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General discussion

OEM Software.

Apr 22, 2005 10:37AM PDT

Has anyone here ever bought OEM software on the internet?
I have been looking at Adobe Photoshop CS with Image ready CS.
Yesterday the price was $699.99 at compusa. I just got a spammer on OEM software saying it was $99.99???
Something sounds too good to be true. Is this that pirated crap from China?
I have heard people talk about OEM, but I know nothing about it.
Any advise would be very much

Discussion is locked

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OEM Software
Apr 22, 2005 12:41PM PDT

Basically, OEM software is a bulk, usually customized version of the retail software, and is designated only for distibution with select computer hardware. Although the sale of OEM software, for the most part, is illegal, many people try to sell $100+ power cords and include the OEM software with it to "make it legit." Sites such as Ebay specifically prohibit the sale of OEM software, for almost all user licenses prohibit it.

I think you'll find that most sites/vendors selling OEM software can be traced back to the Middle East and Asia, where the western companies and laws don't quite reach. In addition, most of the OEM software for sale is pirated, and can never be activated/updated.

The software available from CompUSA and other legitimate websites/companies is the full retail version. It is the same as if you purchased it directly from the manufacturer.

Best rule of thumb...If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You may end up getting more than you bargained for.

Hope this helps,
John

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O.E.M.
Apr 23, 2005 1:39AM PDT

If you buy from reputable vendors, OEM software is fine; just don't expect any tech. support from the company that produced the software, although warranties are usually honored. OEM hardware is generally the same. I am using WinXP Pro OEM, and it passed the Microsoft "legtimate software" test. When I have problems/issues, I come here for help.