The truth about software that manufacturers don't want you to know.

Fact: You can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by substituting your retail boxed purchase with the OEM version of the same software title.

OEM software is Legal to use on any computer system, so why pay more than you have to?

The common misconception regarding OEM products is that they are somehow ILLEGAL to use unless you are a building the computer system. This is simply not the case. OEM products are DESIGNED for use on NEW Computer Builds, but they will work on any existing computer. According to the End User License Agreement (EULA), you must be a system builder to use OEM software, however it does not define who or what a system builder is. By using OEM products you automatically become the "System Builder".

The End User License Agreement (EULA) is the document that outlines the limits of use. This is the license you must agree to when you install the product onto your computer. You must abide by these “rules” to legally use the software on your computer.

While most EULA’s differ slightly from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer, most have certain characteristics in common. We will list a few, but you should read the EULA on any software product you are using to be sure that you are following the terms of the agreement.

1. OEM products are designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (System Builders). This means that the installation process on some products may assume some technical knowledge of the installer or technician.

2. The use of these products in effect makes you (the installer) the “system builder”.

3. The use of OEM products will make you ineligible for FREE technical assistance from the manufacturer; however, paid technical support is available from virtually EVERY product manufacturer. Manufacturers of OEM products do this because they do not want to carry the technical support burden that comes along with developing and selling software, when they are discounting OEM System Builders who use their products. That burden passes to the system builder if they decide to use OEM products. This means you can't call the manufacturer for FREE help with installing OEM products.

4. OEM software products are not “Cut Down” or “Shareware” versions of the product. They are fully functional products and once loaded onto your computer system, are virtually identical to their retail boxed counterparts.

5. OEM products can be upgraded just like any other product.

6. OEM products are usually restricted to a single computer and cannot be installed on more than one computer system. They are also restricted from being transferred from one computer to another. The product can be reinstalled multiple times on the same computer in the case of a computer crash or catastrophic event.

In closing, the cost savings gained by purchasing an OEM product versus a retail box product usually outweigh the “limitations” of the OEM license.