OEM or Retail

I have a home built PC, on which I've been using Ubuntu as the main OS.
I will be buying Windows 7 Home Premium when it becomes available.
My question is, if I purchase the OEM version, will I be able to install the OS exactly as I would if I purchased the Retail version?
As the OEM is considerably cheaper, I wonder what it doesn't have compared to the retail version.

Hi there

Yes you can install as you would the retail version. The difference between the two is not within the operating system but within the licencing terms and agreement. OEM versions are intended for system builders for placing on new computers. With an OEM version the operating system is tied into the motherboard and cannot be transferred to another system. When you purshase an OEM you must purchase the right variation (32 bit or 64 bit). With OEM there is no software support from Microsoft, it is provided by the system builder. On the other hand a retail version is transferable to another system (but you must only have the operating system installed on one computer at any time.) Support is available via Microsoft and you get both 32x and 64x disc with the package.

Cookieman pretty much summed everything up!

ooooo did not know that, I was gonna pick up the OEM from Newegg (promo for $99 atm) but I was debating if I want 32 or 64 (well, i WANT 64, just not sure if its gonna work with all my stuffs), now I think I'll splurge and get retail and cover all my bases.

Just joined the forums 5 minutes ago and already its paid for itself. Well...ok its free but...my time is valuable...yea, thats it.....

*\o/*

We have 3 PC's on our home network. Currently 2 running XP Pro and the newest build running VISTA Ultimate. I make money with the Vista build, the other two are used for Internet surfing and digital audio processing respectively.

If I did my math correctly, $300 per retail licence, it would cost me "only" $900 to upgrade all three to Win 7? Can someone confirm this . Has anyone seen a three pack?

I don't think I will try the upgrade path. Only fresh installs for me.

Im not sure what the US pricing is but you can get a family pack which appears to be the upgrade versions of 7 which will serve 3 PC's for £150.

Info from - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/351049/m...-7-family-pack

I just GOOGLED the family pack. Apparently Newegg.com has it listed as an item but is not available as it is deactivated.

Also, it would seem only the Home Premium version is available. I need the Pro version to run legacy engineering software from home on my home network.

It would appear MS is not catering to odd balls like me. Ah well, what else is new?

Okej, I have order a OEM x64 version of Windows 7 and should get it soon. So if I understand right I can just can put the disc in and install the OS. I don´t have to format the hard drive before I install?

You should reformat before you install. If it's Windows XP, you will have to reformat before you install.

Im using Windows 7 cr right now