Wiley Windows 7 Secrets 978-0-470-50841-1 用户手册
产品代码
978-0-470-50841-1
Chapter 1: Selecting the Right Windows 7 Edition
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Not sure what Windows XP or Vista product edition you have? In that OS, open the
Start menu, right-click the My Computer (or, in Vista, Computer) icon, and choose
Properties from the pop-up menu that appears. The window that appears will include
your Windows product edition.
Start menu, right-click the My Computer (or, in Vista, Computer) icon, and choose
Properties from the pop-up menu that appears. The window that appears will include
your Windows product edition.
OEM Versions
One of the biggest secrets in the software world is that Microsoft’s operating systems are
available from online retailers in so-called OEM (“original equipment manufacturer”)
versions (which come in just the Full SKU) that are aimed at the PC builder market. These
are the small “mom and pop”-type PC makers who build hand-crafted machines for local
markets. OEM packaging is bare-bones and does not come with a retail box. Instead, you
get the disc, a Product Key, and a slip of paper describing the product.
OEM versions of Windows 7 differ from retail versions in some important ways:
available from online retailers in so-called OEM (“original equipment manufacturer”)
versions (which come in just the Full SKU) that are aimed at the PC builder market. These
are the small “mom and pop”-type PC makers who build hand-crafted machines for local
markets. OEM packaging is bare-bones and does not come with a retail box. Instead, you
get the disc, a Product Key, and a slip of paper describing the product.
OEM versions of Windows 7 differ from retail versions in some important ways:
They are dramatically cheaper than retail versions.
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As shown in Table 1-14,
the OEM versions of Windows 7 are dramatically cheaper than comparable retail
versions. Note, however, that OEM pricing fluctuates somewhat, so the prices you
see online could be a bit different. Shop around for the best prices.
They do not come with any support from Microsoft.
versions. Note, however, that OEM pricing fluctuates somewhat, so the prices you
see online could be a bit different. Shop around for the best prices.
They do not come with any support from Microsoft.
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Because PC makers support
the products they sell directly, Microsoft doesn’t offer any support for OEM ver-
sions of Windows 7. This explains the cost differential, by the way.
You are not really supposed to buy them unless you’re building PCs that you
sions of Windows 7. This explains the cost differential, by the way.
You are not really supposed to buy them unless you’re building PCs that you
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will sell to others. Technically speaking, OEM versions of Windows 7 are avail-
able only to those who intend to build PCs to sell to others. Furthermore, online
retailers who sell OEM versions of Windows 7 are supposed to verify that you’re a
PC builder and/or sell the products with some kind of hardware. For this reason,
you’ll sometimes be asked to purchase a hardware tchotsky like a USB cable when
you purchase OEM software.
There’s no box.
able only to those who intend to build PCs to sell to others. Furthermore, online
retailers who sell OEM versions of Windows 7 are supposed to verify that you’re a
PC builder and/or sell the products with some kind of hardware. For this reason,
you’ll sometimes be asked to purchase a hardware tchotsky like a USB cable when
you purchase OEM software.
There’s no box.
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This shouldn’t matter too much, but you don’t get the cool
Windows 7 retail packaging when you buy OEM. Instead, you pretty much get
an install disc shrink-wrapped to a piece of cardboard and a product key.
an install disc shrink-wrapped to a piece of cardboard and a product key.
Users with multiple PCs who are interested in Windows 7 Home Premium might
also consider the specially priced Windows 7 Family Pack. Available for $149.99
in the United States --though prices could vary wildly at retail—the Family Pack
provides three Windows 7 Home Premium product keys, allowing you to install
the OS on, yup, you guessed it, three different PCs, and at bargain pricing.