Difference between COA and Product Key

ProjectSINQ

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Question: What is the difference between a COA and a Product Key?

I know at this point, I sound like an idiot, but I notice some deals, such as ebay, have COA for sell and Product Keys for sell. However, I don't understand the difference between the 2 being auctioned.

Is a COA the same thing as a Product Key?

For example, can I use a COA to activate a Windows OS instead of a product key?

Again, I know I sound really dumb right now, but I'm really confused over here.

It would be grateful if you have read and answered my question with a good explanation. I have looked online but I see no results between the 2 terms.

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Also, 2nd question: Why do COA seals have to be sold with computer parts? I read the policy, but I didn't understand it too well.
 
The COA (Certificate Of Authenticity) is the little paper sticker with the product key on it. Some retail stuff bought online does not come with one, but unless you bought it direct from MS that's usually a bad sign.

The product key is the string of 25 characters that you need to use windows.
 

ProjectSINQ

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So I can activate a Windows OS as long as I have a Product Key 25-digit number, whether it's a COA sticker with a Product Key or just a Product Key printed copy(With no COA), as long as it's valid(Such as never used before)?
 

ProjectSINQ

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Oh, ok. I guess that means I will/may be buying a retail version then. I suppose it's a risk I have to take.
 

aliasfoxkde

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Technically no. Since Windows 8, your computer uses Digital Entitlement (the key in the bios thing) and there's no more keys, and therefore no more COA stickers (generally).