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Question, Windows 7
- Thread starter PAUL161
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aerog
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No - you can upgrade from anything to any version of Windows 7. 32 bit to 64 bit, Windows XP to Windows 7-Ultimate...whatever you want.
The OEM versions of MS software is intended for system builders or home builders like me (I buy the motherboard and components I want and build it myself). You get no phone support from MS and the operating system <span style="font-style: italic">cannot</span> be uninstalled and moved to another machine. In short: once you activate the OEM product on your machine it's there forever and can't be reused (although home-builders like me will tell you it can and has been done).
Since it's intended for computer builders only the "support" is supposed to be directly from the computer builder - not Microsoft. The amount of good quality support online doesn't, in my opinion, outweigh the extra money for a phone call to a support person that is probably in India. But if you're a person that calls an 800-number every time a message pops up on your screen then maybe OEM isn't for you.
OEM versions are also 32bit *OR* 64bit. You buy the one you want and you're stuck with it.
On the other hand the upgrade and retail versions can be installed then later if you computer dies. If you build/buy another one you can reinstall it and reactivate it there. Then there's that support from Microsoft I mentioned.
Upgrade and retail (except for the label on the box and the license I'm pretty sure they're identical by the way) can be installed as either 32bit or 64bit. They come with disks for either version. If you put 32bit on now and want to change to 64bit a year from now you can do it.
Laying it out here price-wise: Newegg (my benchmark for prices) has the Win7 Pro UPGRADE for $188.99. The OEM version is $139.99. For $50 you're getting the ability to reinstall later if you destroy your computer and build another, and you have access to their supposed "support".
For the "Home Premium" version (probably what fits the needs of most people) the prices are a lot different. The Upgrade version is $114.99 and the OEM is $106.99. For $8 I'd probably get the upgrade version but that's just me.
For people that want the "Home Premium" version and have more than one computer they're selling a 3-pack that comes with 3 full licenses so you can install it on three different machines. Newegg sells it for $149.99 and Sams Club has it for $147.99 - bringing the per-computer cost to around $50.
I don't know what the licensing limitation is on the 3-pack but if you've got three friends that want to upgrade maybe you can split the cost and upgrade for $50 each
The OEM versions of MS software is intended for system builders or home builders like me (I buy the motherboard and components I want and build it myself). You get no phone support from MS and the operating system <span style="font-style: italic">cannot</span> be uninstalled and moved to another machine. In short: once you activate the OEM product on your machine it's there forever and can't be reused (although home-builders like me will tell you it can and has been done).
Since it's intended for computer builders only the "support" is supposed to be directly from the computer builder - not Microsoft. The amount of good quality support online doesn't, in my opinion, outweigh the extra money for a phone call to a support person that is probably in India. But if you're a person that calls an 800-number every time a message pops up on your screen then maybe OEM isn't for you.
OEM versions are also 32bit *OR* 64bit. You buy the one you want and you're stuck with it.
On the other hand the upgrade and retail versions can be installed then later if you computer dies. If you build/buy another one you can reinstall it and reactivate it there. Then there's that support from Microsoft I mentioned.
Upgrade and retail (except for the label on the box and the license I'm pretty sure they're identical by the way) can be installed as either 32bit or 64bit. They come with disks for either version. If you put 32bit on now and want to change to 64bit a year from now you can do it.
Laying it out here price-wise: Newegg (my benchmark for prices) has the Win7 Pro UPGRADE for $188.99. The OEM version is $139.99. For $50 you're getting the ability to reinstall later if you destroy your computer and build another, and you have access to their supposed "support".
For the "Home Premium" version (probably what fits the needs of most people) the prices are a lot different. The Upgrade version is $114.99 and the OEM is $106.99. For $8 I'd probably get the upgrade version but that's just me.
For people that want the "Home Premium" version and have more than one computer they're selling a 3-pack that comes with 3 full licenses so you can install it on three different machines. Newegg sells it for $149.99 and Sams Club has it for $147.99 - bringing the per-computer cost to around $50.
I don't know what the licensing limitation is on the 3-pack but if you've got three friends that want to upgrade maybe you can split the cost and upgrade for $50 each
Same here. The gamer boyz are the friends who've run it for months now. I was impressed.
OP
Online
Doc, I need to rent your brain again!
For some reason, my Internet speed is cut down to about 1/4 of it's normal in Linux. I have broadband and in Windows, it flys, but in Linux, it acts like dial up. I guess it's probably a setting needs to be changed, but what and how? Stumped!!
DNK
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So we got the Birthday Boy Windows 7 with an upgrade for his graphics card.
Dell drives me nuts. Can't install the card because the connection is wrong,there is probably not enough power in the supply and the proprietary layouts of the dell make it impossible to change the power supply to one we need.
Dell drives me nuts. Can't install the card because the connection is wrong,there is probably not enough power in the supply and the proprietary layouts of the dell make it impossible to change the power supply to one we need.
A
aerog
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Yup - gotta be careful about what you get for what you've got.
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A bit more Dell sniping: Acer has finally outsold 'em. YAY!! (I sell Acer systems from time to time).
I try to convince my clients to let me spec out machines instead of buying a "system" preconfigured. Getting more difficult due to MB design/construct with video/sound/NIC etc. all on the MoBo.
If you're goin' for new machines and want a nice compact board, look to Intel's "Atom" series. Neat. Make great workstation boards. With server grade or heavy gaming it's still best to mix-n-match, IMO.
I try to convince my clients to let me spec out machines instead of buying a "system" preconfigured. Getting more difficult due to MB design/construct with video/sound/NIC etc. all on the MoBo.
If you're goin' for new machines and want a nice compact board, look to Intel's "Atom" series. Neat. Make great workstation boards. With server grade or heavy gaming it's still best to mix-n-match, IMO.
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aerog
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Should I mention that my next aerial camera might be made by a Microsoft subsidiary?
Shhh
Shhh
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I have one and have sold a bunch. They have a good line of choices, even a VERY nice LED screen line. Just got me paws on one of their Aspire 4810T-8702 units. Google it or check Amazon for a good price. 8 hour battery run! LED screen. Really a nice machine.
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PAUL161 said:Doc, I need to rent your brain again!For some reason, my Internet speed is cut down to about 1/4 of it's normal in Linux. I have broadband and in Windows, it flys, but in Linux, it acts like dial up. I guess it's probably a setting needs to be changed, but what and how? Stumped!!
The machine I'm on now is a "new to me" e-machine I crammed CentOS onto yesterday and am using a Belkin PCI WiFi NIC in... it's REMARKABLY quick. The hardwired NIC is a Realtek and just fine. Did you disable IPv6? How are you connected to the access point? CAT-5 cable to the IP provider's router? Using DHCP for resolving TCP/IP addy? Mebbe we need to PM and have a 'phone conversation. :wink: