The PC OS World is Horrible

[JerometheGiraff]

Microsoft has made choosing an OS horrible. Going to Linux won't run all the programs I use, buying another License of Windows7 Professional costs almost $300 retail.

 

[zigzag3143]

Microsoft has made choosing an OS horrible. Going to Linux won't run all the programs I use, buying another License of Windows7 Professional costs almost $300 retail.

There are discounts available all over. What country?

 

[Thorsen]

Actually... depending on what you want to do with the OS, Home basic should be enough and Pro doesnt cost that much I dont think....

Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows

 

[Maguscreed]

There is one bright side to this, I had several xp keys just go bad on me because I reformatted so much they apparently just decided they didn't like me anymore.

Anyhow, I told you that to tell you this, at least with windows 7 once you have a copy it's yours. You don't wind up fighting with them about re-installs for no reason.
That was my major problem with xp.

 

[JerometheGiraff]

There are discounts available all over. What country?

Canada

 

[DeaconFrost]

Why do you need another license? If you have one, you shouldn't need another for the same computer. You could always get a Mac, and pay for service packs.

 

[Sardonicus]

If you don't mind OEM and you're here in the states.
Professional x64 SP1, $15 off with promo code, until 09-05-11,
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!
Click on Software > Operating Systems.

 

[pparks1]

Yes, the retail version of Windows is expensive. It's not a big deal when you buy a new computer, because that OEM copy is cheap and you hardly notice. But if you are a computer enthusiast and have a few PC's at home, staying legit and sticking to Microsoft can get expensive.

your options:
1). Get an OEM copy. You save money, but technically it's tied to the computer...thus you cannot move it later to another PC.
2). Get a technet subscription. These are $200 for the first year and $149 a year to renew. You get copies of a ton of MS software and multiple license keys. Thus, you can download and run whatever you want, including Office. It's intended for IT professionals and the licensing says it's for "evaluation purposes". But a call to MS confirms that running it at home on home computers as a tech enthusiast is ok. If you don't renew, you won't have access to new downloads or new keys, but your existing keys keep working.

 

[JerometheGiraff]

I always knew about OEM, but I wanted some feed back although it is the most inexpensive option. How is it tied to the computer ?

 

[Brink]

Hello Jerome,

When you activate a OEM copy of Windows 7, the product key number you used that came with it will be permanently tied to only being able to be used on that specific computer. You will never be able to use that product key number on a different computer afterwards.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[JerometheGiraff]

What if the motherboard changes?

 

[Barman58]

hardware changes are a fact of life with PC's and one that Microsoft understands and respects - the activation may fail when re-installing an OEM version after major hardware changes, but the system will provide you with a local Freephone number that ill connect you to a technician. Simply inform the technician of the reasons for the change and they will authorise the install for you.

Although the licence terms state that the replacement of a motherboard is considered a new PC and thus invalidates the activation I have never known Microsoft to refuse activation when a valid reason was explained to them

 

[seavixen32]

Don't forget that even when you get through the activation process Microsoft run validation checks on your system in an effort to ensure people aren't using pirated software or breaking the terms of their EULA e.g. using OEM software on more than one computer.

That said, their telephone activation has never failed me since I moved to Windows 7, nor has speaking to one of Microsoft's support staff as basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

 

[Maguscreed]

basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

That's exactly it!

I reformat a lot, and while I have had to call in a couple of times I've never gotten cut off from my key. They just start wondering why when the same one pops up over and over again. ...makes sense ...as much so as any drm procedure.

 

[DeaconFrost]

basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

After all the debates and discussions, this is what it all boils down to.