Oem - Os

[Mr. Mulder]

Just ordered a base unit which comes with no OS So I was looking around different sites and OEM kept popping up,

What's the difference between OEM and OS (other than OS's being more expensive)

[sparsely]

OS = Operating System
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer (like Dell)

As you can see, they have nothing to do with each other.
What you need is an OS, and I'd recommend you use emule or bittorrent and download Windows XP Professional SP1 Corp.

[Johnny_B]

I think you want the differences between Retail and OEM versions, not OS and OEM.
They are pretty much the same when it comes to the software part.

The differences are:

Retail version is bought from the store. OEM can only be acquired if you buy hardware bundled with it.
OEM version usually has some more drivers than the retail, to suit the manufacturer's hardware that sells it.
Retail version comes in a nice little box. OEM does not.
Retail version contains a printed manual. OEM comes with an instruction booklet and sometimes with nothing at all.
Customers who purchase the retail version are eligible for tech support. OEM customers do not.
Retail version can make you bankrupt. OEM does not.
I'm not entirely sure but I think the warranty is the same for both OEM and retail.

Conclusion: Download it for free.

[Mr. Mulder]

Thanks people, but it would take an eternity to d/l