OEM Software

OEM Software consists of the programs and applications that are already installed, and licensed, on a computer when you buy it from an 'original equipment manufacturer' (OEM).

Benefits of OEM Software

• Most cost-effective way to purchase hardware and software together
• OEM Software can only be used on the computer you bought it with. If you want to use the software on a different machine, you will need to buy a new license. This could mean buying new software in a box from a retailer or adding a license to a Volume Licensing agreement.

It's usually most cost-effective to buy your operating system (e.g. Windows Vista) pre-installed if you are buying a new PC. You may already have a Volume License agreement within your organization, in which case you can buy additional software such as Microsoft Office or server products via that agreement.

How to buy - pre-installed on a new computer
Number of licenses most appropriate for	1+
Microsoft products that can be licensed	Windows operating system (e.g. Windows Vista), Microsoft productivity suites (e.g. Microsoft Office) and Windows server software (e.g. Windows Small Business Server).
Rent or buy licenses	Buy
Discount on retail price of boxed software	No