Is OEM software worth it? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

FEIGN · 01-07-2005, 11:20 AM

I am looking into purchasing Microsoft Office Pro. It is fairly expensinve. Am I asking for trouble if I buy an OEM version.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you

the_marq · 01-07-2005, 11:22 AM

I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but the OEM version of MS Office is just the version that is meant to be sold with a new PC. It should not differ at all from the so-called "retail version." A reputable store will normally not sell OEM packages unbundled, but you don't really need to concern yourself with that.

I wouldn't hesitate.

SiN · 01-07-2005, 12:19 PM

^ what he said.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origina...t_manufacturer

bendsley · 01-07-2005, 01:33 PM

There actaully are many stores that sell OEM software. Go look at www.cpu.com for example. They sell OEM software among other things. The software is the exact same, just different packaging.

There is no trouble buying OEM software.

MontanaXVI · 01-07-2005, 03:56 PM

what I am seeing failed to metnion here is that MOST of the time when you buy OEM software you do not get the tech support that would come with the same program purchased retail boxed.

Example you buy Windows XP OEM and I get mine Retail boxed from Best Buy or some other such outlet. We both start having problems I call Microsoft up and get the solution (I KNOW IT IS NOT THAT EASY JJUST SAYING FOR THE POINT OF MAKING A POINT) Well you call M-shaft up and they tell you since it is an OEM product you need to call the company that made your computer ie IBM, Compaq, HP etc. and since you do not have that brand of a computer you are SOL for support from Microsoft.

I know this has been an extreme dramatization above, but just pointing out things since not everyone has the same level of comfort with diagnosing and or troubleshooting software problems on their computers.

Me personally would be all over it and would not bother me any.

01-07-2005, 11:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
FEIGN Upright Location: NEW JERSEY	Is OEM software worth it? I am looking into purchasing Microsoft Office Pro. It is fairly expensinve. Am I asking for trouble if I buy an OEM version. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you __________________ Remember, where ever you go, there you are.

01-07-2005, 11:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
the_marq All hail the Mountain King Location: Black Mesa	I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but the OEM version of MS Office is just the version that is meant to be sold with a new PC. It should not differ at all from the so-called "retail version." A reputable store will normally not sell OEM packages unbundled, but you don't really need to concern yourself with that. I wouldn't hesitate. __________________ The Truth: Johnny Cash could have kicked Bruce Lee's ass if he wanted to. #3 in a series

01-07-2005, 12:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
SiN strangelove Location: ...more here than there...	^ what he said. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origina...t_manufacturer __________________ - + - ° GiRLie GeeK ° - + - ° 01110010011011110110111101110100001000000110110101100101 Therell be days/When Ill stray/I may appear to be/Constantly out of reach/I give in to sin/Because I like to practise what I preach

01-07-2005, 01:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
bendsley Professional Loafer Location: texas	There actaully are many stores that sell OEM software. Go look at www.cpu.com for example. They sell OEM software among other things. The software is the exact same, just different packaging. There is no trouble buying OEM software. __________________ "You hear the one about the fella who died, went to the pearly gates? St. Peter let him in. Sees a guy in a suit making a closing argument. Says, "Who's that?" St. Peter says, "Oh, that's God. Thinks he's Denny Crane."

01-07-2005, 03:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
MontanaXVI Junkie Location: Go A's!!!!	what I am seeing failed to metnion here is that MOST of the time when you buy OEM software you do not get the tech support that would come with the same program purchased retail boxed. Example you buy Windows XP OEM and I get mine Retail boxed from Best Buy or some other such outlet. We both start having problems I call Microsoft up and get the solution (I KNOW IT IS NOT THAT EASY JJUST SAYING FOR THE POINT OF MAKING A POINT) Well you call M-shaft up and they tell you since it is an OEM product you need to call the company that made your computer ie IBM, Compaq, HP etc. and since you do not have that brand of a computer you are SOL for support from Microsoft. I know this has been an extreme dramatization above, but just pointing out things since not everyone has the same level of comfort with diagnosing and or troubleshooting software problems on their computers. Me personally would be all over it and would not bother me any. __________________ Spank you very much