Windows Vista Update

Lets test a hypothesis of mine.

What if I were to tell you that you, yes you staring at this screen right now, could get your hands on copies of Vista very cheaply?

You might ask me just how cheap I'm talking about.  I would tell you that you can get copies of the home basic edition (usually 199 dollars) for 99 dollars, or you can have the Vista Ultimate edition (usually 399 dollars) for just 199 dollars.  You can get any edition that you want for, at least, half off.

Right now you are either extremely skeptical, or getting ready to open a new tab and find out how to report me as a software pirate, but that would be a mistake.

As I will explain to you, or Federal Agents if you've already reported me.  This is 100% legal and approved by Microsoft.  I'm talking about the OEM versions of the operating system.

OEM's are full and complete copies of the operating system.  They are most commonly bought by the manufactures of Pc's.  When you get a computer with a copy of Vista pre-installed on it the makers of that computer used on OEM disk to put it on there.  Often the manufacture will give you these disks with the computer in case you have any problems that require you to re-install the operating system.

Now, you're wondering how it is that OEM software is any different from buying a normal retail in the box version of Vista.  Well there are some things to consider before buying an OEM version:

1.  It won't come in a pretty box.  It will likely come in sleeves.
2.  It won't come with an instruction manual at all.  Something to think about if you don't have access to one and you're not an experienced user.
3.  You don't get the 90 days of free technical support that you would get with a retail version of Vista.

That's not to say that you should shy away from buying an OEM version, but you have to weigh the risks and benefits, because you can't return it once the box is open.

People who might want to get an OEM version:

1.  Experienced users who feel that they have a strong enough background to trouble shoot their own problems.
2.  Users who already have 1 retail copy of a Vista operating system that has manuals you can use.
3.  IT professionals
4.  Business's with an IT department to support them.

People who might want to stay clear of the OEM versions:

1.  Users who can not trouble shoot their own issues or want the tech support.
2.  Users who do not feel comfortable with installing their own operating systems.
3.  Inexperienced or lower level users.

So, while an OEM version isn't a one size fits all solution under the right circumstances it can save you a lot of money.

For the record: While the scenario may have been hypothetical OEM's are quite real, and yes, anyone can buy them, not just manufacturers or businesses.


Vista Version               Retail Cost               OEM Cost              Your Savings

Home Basic                  $199                         $99                      $100

Home Premium             $239                         $119                    $120

Businesses                   $299                         $149                    $150

Ultimate                        $399                         $199                    $200