Differences between Windows licenses

[MSgherzi]

The latest article by Bryce had me going down the list checking off what I do and don't know. I'd say I know a good 50%-75% of what he listed, but I want to know more because I have tons of clients and work from my on-site repair business up to my eyeballs.

Anyway, can someone either explain to me or provide a website that does so what the differences are between Windows licenses? For example, OEM, Retail, Branded, Home, Professional, Volume and Corporate Licenses. I've tried using Google with no success. I just want to know the differences between each of those and what the advantages and disadvantages are.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[Jm Boyd]

<un-snip>If you are not sure of minor details such as this...you probably shouldn't be working on client computers.

OEM (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER) A Window CD that come with a new Brand name (Dell, Compaq etc.) PC...these are the ones labeled "For Use on new (insert PC brand Name here) computers Only" or something similar. This Type will ONLY accept OEM license keys.

Retail: Can be purchased at just about any RETAIL store that sells software and used on any brand of computer. One CD...one license key.

Branded: Often these are OEMs, and are called Branded because they have the OEMs name or logo in the "My Computer Properties Box" and a select few other places within Windows. Some geeks who build costume computers will also make Branded install CDs or Brand the the installation by simply altering the OEM.info and OEM.bmp files.

Home and Professional. Two different version of the Operating System. One designed for the average HOME user...the other designed for PROFESSIONALS who need a few more toys....self explanatory. The license keys will NOT interchange.

Volume License: Just what it says. Having the option to purchase multiple licenses. The VL use very specific license keys that will not work on non-VL install CDs.

Corporate: Describes a VL version of Windows XP PRO that does not require the user to deal with the "activation" process at the end of a fresh install. It's is the most "pirated" version of Windows XP.

 

[frostbyte5014]

Good job Boyd