How To Determine If An Oem Software Version Is Legal

There are numerous software vendors that are currently offering cut price OEM version software

. So it is no big surprise that many computer users are buying them. But is the operating equipment manufacturer's version software actually legal? Well to answer that question I can only say that yes they are, and no they are not!

To clarify that answer I have to state that technically you should only be able to get OEM software with its own specified accompanying hardware. So if you look at it that way then any separately sold OEM software is violating the license. Unless it states on the license that it is free to be copied and distributed. If it does not state this on the license then obviously it is illegal.

Probably the only plausible reason that the OEM software is still sold freely and openly is that the manufacturers have rarely taken any action against any vendors that have sold or traded them.

You just need to realize that if you do purchase any OEM in this way that it is unlikely that you will be able to get any technical support. The same applies for patches, upgrades or service packs. As long as you are aware of this and it does not bother you then you may go ahead and get the OEM software this way.

If however the distributor has bought the OEM as bulk and it is licensed for bundling then you can still buy legal OEM software. You can also buy reproduced legal OEM software from the hardware manufacturers or there distributors. If they are legal you should get the accompanying user manual as well as being entitled to technical support and they should be in their original packaging.

You could visit an OEM forum if you are not sure whether or not the OEM you are looking at is legal. You could then ask if anyone has bought the same thing what it is like. These forums are a great consumer advice center where you can get opinions and support.

Failing that you could join an OEM assistance site to check the validity of the OEM software. There is no harm in asking if you are not sure.

by: Allan Hayward

POST COMMENT

Legal File, Presentation and Certificate Folders Are Mandatory Products For Researchers Always The USA has illegal online play. Or has it? Why More Legal Training Means More Opportunities For You Advantages And Benefits Of Legal Document Shredding Legal Document Security While Shipping INDIAN ILLEGALS RISK LIFE AND LIMB FOR THE GOOD LIFE IN BRITAIN What The Ebay Seller Must Know About Legal And Tax Issues Eliminating Credit Card Debt Legally - Get Out of Debt Fast and Stop Calls For Payment nOW Pro-Illegalizing Pro-Anorexia Websites How to get best legal jobs Preventing Legal Liability With Employment Pre Screening eliminate Credot Card Debt Legally - Debt Settlement can get you out of debt for good Legal Document Duplication, Legal Scanning, Copying, And Security Risks