What is OEM Software?

OEM software is intended for system builders and small OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) who manufacture computer systems and preinstall OEM system builder software onto those systems. It is not intended for purchase or installation by consumers. Its use is subject to the OEM System Builder License Agreement that is affixed to the side of all OEM system builder software packs. Please note that end-user technical support will be provided by the system builder and not by the manufacturer or the reseller.

There are no physical differences in a component if it is sold as OEM or in Retail. The difference is the extras that are provided with the retail version. If the support is important to you then you need to purchase the full retail boxed version.

Microsoft

This product is intended for system builders and small OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) who manufacture computer systems and preinstall Microsoft OEM system builder software onto those systems. Its use is subject to the OEM System Builder License Agreement that is affixed to the side of all OEM system builder software packs. The system builder who installs the individual software license and distributes hardware units must provide end-user support on terms at least as favourable as the terms under which the system builder provides end-user support for any fully assembled computer system. The system builder must place its support phone number in a noticeable location in the fully assembled computer system help files or end-user documentation. The full documentation on Microsoft OEM System Builder licence is at http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/Public/sblicense/English_SB_License.pdf.

Kaspersky

This product is intended for resellers, system builders and small OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) who sell computer systems and preinstall Kaspersky OEM system builder software onto those systems. The software is also available for those resellers and engineers providing a repair and maintenance service to users who want to offer Kaspersky as part of this or a similar service. The system builder/resellers who installs the individual software license and distributes hardware units must provide end-user support on terms at least as favourable as the terms under which the system builder/reseller provides end-user support for any fully assembled computer system. The system builder must place its support phone number in a noticeable location in the fully assembled computer system help files or end-user documentation.

OEM versions of Panda Antivirus 2007, Panda Antivirus+Firewall 2007 and Panda Internet Security 2007 include a 12-month subscription to protection updates. End user subscriptions to Panda Software protection updates are enabled upon acceptance of the end user license agreement. Panda Software OEM terms and conditions are available at: http://www.pandasoftware.co.uk/PandaOEMTerms&Conditions.pdf

Symantec

Symantec System Builder software is only to be sold together with a PC or with a PC component. For the purposes of the System Builder Pack, PC shall include Laptops, and PC components shall be interpreted to include memory, hard disk and other similar components.

Software can be purchased as OEM. OEM software is identical to the full retail versions of the software but it lacks any packaging. Typically this will be seen with software items such as operating systems and office suites. Unlike OEM hardware, there are more restrictions on what will allow the software to be sold by a retailer to a consumer. OEM software is designed for system builders. It typically can only be purchased with a complete computer system or there must be some additional purchase of hardware to go along with the OEM software.

Retail Software

The difference between retail and OEM software is how warranties are handled. Most retail products come with very well defined terms for service and support in case the product has any problems. OEM products on the other hand will generally have shorter warranties and limited or no support.

Retail software usually comes fully boxed with all materials including warranty, manuals and support. Retail software can be purchased by anyone and is not restricted to a certain type of individual or company.

Academic/Educational Software

Microsoft Education Academic Full Packaged Products (FPP) are for education institutions, students and charitable organisations* who want to buy software in very small quantities.

In the UK this includes not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee and other community-based organisations in the voluntary and community sector.

To qualify for FPP, you must:

Prove you are eligible before you buy the package. Students will need to be enroled full- or part-time on a course that will deliver an academic qualification publicly recognised by the relevant national government education department.
Return the registration card to us after you buy the package
Make sure the package has a sticker on it saying 'Academic Price - not for use in a commercial environment'