Windows 7 OEM Version?

[Clone]

Well I'm getting a new gaming rig for christmas, but because it would cost so much I said I didn't want an OS included.

So my original plan was to get a version but I looked on ebay yesterday and noticed than theres some OEM versions of Windows 7 for sale for around 25GBP. I am considering buying one of these but I was just wondering what disadvantages will there be of having the OEM version over the full version?

Thanks!

[Reece]

There is really no difference between them, except the fact that it will ONLY work on the motherboard you install it on, if you want a new motherboard, you must buy a new licence.

These are the differences:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

[Julio.]

If you already have an OS of XP or something, install it first, then get a corresponding Windows 7 upgrade edition, far cheaper.

As a student I belive you are eligible for this site. http://www.software4students.co.uk/Windows_7-software.aspx

Note, only Professional and Ultimate available from this site.

[9r2e5i3k]

If you're a student, google: MSDN-AA

You can get Microsoft software for free. Even after finishing studying you can still use it, just not upgrade it for free.

[Gimli]

Yeah, MSDN-AA is awesome. I'm using an MSDN-AA version of windows right now. The only downside is that you can only get professional and not ultimate, but oh well..

[Julio.]

How exactly do you use this site?

Do they send stuff by disc, how can you prove you're a student or what? D:

[Clone]

Looks to me like the disk is provided by the educational institution, which I don't think my school does.

[9r2e5i3k]

Do they send stuff by disc

Most likely you just have to download the ISO/installer (whatever applies).

how can you prove you're a student or what? D:

In my case, I have to sign up for an e-mail at my university's domain and then use that for the MSDN-AA.

[b2311e]

If you go up to my school and ask for Adobe CS5, they give you the disc and the serial 
Doubt they'd agree to anything over the net though