On 15 Dec 2006 at 22:55, chipo chika wrote:

> What is OEM software?

  OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer", a computer industry term 
-- going back to at least the 1970s --  which paradoxically refers to 
hardware bought from a vendor who is NOT the original manufacturer, but just 
puts their brand name on stuff made by somebody else.  Typically the stuff 
in question would be hardware or OS-level software.

  In more recent use, "OEM software" refers to editions of commercial 
software (OSes and applications) licensed to accompany purchase of a system 
or some key hardware component.  For instance, a CD or DVD burner might come 
with an OEM version of some application to burn discs -- this makes for a 
more useful package to the consumer and more copies sold for the software 
maker, usually at a discount from the normal retail price.

David Gillett

 
> On Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:31:22 -0800, "Thomas Mayer"
> > OEM and retail software are basically the same except that I've seen 
> > some OEM software that is designed to run only on Dell computers and 
> > will be clearly indicated.
> > 
> > OEM normally comes in cheaper or no packaging and with some form of 
> > hardware. One time I got a single screw with the software. Also, the 
> > supplier needs to be a trusted source to avoid buying a pirated product. 
> > I have never had a problem with Amazon.
> > 
> > Tom Mayer

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