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Pre-installed on a new computer

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

Buy

Discount on retail price of boxed software

Yes