. If it is an upgrade make sure you have an MS approved upgrade products. You can run the update from Windows 95 up. Please look here for details. http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/upgrade/path/default.asp
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