| Many software vendors offer original equipment | | | | support, service packs, upgrades or patches. |
| manufacturer (OEM) versions at very low prices, | | | | Weigh the consequences against the benefits and |
| and it's not surprising that a lot of active | | | | decide accordingly. |
| computer users buy them. But are they really | | | | You can still legally purchase discount OEM |
| legal? The answer is a yes and a no. Read on to | | | | software, provided that the software is licensed |
| find out more. | | | | to OEMs for bundling. Legally reproduced OEM |
| Technically speaking, you can only get OEM | | | | software can be bought from hardware |
| software with a specified accompanying | | | | manufacturers themselves or from their licensed |
| hardware. So when these OEM programs are | | | | distributors. They should come with user manuals, |
| copied and then sold separately from the | | | | original retail packaging, and technical support from |
| hardware, there is a violation. Unless the license | | | | the hardware provider themselves. |
| specifically states that the OEM software is free | | | | If you are not sure of the OEM software you |
| and can be copied and distributed, then | | | | want to buy is a legal copy, try visiting OEM |
| transactions involving the sale and/or trade of | | | | forums. Ask people who have used OEM |
| OEM software are illegal. | | | | software what they think of the one you want |
| The only reason that OEM software is still | | | | to purchase. It is a good idea to sign up with |
| rampantly sold in the market is that | | | | these online communities so you can get |
| manufacturers have never really actively | | | | first-hand, consumer-to-consumer opinion and |
| reprimanded the vendors for illegally distributing | | | | support. There are also OEM assistance sites that |
| them. The key is to be a wise consumer - know | | | | can try to check the legitimacy of any OEM |
| that when you buy counterfeit OEM-labeled | | | | software for consumers like you. Do not hesitate |
| software, you will not be entitled to technical | | | | to contact them when you're in doubt. |