Where should I get Windows 7?

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PutNameHerePl0x

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Apr 29, 2013
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I'm almost sold on Windows 7, but just in case Windows 8 is better, could you please tell me? And where is the cheapest place to get Windows 7?
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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Feb 22, 2007
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OEM versions are mostly bought on-line (ie newegg). NOTE, you can not upgrade your MB and re-install the OEM version. You can if your MB dies and you have to replace it.
Upgrade Version, about the same cost as OEM. But you must own a copy of say windows XP - either that is currently on the computer you are upgrading, or a copy you OWN but IS NOT on another computer - If this is the case you do NOT have to install windows XP then do the upgrade, as you can do a "clean" install using the upgrade version. Just have to do a few extra steps, SEE pg 2: http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_use_your_windows_7_upgrade_disk_fresh_pc?page=0,1

Full versions, way too expensive and very little cost savings buying on-line vs downtown

Windows 8
Revised their OEM Lic to allow upgrading MB and re-using the OEM copy.
Pretty much split on Love it vs hate it.
uSoft, is coming out with a windows 8.1 (Windows Blue) that addresses a number of the problems (HOPEFULLY adds back a start menu, But there a some 3rd part add-ons that provide a start menu ie Start8.
Windows 8 upgrade, Not sure if it will allow a "Clean install", if it does NOT then Skip the upgrade version.
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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Windows 7 (Except for Family pac) can only be installed on ONE computer at a anygiven time. This means that:
1) If computer dies, you can re-install one your NEW computer, This includes the OEM version.
2) If you upgrade your computer, You can re-install UNLESS it is the OEM Version. 3) You can ONLY re-install the OEM version IF the MB dies, You can NOT upgrade the Mother board and re-install.

In the above cases, You may get a message stating somethink to the effect it is not a valid copy, BUT you just need to call Microsoft and explain. They will issue you a New Key code.

If You just need to re-install on the machine that it was already on, ie your HDD died, Then that is NO problem.
 
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K

kyllien

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Jan 22, 2013
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To continue what RetiredChief is saying.

It is all about the licensing and some about the code.

An OEM copy of Windows 7 is always tied to the computer on which it was originally installed. You can not transfer the license to any other computer.

Using the Upgrade version of Windows 8 consumes the previously installed OS's license. You can not install the previous OS on any other computer.

The OEM License for Windows 8 works differently but you can still only install it on one computer at a time.

As far as where to buy it? Amazon, Newegg, Tigerdirect etc.

Sometimes the OEM version of Windows will be bundled with the purchase of some hardware like a harddrive, memory, CPU, motherboard etc.
 
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PutNameHerePl0x

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Apr 29, 2013
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So Windows 8 is better? Will it run any faster or slower? Also, I got Bioshock Infinite and Tomb Raider for free and got offered Windows 8 for Bioshock Infinite but he might have been lying because he's done that before.
 
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