OEM Software at true good to be true prices...legit?

[Will Chen]

Hello guys and gals,

Searching for deals on virtual instruments I ran accross a site which seems too good to be true. OEM software (including a bunch of music production titles) at just unbeleivable pricing which immediately sets off my "too good to be true" alarm. Has anyone done business discountoemsoftware.net? Are they selling pirated and/or cracked copies? They have a couple titles I'm interested in. Thanks.

[ermghoti II]

Teh Googlez (http://www.michaelthementor.com/forum/index.php?topic=260.15)

Title: Re: What Photoshop to Buy?
Post by: Old-Duckman on August 31, 2008, 07:49:35 pm
What about the online sites that sell "CS3 Extended" in a download only version, registed in your name and you get automatic updates (according to their FAQ). Price $99.95

http://www.discountoemsoftware.net/adobe-adobe_photoshop_cs3_extended.html (http://www.discountoemsoftware.net/adobe-adobe_photoshop_cs3_extended.html)

Anyone purchased through this site or one like it? Pros, Cons??

Title: Re: What Photoshop to Buy?
Post by: Whubee on August 31, 2008, 08:16:37 pm
Its a scam. I wouldn't trust it
If you look at the disclaimers, it says not all programs are available for updates.
When you buy a program from adobe, you are paying for the packaging, manuals, cd, and the customer service that comes with it.

Other than that, nothing. Sounds like bull.

[daddymack]

it is sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't...
http://tesla.liketelevision.com/liketelevision/images/lowrez/shock307.jpg

[stellaguy]

it is sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't...
http://tesla.liketelevision.com/liketelevision/images/lowrez/shock307.jpg

Amen to that!

Was exactly what i was going to say ....

[Agreed]

Well, OEM operating systems (for example) are sold at major resellers, like Newegg, and while there are some assumed limitations as to what you can do with them, I've never had any trouble installing them on a different computer at upgrade time and reactivating. Windows Vista Business 64-bit is around $400. Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM is less than $170.

Some OEM software is entirely legitimate, but you have to pay attention to what you can and can't do with it. Often it is non-transferable, has limited activations, little or no support (sometimes they specify that the provider of the hardware is obligated to provide support)... And I have a feeling music software companies would enforce that a little bit more rigidly than Microsoft.

OEM (which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer) software is intended to be installed by a hardware provider (aka a PC builder who then sells the finished product to consumers), hence the limitations above. It doesn't come with the retail accouterments, either - kind of like OEM hardware in that regard. It isn't intended to be purchased by you, the consumer, but there is nothing illegal about purchasing it and using it provided it is legitimate in the first place.

Edit: That web site, though, seems like it's got some really shady shit going on. Here's from their FAQ.


Even though you are not able to register the product online you will be able to receive automatic updates of the most programs. When updates are ready to install you will see a popup window or an icon at the right bottom corner of your screen. Then you have to click on the icon and follow the instructions.

If you can't register it online, it probably isn't authentic. I wouldn't go anywhere near them. But OEM software, in and of itself, is not illegal and you can get some very good deals. Stick to known and trustworthy businesses, though.

[Will Chen]

Thanks guys! Doing a little research, I'm betting it's a pirate operation. I've bought a good ammount of OEM hardware in the past and that angle almost pulled me in.