What is the difference between OEM and retail versions of software?
Other than the price and the packaging, there is little difference between the two. OEM software is sold at the lower price without the box packaging because it is sold in sets of 3 or cases of 20 cds. The OEM software is sold only through wholesale distributors that are supposed to check that the individual or business purchasing the software is in fact a legitimate business with a state tax ID. Also OEM software MUST be sold with an item of hardware such as a hard disk drive, cd-rom drive, video card, etc.. Also, this software may not be transferred to another machine once installed. So is it legal to purchase OEM software on EBay? Buyers may purchase the software providing that the seller is also selling the software with a hardware item. A careful buyer should make sure when checking the listing that there is a hardware item included in the sale. Also, find out what the item is exactly. It would be too easy to say as a seller ” I am selling this OEM software with a hardware item” b
