*Read about the difference between Microsoft OEM CD w/ Key vs. OEM CD w/COA products.
This is a full retail version of the software. It includes the box, manuals and all other documentation that comes with a complete retail version. All manufacturers do not package their software in the same type of product box. The box sizes vary to include the larger box, mini box, plastic DVD case, and the mini DVD size box. Some products may come as Full Retail JC- everything included(manual may be electronic on cd) Top
This is a full retail version of the software. It usually comes in a white box which is not very fancy and may have the words "not for retail" or "promotional copy". It is still a fully licensed, legal version.Top
This is a full retail version of the software. The manual is located electronically on the CD. Top
Remanufactured at the manufacturer's factory or recertified at a 3rd party company. All recertified items include a 90 day warranty. Top
Essentially the same product as the Full Retail version. Some manufacturers may print the word 'Academic Version' on the CD's and may not include a user manual while others will include a user manual. Top
All contents of the original retail box are included in this version. Usually packaged in CD Sleeve & does not include a manual. In most occasions this applies to Microsoft products. Top
Jewel Case(JC)Will ship in a CD Jewel Case with printed sleeves by the manufacturer (just like you would see in a store). There is usually a printable manual on the CD. *This type may or may not include manufacturers technical support. Top
Will ship in a CD Jewel Case, but does not contain any sleeved art. The CD will be in a standard, clear jewel case, sealed and packaged by the manufacturer of the program. *This type may or may not include manufacturers technical support. Top
Comes in a fully illustrated, retail-packaged cd sleeve. Top
CD Sleeve(CD)Will ship in a CD sleeve. There is usually a printable manual on the CD. *This type may or may not include manufacturers technical support. Top
Same as the retail version except it comes in a CD sleeve with the CD Key on the outside of the packaging. Manuals and official documents can be found on the program disc. Top
Sometimes it is referred to as "open-ended market" and used interchangeably with "bulk-pacOEM generally means "original equipment manufacturer."k," "white box," and "brown box." Almost all PC component and software vendors make two versions of the same product based on a difference in the distribution channels. One is the retail boxed products sold mainly through retailers. The second one is the OEM products which are sold mainly to system builders, such as Compaq and Dell (the OEMs). These bulk-pack products do not have fancy packaging materials and are often produced in much higher volume, both of which result in much lower prices that have not been available to the public. The OEM products are of the same quality and often carry the same manufacturer warranty as their retail counterparts (the single-pack). They also often include supporting materials such as manuals and drivers when applicable. However, most of the information is on a CD or on manufacturer's web site. Top
Same as the retail version except it doesn't have the retail packaging. Top
OEM CD with Certificate of Authenticity (Microsoft Products) Top
OEM CD with Serial Key (Microsoft Products) Top
DSP stands for “Delivery Service Partner”. DSP software is similar to OEM software, but DSP is more generic and normally would have no manufacturer’s name stamped on the manual or printed on the license. Like OEM versions, DSP versions contain the same program as the Retail Box version. They also do not come in fancy packaging materials and there is no technical support provided by the software manufacturer resulting in much lower prices. DSP versions often come with only an electronic help manual, which is built-in to the software or a small getting-started manual. Top
The only difference between these 2 products is the way that the key number comes. The OEM w/ COA comes with the key number (product key) on an actual Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Microsoft. The OEM w/ KEY just has the serial number on a label on the back of the cd sleeve. Some people feel more secure getting the product key on a COA while others are willing to save money and just get the key number on a label. Both are fully licensable and able to be registered with Microsoft. A product listed as “OEM CD / COA” is a cd that was printed originally to be distributed with a new pc or hardware and does not come with a book or box. It does come with the OEM cdrom and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Microsoft, saying that this is a legitimate product. Microsoft does not want Consumers to purchase these at a reduced price, so Microsoft will not offer technical support for these. This is still fully licensable and registerable with Microsoft.
A product listed as “OEM CD w/Key” is usually an OEM item but it does not have the COA with it. The COA has either been lost or damaged, but the serial number was salvaged. This is legitimate product and is still fully licensable and registerable with Microsoft. Top
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