Notes and Questions on Computers 電腦軟硬體使用及選購方面的筆記和諮詢

OEM Operting Systems

I was thinking about buying a copy of Microsoft Windows XP Pro Edition OEM Version & Service Pack 2 until I realize that an OEM operating system does not come with any free technical support. Telephone technical support is available through a paid service via a toll-free number and a charge per call.

Furthermore,  OEM software is not returnable for any reason.

If I buy one, it would be the first time I install an operating system by myself.  With my very limited now-how, I may need the tech suport.  The money I saved by purchasing an OEM copy may go to that service.

Some say an OEM version is much harder to install  than a Microsoft version.  True or false?

中文英文跟帖都歡迎。今後我發帖也會中英文混用。

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-2 22:05 編輯 ]

Install Vista

Microsoft may give me a copy of Vista operating system.  As far as I know, this version of Microsoft Windows cannot be upgraded from my current version of, namely MCE 2004. In this case, Vista will only allow a clean Install, and my existing data will be deleted.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-3 00:31 編輯 ]

As you should have known, an OEM version of software is bundled with other hardware/software from so-called VAR, Value-Added Reseller. As a result, the legal rights you have with the OEM version of Microsoft Windows XP is in general different from what is sold as a retail version. One of the differences is technical support, as you indicated.
This is understandable since some of software packaged with your Microsoft Windows XP come from other vendors, i.e., VARs, who just resell their software with Microsoft, but likely not provide technical support.

And the most importantly an OEM version of software is commonly provided with reduced functionality. I would not be surprised at all if Microsoft does so.

Also you are right, installation of an OEM version of software is more difficult than a normal retail version due to its multi-vendor packaging content. Just one component is screwed up, you would not be able to install the whole thing properly. And Microsoft would not be able to answer your questions since they don't know much about those VARs' products either.

The practice of OEM and VAR in today's industry is for nothing else but cost-competitiveness which could bring a great deal of benefit to the corporate customers, but may not be so to individual consumers like you and me.

So be careful if you are thinking about an OEM version of ANY software. It's not worth it of saving a few dollors unless you are ready and able to handle all those troubles.

Per my experience, Dell XP Home and Professional installations are fairly straight forward. However, if my choice were not limited, I would rather have a version of the XP able to fit most systems. Besides that, most times I prefer a clean install to upgrading and I can get rid of a lot of unneeded stuff from my system at that time. Always back up your system prior to any OS installation or upgrading regardless of what you do with your system.

Nice replys--rich knowledge and clear thinking expressed in fine English.

There are two typos in my privious articles.  The correct versions:
As far as I know, this version of Microsoft Windows cannot be upgraded from my current version, namely MCE 2004.
I may need the tech support.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-7 05:49 編輯 ]

To reduce the devices on my desk, I use one power supply to power two external hard drives. (not at the same time, of course.) One power supply's out put is 12V/5V--2000mA, the other is 12V/5V--2A.  To make sure the outputs are same. I checked online and found this:

Amps (A) are used to measure electrical current consumption. 1 amp (A) = 1000 milliamps (mA).

Glad to see the green light.  I knew that when I was 12-year old. After all those years, however, I wasn't sure without checking.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-7 05:56 編輯 ]

If you buy a machine from HP,Dell, IBM, etc.., you can select pre-install the operation system or not.
If you need to pre-install the OS, they will give your a serial number lable on your machine, maybe also a CD.
Actually, if you use the CD to re-installed OS on this machine, the serial number is not necessary at all.  But you still should keep it safe. It maybe can be used when you install the OS on other compatible machine.

Thanks.  Can I install the CD on another computer? How to activate?

My main computer's O/S, MCE, came with the Sony computer.  After I install Vista, I'd like to install the MCE on another computer that currenly runs XP Home.  I'd ask Microsoft whether it is doable.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-8 22:12 編輯 ]

My next monitor should be a Viewsonic LCD TV with VGA input

Compare to LCD monitors, LCD TVs have better colors and brightness, and less sharpness.  However, the text is clear enough on My 32"  Viewsonic LCD TV when used as a monitor.  I don't need the high resolution.  To make text bigger, I only use the lowest setting, 800 by 600 pixels.

But its size of 32"  is too big for my desk.  It would block the window by my desk.  I prefer something around 26".

LCD TVs are less expensive per inch than LCD monitors.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-10 21:36 編輯 ]

Follow-up on my previous article #10

Not all LCD TVs are created equally.  Some cannot display text clearly despite the high resolution.

Viewsonic is a first-rate brand for computer monitors, and second-rate brand, according to a TV salesman, for TVs.  This might has something to do with the fact that my TV can be used as a monitor.

One Study, Two Printers

I have to keep my inkjet printer in my study after I bought a laser one.  Because the former has functions that the latter does not.  The inkjet printer is also a fax and copy maching. It can print envolops, too.  As a back-up printer, it would comes in handy if  my laser printer is down.

Correction: machine.
It is my wish that we have more than two days to revise our writing.

I have made a free subscription to PC World magazine for a year with $2 processing fee.
When I read a magazine, I tear off and threw away the pages I don't want to read or wouldn't read again.
I put magazines on my nightstand for bed time reading.  They are interesting enough for me to read, but not enough to keep me from falling asleep.

Soup Up My PC's Sound

I don't use my computer speaskers 揚聲器.  Even my main PC's 2.1 speakers are not good enough.
I put a Hi-Fi system in my study and connect the reciver/amplifier to PC's audio-out port.  把立體聲音響連到電腦上。

I hooked up a pair of floor-standing  speakers instead of bookshelf speakers.  They not only sound better but also provide more top space--- I can put things on top of them.

I set the receiver's volumn at low level (The red light points to 9 o'clock), unless the volumn is too low and the PC's output is already on its highest level.  提高電腦的音量以降低揚立體聲音響的音量。

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2006-12-15 06:00 編輯 ]

收藏！！

Make sure your date-and-time setting is correct

If you change it to check the calender of last month or next month, be sure to change it back as soon as you finish the checking.  Otherwise, something would go wrong.
I have learned it the hard way.  I suddenly lost my access to my mailbox because of the wrong date.

[ 本帖最後由 weiguang 於 2007-1-12 12:31 編輯 ]

I was wrong when I said, "My next monitor should be a Viewsonic LCD TV with VGA input."
My 32"  Viewsonic LCD TV is too bright for a computer monitor, even at its lowest level.  On the other hand, my 21-inch, IBM monitor is too dark for a TV, even at its highest level of brightness.
When playing video files, the pictures are brighter on my LCD TV than my LCD monitor.