OEM Software. Illegal or Legal? And why is it so cheap?

Ryankop · May 15th, 2005, 12:48 PM

Hey fellow mac users,

For those who don't know what OEM software is, here's a brief description:

	Quote:
	OEM (original equipment manufacturer) software is only distributed when sold with specified accompanying hardware. When these programs are copied and/or sold separately from the hardware, it is a violation of the license with the software publisher, and therefore illegal.

Basically it's software given to 3rd party companies to sell, but sold to these companies at a cheaper price. For example DELL, is sold Windows XP from Microsoft for a cheaper price, thsus being OEM software when it is installed with your DELL computer. Now sometimes you come across those websites with OEM software for mac and pc, and you see prices like:

Adobe Photoshop CS 2

Originally: $599.95

Now only: $69.95

It makes you wonder how can software be so incredibly cheap? There have been past disputes about OEM software actually being wares and pirated, which of course is illegal. Usually after selling several copies, the company disappears from existance. I have found several in the past, but have never bought 1 OEM software. I am hoping to buy the creative suite at an affordable price, however I'm not sure whether to trust OEM software companies.

Has anyone here bought OEM software?

Does anyone know of a trust worthy OEM software company?

Has anyone been scammed by OEM software companies?

And what is your opinion on OEM software and small companies selling them?

Anyways, this is not only for my sake on OEM software, but everyone's sake before deciding whether to purchase OEM software or not.

Let's hear these opinions!

scootsandludes · May 15th, 2005, 01:06 PM

This sounds like something that's done on the PC side of computing. The only company that makes Macs is Apple, and they supply their own OEM software e.g OSX Tiger, iLife. There are no other OEM software that you can buy at a discount.

Maybe you should take this to a PC board as this rarely affects Mac users.

The price you posted sounds like some kind of spam email offer, which we all know is a scam.

vince

Trevor... · May 15th, 2005, 01:48 PM

Watch out because pirated software is often ADVERTISED to be OEM.

OEM is less expensive because it does not come with retail packaging or accessories and it typically does not include product support from the vendor.

For example, there is an OEM version of Microsoft Office 2004 and it costs about $220

The price of OEM software is often dramatically reduced, but not too good to be true.

simon · May 15th, 2005, 02:26 PM

Adobe software, especially the suites, are not sold as OEM. You can find Adobe software "bundled" with, say, a scanner, but that usually is the "lite" revision. There is a link on a variation of this type of software here ...

Software from Buys U.S.A

Ryankop · May 15th, 2005, 02:47 PM

All righty. I am aware that most OEM software sites are scams, however there are few for PCs that are not. Does this go likewise with mac OEM sites? Is there and could there be a legal one?

Even if not OEM, is there any other service that gives such discounts like OEM?

poisonmonkey · May 15th, 2005, 02:56 PM

Another than OEM some large volume companies get software for much cheaper. They only pay their licencing fees for its use.

But, Corel had a very extensive OEM program a few years ago for their Office Suite. And not all OEM is bad. They are sold at a discount because they are guaranteed distribution with computers so the companies products get used.

Ryankop · May 15th, 2005, 03:30 PM

So know of any particular websites?

Glipt · May 15th, 2005, 03:42 PM

http://purplus.com/. These guys had an OEM copy of FCP 2 for $200 a while ago that I looked into but didn't purchace. They have a good explanation on the legality of OEM software and links to sites explaining the law on tis matter. Their feedback score on eBay is excellent and they sell a lot.

ArtistSeries · May 15th, 2005, 03:45 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Ryankop
	It makes you wonder how can software be so incredibly cheap? Has anyone here bought OEM software? Does anyone know of a trust worthy OEM software company? Has anyone been scammed by OEM software companies? And what is your opinion on OEM software and small companies selling them?

If it's sound too good to be true, then it is.

We sell OEM software and I can tell you that it's only available under strict circumstances. Sometimes the savings are great, others only marginally better.

We can sell Windows OEM XP only with a hardware bundles (basically a new PC).
Office can be included again with a new PC.

We can sell Nero OEM with any new CD/DVD drive.

You will have to be careful of the upgrade policies (they vary with each software company). Meaning some OEM software can be upgraded, some others can't.

Some OEM software is a version or two behind - not much we can do about it.

As for the emails spams promoting OEM software, I'd say most are a scam - stay away.

Ryankop · May 15th, 2005, 05:35 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Glipt
	http://purplus.com/. These guys had an OEM copy of FCP 2 for $200 a while ago that I looked into but didn't purchace. They have a good explanation on the legality of OEM software and links to sites explaining the law on tis matter. Their feedback score on eBay is excellent and they sell a lot.

So wait these guys sell LEGAL software?

And is it all OEM?

Also is this a canadian website, or do I have to pay customs when purchasing it.