OEM versions of software on ebay, what exactly are they ?
 

I am after a copy of Nero and ive been looking on ebay, their are quite a few versions called OEM versions that are a lot cheaper than the full priced versions. What are the OEM versions and what will i get ?

Here is an example of an auction im looking at.

Nero 8 Essentials, NEW (OEM with related Hardware item) on eBay, also DVD Authoring, Video Software, Software, Computing (end time 20-Oct-08 20:39:37 BST)

they are the disks they give away with new pcs and disc drives.

OEM software is identical to the full retail versions of the software but it has no packaging, manual etc

It says they are originals with their own unique code, does that mean your getting a full geuine version of nero with serial code ?

Yes

OEM versions seem a bargain then at a fraction of the cost of a retail version, thanks for the reply

You can download the commercial trial here (15 days use)

Download Nero Burning Rom 9.0.9.4c - FileHippo.com

I wouldnt pay for Nero though when this will do the same job for free..

Download DeepBurner 1.9.0.228 - FileHippo.com

That looks great freeware and it looks ideal for standard burning but it doesn`t burn blu ray like the nero version i posted above, i need that option hence it would have to be nero for my needs.

Ah well this is what you want then..

CDBurnerXP: Introduction and News

That's correct.

OEM = original equipment manufacturer.

Legally the OEM version of any software has to be supplied with the hardware it was licensed to.

OEM software should not be sold without hardware.

It's also, usually a few versions older than the latest or has less features. The idea being you upgrade to the full version at some time.

Cheers