OS -- OEM vs. Retail vs. Academic or ???

Discussion in 'Software' started by MTHall51, Apr 29, 2008.

  1. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Just wondering about getting Vista Ultimate Or Vista Business.
    BIG question though. Is there much difference in functionality or in some other way, between OEM, Retail, or Academic? I have been watching on eBay and seem to see all of the above, but don't know what the differences are.
    Any thoughts?
     
    MTHall51, Apr 29, 2008
    #1
  2. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thanks. Good advice.
     
    MTHall51, Apr 29, 2008
    #2
  3. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    If this is for home use then Ultimate has best options as it includes Media Center as Business edition does not.

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx

    Retail ~ Gives you support from MSFT
    OEM ~ Does not give support as you buying the OEM version would be classed as the system builder, but then at times your support would be forums like this, so thats free support! also much cheaper than Retail, I tend to buy OEM as I will support myself.
    Academic ~ for students and teachers.

    Compare editons
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx


    Personally if the two are the main options then Ultimate wins all the time.
     
    DavidGP, Apr 30, 2008
    #3
  4. bigbazza

    bigbazza R.I.P. 14/12/2011 - Good Onya Geek

    Make sure you don't choose "Academic" if you want to do a clean install. Academic will only do a "dirty" install.

    I was caught out as the smart folk tell you that you can do a "clean" install with Upgrade versions. I know from $$$ experience, that it certainly is NOT so with an Academic upgrade version. Bazza

    PS: If you are not in a hurry, wait for Vista SP 1 versions to hit the shops, or if you want to buy Vista (no SP 1) use that fact as a bargaining chip. It may work. :D Baz
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2008
    bigbazza, Apr 30, 2008
    #4
  5. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Thanks very much for the input.
    I am going to be the unofficial IT guy for my office.
    I am going to need to take the exam at some point for MS "End user" as I call it, so will need to stick with Ultimate so I can learn all the functions.
     
    MTHall51, Apr 30, 2008
    #5

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