How do I shop for my OS?

[xxmakroxx]

I am building a computer and need to save a few bucks for a power supply. I have found that the OEM version of Windows 7 is much cheaper than the full retail version.
I don't know a lot on these things but I have read that the OEM can only be installed once and thats it? Your OS becomes corrupted and you can't reinstall? Only the retail version lets you wipe your drive and reinstall at your leisure? I am kind of in the dark on this subject because every computer I had came with an OS and recovery discs.

I just don't know what to buy.........

 

[pparks1]

I don't know a lot on these things but I have read that the OEM can only be installed once and thats it? Your OS becomes corrupted and you can't reinstall?

Not true. You can only install it on this one computer. It's tied into that machine, that motherboard, etc. So, you can reformat and reinstall however many times you want and as long as your hardware isn't changing substantially it activates.

If 2 years down the road, you decide to get a new new mobo, new CPU and a new hard drive to build a new upgraded computer...you technically would have to get a new license since you cannot move an OEM license from one machine to another.

Microsoft recently announced that OEM is not really for the hobbyist home user market. Even though places like NewEgg and such sell it...it's not really meant for everyday people to buy and install.
http://www.sevenforums.com/news/39033-oem-not-hobbyist-market.html

 

[xxmakroxx]

Well I think that gives me some hope. The computer I'm building should not need an upgrade for a good 5 years or so, at least the components you made mention of. So as long as I don't change up anything major the OEM copy should do me well. I definitely appreciate the input.

 

[pparks1]

No problem. I bought a Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit OEM for my Windows 7 box...however I attended the Windows 7 New Efficiency launch event and got a free retail copy of Windows 7 Ultimate...so I am actually using that. Sadly, the $189 copy of Vista 64-bit Ultimate with a free upgrade to Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit is just sitting on the shelf and collecting dust.