What is OEM Software

The term "OEM" is used as an abbreviation for the term '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, cell phones and other types of electronic products before they are shipped to the markets all over the world.

What is Original Equipment Manufacture 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 software specially designed and perfected only for the OEM's exclusive use? The answer to this question is, "No!" Can one purchase a copy of this software in the retail market? Yes, you can buy it as a stand-alone software product. However, it may prove to be costlier than those offered by the OEM's (number of products ordered matters).

Original Equipment Manufacture Software

As a bulk buyer of this software, the OEM's purchase it at a discounted price. That is why, when you purchase their computer system, they can afford to sell these software to you at a low price. The software shipped with the computer systems 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 full functionality.
2. It may be a feature-limited version of the retail software available in the market. Most of the time these software are sold as 'Special Edition' or 'Limited Edition'. This type of software are sold to entice computer users into buying a full-fledged version of the software.
3. It may be an older version of the retail software available in the market.

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

You can also buy these software at a retailer along with a core computer hardware component. There are some issues related with such a purchase which may prevent you from going ahead with it. This software may not be available with all the software components that their retail software version has. The instructions provided with it may not be sufficient for a novice computer user when it comes to installing the software. The real problem with this type of software is that its manufacturer may provide only limited warranties and support for it. It is expected that the retailer, who you are buying it from, will provide it in full.

OEM software are also available on the internet, however, be careful because some on-line websites are selling the software such as Adobe Photoshop without prior permission from the manufacturer. The product sold by these websites are basically pirated versions. There is no guarantee that a software purchased from these sellers will be shipped with the original packaging and a user manual. If you are going to buy a software, it is advisable that you check the credibility of the seller. If you end up with a pirated version the software, it will not avail you support, software upgrades or service packs, that a legal OEM software purchase assures.