Pre-installed 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).
Key benefits:
- Most cost-effective way to purchase hardware and software together.
- Discounts may be available from OEMs on bulk orders.
Pre-installed 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 licence. This could mean buying new software in a box from a retailer or adding a licence to a Volume Licensing agreement. It's usually most cost-effective to buy your operating system (e.g. Windows 7) pre-installed if you are buying a new PC. You may already have a Volume Licencing Agreement within your organisation, in which case you can buy additional software such as the Microsoft Office system or server products via that agreement.
| How to buy — pre-installed on a new computer |
|---|
Number of licences most appropriate for | 1+ |
Microsoft products that can be licensed | Windows operating system (e.g. Windows 7), Microsoft productivity suites (e.g. Microsoft Office 2007), Windows server software (e.g. Windows Server 2008) |
Rent or buy licences | Rent |
Discount on retail price of boxed software | Yes |
