[downquark1]

Some things to consider about OEMs

OEM installations and licences are designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers and while it is possible to buy an OEM copy (quite cheaply in fact) of Vista without being an OEM, there are restrictions that apply you should be aware of. The main one that will be of interest to enthusiasts is that an OEM licence is designed to install on the one machine and stay on that machine for the duration of that machines operating life; it is not designed to be transferred to a new machine if you upgrade. The same applies if you buy a machine pre-installed with Vista; it will almost certainly be an OEM copy and not transferable. I know that many of you are thinking “Well, that's no different from Windows XP, and I've had no trouble transferring that before”, but it IS different. While time will inevitably tell, Microsoft intend to enforce the OEM licence this time around. The same rules for activation apply as with XP, although Microsoft have said that what constitutes the need for reactivation will be more flexible. Bottom line; if you plan on making multiple upgrades or transferring your OS to a new machine often, you should probably steer clear of an OEM licence despite the appealing price. If on the other hand you rarely change the major components in your PC (motherboards or hard drive for example) and don't expect you will change your current PC for a new machine then a cheap OEM copy will suit you.

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