I was looking up around New Egg, because I need to buy a version of Windows. I know this kind of talk isn't appreciated here, but when your system completely crashes and you need an operating system, you get desperate. Anyway, I'm looking to buy Windows for once, but I don't have much money on me, and I saw these System Builder disks. Could anyone actually tell me what the difference is between these and a normal disk, and why people wouldn't go straight for these disks if it wasn't the same exact thing as buying a non-upgrade disk, which is over $200, or an upgrade disk which is like $20 more then this.
The OEM disks are exactly the same as the full version, just at a lower cost. Usually you have to buy a motherboard or other major computer part to qualify for it though. I think Microsoft put stricter rules on the OEM license than the regular one also Ex:If this PC dies, you aren't allowed to install vista on a new one).
Thats pretty much how it is, its designed for "distribution with a new PC only", but its fine to buy still, just means you don't get a shiney box or a manual or anything, I don't think you get product support (asin callcentres), just a CD and licence key, and as Ricky said, OEM versions are not "suppost" to be transferable from an old system to a new.
Alright, so it's essentially more then I've been getting without a legit OS anyway.
How much exactly can I upgrade though, before the disk is no longer valid. I've been slowly over time upgrading my PC, this includes my motherboard. To what extent will my PC eventually start saying "New Computer"?