New to installing OS-->Need Help

I'm getting a new laptop with no OS and had some questions about installing one.

I prefer Vista as i am most familliar with windows and need a 64bit OS (4gb of RAM)

What is the differenct between an OEM version and the retial version?
-Number of installs
-How it is saved
-etc.

Will I be able to transfer an OS buy moving everything from one hard drive to another?

How does it know it has a three computer limit on the key? It would seem this is only possible through the internet due to the fact that no new information is written on the CD during installation.

That seems to be all for now.

Thanks!

 

OEM is what is sold to system builders and manufacturers. It is cheaper, but you need to buy a piece of hardware with it. Stores that sell OEM versions will often bundle a cheap piece of hardware like a power supply y splitter to meet the legal requirements. The only places you will find OEM versions are at "brick and mortar" computer specialty stores or online. Retail is what you will typically find at Wal-Mart or BestBuy and is more expensive than OEM. Besides the price there is NO difference between the two versions and I would HIGHLY advise you to get the OEM version and save yourself a couple of bucks.

In Both versions you get unlimited installs on the same computer, they are both saved on DVDs and the installation process is the same either way. Transfering to a new HDD is no problem, either you can reinstall the OS or clone the drive itself. If you reinstall you just have to reactivate which usually isn't too much of a hassle unless you upgrade other hardware along with the drive (then you just have to call in the activation and it's still not that big of a deal).

Your right about a 3 computer limit... You need to activate it, and the internet is the most common method. If you do not have an internet connection you can activate over the phone too.

 

While there is no difference between what is on the disks of the retail and OEM versions of Vista, if you purchase an OEM version, that means you get NO support from Microsoft. You're on your own. That's a big reason why it's much cheaper.

 

True, but looking at the prices for Vista Ultimate for example I can get the OEM version for $169 vs $267 (from newegg.com). Considering that most if not all of the routine questions that come up with vista can be answered in forums like this I am loathe to drop an extra hundred dollars on the retail set. This is especially true when installing on a relatively standardized piece of equipment like a laptop. I suppose it would be one thing if you knew NOTHING about Vista and were trying to install it on a custom computer, but it's just not the case here.

 

Oh, I completely agree. I would never buy a retail copy of Vista when the OEM version is so cheap. I don't mind troubleshooting on my own, so it's fine if I don't get any support from Microsoft. I was just saying that the reason it's so cheap is not necessarily because it's meant for system builders, but since it's meant for system builders, Microsoft provides zero support for it.

 

You don't need a 64Bit OS because you have 4GB of RAM.

1GB can for example be used for the video card.

If you're manufacturer does not supply you with 64 Bit drivers, consider using 32 Bit instead, unless you have a reason why you really need a 64Bit OS.

 

I've read plenty of places that you need a 64 bit system if you have 4gb of Ram, because a 32 bit will only use up to 3gb. Am I intrepreting this wrong?

 

Yes and no.
Your OS will actively use 3 to 3.5GB max.
However, the remaining 1GB can be adressed by Hardware like a graphics card.