A Word On Licensing
Louisville Geek’s clients frequently ask about the differences (particularly in cost) between different Microsoft Office and operating system licenses. Whether you are purchasing Microsoft, Intuit (QuickBooks) or antivirus or other software, typically several licensing options exist.
OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer licenses are among the least expensive software purchases one can make. Typically, when purchasing an OEM license, the software license being purchased is tied to a specific PC. That’s why the software is usually priced less than an equivalent retail boxed copy. When that PC is retired or replaced, the OEM license must be retired with it.
Full Retail Box – Full Retail Box licenses typically provide the user with the ability to install and use the software on a single PC. If the software is uninstalled from the original PC, typically a full retail box license permits installing the software on a second system. There are exceptions, so be sure to always read a manufacturer’s full license agreement (typically available on the Web site) before purchasing (and certainly before opening) a new software package. Since full retail licenses can usually be moved to new systems, the licenses are more expensive than OEM licenses.
Volume (or Open) Licenses - Many software manufacturers, including Microsoft, provide customers with the ability to purchase software subscriptions. For a fee, clients can purchase software packages (including upgrade rights) for a specifiuc number of systems for a predetermined period of time. Such volume licensing is often the best bet for larger organizations.
Whichever option you select, ensure you maintain a well-organized file that includes original installation media and associated product codes and license keys. Often the most difficult element in recovering from a computer crash is tracking down software licenses, product keys and installation CDs. Ensuring an organization properly licenses its software and keeps its software licenses handy helps speed recovery efforts and return systems to operation quickly. Such organization is also invaluable during software audits.
