Computer Guide Center

What is the difference between windows xp pro sp2 and OEM windows xp pro sp2?

What is the difference between windows xp pro sp2 and OEM windows xp pro sp2? Also windows xp home and windows xp home OEM. Which one is better.

Public Comments

1. OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. All that means is that the software is genuine. OEM software lacks the support and other features that come along with the retail versions of Windows, but other than that, they are exactly the same thing. OEM is cheaper to buy and is used by computer enthusiasts who are familiar with operating system installs and don't need the phone support and help lines that come with the retail version.
2. There are several diffrences between OEM and Retail editions of Windows, but NONE of these diffrences are in the Windows program them self. You would be UNABLE to notice ANY diffrence from an OEM or Retail instance of Windows, they are literially identical. The diffrence between these versions are their ELUA lisencing structure. A Retail edition is intended for sale by a place such as BestBuy or any other retailer directly to the end user. As such, the person who provides any support calls and assistance is Microsoft. Additionally, you have the right to reinstall the OS infinatly on three physical machines for personal use only. An OEM edtion is sold by Microsoft, directly to companies such as Dell, HP or Acer, and additionally sold to small system builders by distributors such as NewEgg, IngramMicro and ASI. An OEM lisence is intended to be given by the OEM to an end user, or to be used by a personal hobbyist; and ALL support calls and assistance are provided by the OEM and NOT by Microsoft. Additionally, the OEM lisence is linked to the hardware. You may infinatly re-install the OS on the SAME physical computer, but if the hardware is significalty changed, or if the hardware is retired, the OEM lisence must be retired with it and CANNOT be relocated to a secnd physical machine.