Is it legal to buy OEM software online?
What is OEM software and can I buy it legally … – Ask Dave Taylor
What is OEM software and can I buy it legally? – Free tech support help from Ask Dave Taylor.
Publish Date: 08/06/2007 10:00
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/what_is_oem_software_can_i_buy_it_legally.html
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People can buy OEM software but people must check whether it's illegal or not. People must check the license agreement of certain OEM software to identify its legality. Check the software sold,especially if it is advertised as …
Is it legal to buy OEM software online?
And can OEM software be updated on the manufacturer’s site?
Hi, there are lots of ads on the Internet for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) software and the prices are great.
I have three questions really,
1) Is the software likely to work?
2) Is it legal to use it?
3) Will I be able to get updates from the original manufacturer?
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I imagine that it’s legal to buy the software but NOT to use it because it’s pirated software.
When you buy a computer, the OEM software comes as part of the ‘bundle’ and the seller is NOT ALLOWED to sell the software separately because it would be a violation of the software license.
So if you buy the software,
Will the software work?
It will most probably work because the seller will want you to buy more software from him.
Will you be able to upgrade an illegally purchase OEM version or a crack?
If it’s a "good" crack, then you’ll most likely be able to upgrade it, but if it’s really an OEM version then you may or may not be able to upgrade it and it will depend very much on what codes and protection the original producer applied to his software.
Here is an example of Microsoft’s OEM licensing agreement.
The bottom line is that any OEM software that you buy without a PC will be illegal, and that’s my read on it anyway.
Some online places (reputable places, such as scan or dabs) sell OEM software with a component (quite often a hard drive cable). You’d have to check the stipulation of the licence of the software you’re after for details, but if the suppliers think it’s ok then it might be.
If you buy OEM software it is highly unlikely you will ever be found to be in violation of the licence, so it’s down to your own morals.
whatever you decide to buy, stick with reputable shops that you trust.