There is no free support as in the retail version.
The packaging is simple and without documentation.
You have to decide before buying for a variant (32/64).
Otherwise, this variant does not differ significantly from the retail version because even with the retail version of the license is only valid for a system.
Background: The OEM version is intended basically for a supplier of complete systems, selling the operating system separately from the hardware. Therefore, there is no support from Microsoft directly for it, because in this case, should the system vendors provide support. Where "OEM" here in the product description actually the wrong term because Microsoft distinguishes between "system builder" for smaller manufacturers and, again significantly lower "OEM". OEM versions usually get only large manufacturers such as Dell, IBM, HP, etc. These versions have then often additional protections, so they can run only on certain systems of the respective manufacturers.
In Germany, the sales "gebundelter" software is not protected. The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) has in 2000 decided that the split distribution of software (as a regular full-price and discounted as OEM version) is not a necessary and worthy of protection right. Microsoft had then argued in the interests of combating software piracy to be dependent on such a marketing concept. If the company Microsoft programs cheapened to PC manufacturers abgebe to promote a PC original equipment with their products, had no reason - according to the BGH - why not interested should come to an isolated copy of the program to benefit from the more favorable price. The interest of a manufacturer, different market segments to use with different prices, so it was said, would not otherwise protected by the legal system.
I have tested Windows 7 both in the private sphere as well as in Active Directory. It made me so confident that I have it pre-ordered the same for me. In company I have deliberately omitted Vista and always bought to downgrade to XP. In private use Vista mE was a bit too denigrated but Windows 7 has what it takes to make it in the foreseeable future on the desktops in the enterprise.
