What is OEM Software

The term "OEM" is used as a short form for 'Original Equipment Manufacture' and refers to entities that manufacture computers and hardware. The question, "What is OEM software?", can be answered in the following way. It is the software that is sold in bulk to the OEM's, so that they can package it with their computer hardware, before they are shipped to the markets all over the world.

What is OEM Software?

From the point of view of consumers, who purchase packaged systems such as laptop computers or notebook computers, OEM software is a third-party software. Are these softwares specially designed and perfected for the OEM's exclusive use? The answer to this question is, no. Can one purchase an OEM software in the retail market? Yes, you can buy it as a stand alone software product. However, it may prove to be costlier than the software products offered by the OEM's.

OEM Software Categories

As a bulk buyer of the OEM software, the OEM's purchase it at a discounted price. When you purchase their computer system, they can afford to sell the OEM software to you at a low price. The OEM software shipped with the computer system may fall in one of the following category:

1. It may be a full fledged version of the retail software available in the market, which offers its users unlimited and full functionality.
2. It may be a feature-limited version of the retail software available in the market. Most of the times this software version is sold as 'Special Edition' or 'Limited Edition'. These softwares are sold to entice a computer user into buying a full fledged version of the software.
3. It may be an older version of the retail software available in the market.

OEM softwares save money for a computer buyer. However, they impose special license restrictions on him or her. If, in future, the buyer OEM software wants to sell only the OEM software and keep the computer system, he or she may find that the end-user license may not allow it. OEM softwares are meant to be used with the computer systems they are sold with.

You can also buy OEM softwares at a retailer along with a core computer hardware component. OEM softwares may not be available with all the software components that their retail software version has. The instructions provided with it may be not be sufficient for a novice computer user when it comes to installing the software. The real problem with the OEM software is that its manufacturer may provide only limited warranties and support for it. It is expected that the retailer, who is selling the OEM software to you, will provide it in full.

OEM softwares are also available on the internet, however, be careful because some on-line websites are selling the softwares such as Adobe photoshop without prior permission from the manufacturer. The OEM softwares sold by these websites are basically pirated versions of the softwares. A legally purchased OEM software is not shipped with original packaging and user manual. If you are going to buy an OEM software, it is advisable that you check the retailer. Your pirated OEM software will not avail support, software upgrades or service packs, that a legal OEM software purchase assures, to you.