OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. an OEM version of windows is usually the version of windows that a computer manufacturer (Such as HP or DELL) will buy to preinstall on a computer before they send it to the store to be purchased by the consumer.
It is safe to buy, and there really is no difference.
It is not the same as the regular Windows 7 retail box. You will not receive any technical support from Microsoft. Also, you may only activate it ONCE, which will be a pain if you will reinstall. It is also not recommended to be used to upgrade from an older operating system. On the last note, when you reinstall your system often your gonna be making lots of calls to Microsoft and will be forced to do a phone activation and have a long story to explain to a representative (which will be a huge pain)
Your safer bet is to try to get a Windows 7 retail box, no troubles at all, you won't regret it later.
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OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. an OEM version of windows is usually the version of windows that a computer manufacturer (Such as HP or DELL) will buy to preinstall on a computer before they send it to the store to be purchased by the consumer.
It is safe to buy, and there really is no difference.
It is not the same as the regular Windows 7 retail box. You will not receive any technical support from Microsoft. Also, you may only activate it ONCE, which will be a pain if you will reinstall. It is also not recommended to be used to upgrade from an older operating system. On the last note, when you reinstall your system often your gonna be making lots of calls to Microsoft and will be forced to do a phone activation and have a long story to explain to a representative (which will be a huge pain)
Your safer bet is to try to get a Windows 7 retail box, no troubles at all, you won't regret it later.
It's the same, it just doesn't come with the retail box.