Over the years, we have become familiar with the questions that customers have regarding our software. This FAQ Help area addresses the most common questions and issues that our customers ask. If you do not see your question or issue listed here, contact us for a Direct Response by email at sales@alwayscheapest.com.
What is DSP and OEM software?
DSP means "Delivery Service Partner". OEM means "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and normally would have the hardware manufacturer's name stamped on it. DSP software is similar to OEM software however there is no manufacturer's name stamped on the manual or printed on the license. DSP software is more generic and OEM software is sold directly to the computer manufacturer. Thus the distribution channel is different for DSP. DSP software is distributed for smaller system integrators and system builder hobbyists for "clone" or no-name computers. Like OEM versions, DSP versions often come with only an electronic help manual, which is built-in to the software or a small getting-started manual. The software itself contains the same programs as the Retail Box version, except the Retail Box version normally comes with a small printed manual. Both OEM and DSP Microsoft software include a COA, which is a Certificate Of Authenticity label or sticker from the manufacturer.
Since DSP and OEM software is typically sold to more advanced users, system builders and computer consultants there is no technical support provided by the software manufacturer. However, because of the substantial support savings to the manufacturer the DSP and OEM versions are offered for sale at a significantly lower price.
If you are not a system builder, retail computer store, or computer consultant (upgrading a computer with a hard-drive or motherboard), our DSP and OEM software products will automatically be shipped with a qualified hardware component at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
Microsoft's System Builder software Program is excellent cost-saving programs that can represent great cost savings for you and can help system builders add value to their hardware and services.
What is this hardware in my package?
The FREE hardware included with your shipment is packaged with the OEM or DSP software you purchased. OEM hardware is a license requirement for OEM software purchase. In other words, if you want to buy OEM software, you need to get the hardware with it. NOTE: This hardware itself is FREE, it does not cost you anything.
What is the difference between a 3 Pack and a Single?
A 3 Pack is for 3 computers or 3 users, and a Single is for 1 computer or 1 user.
What is the difference between a 3 Pack and a 5 Pack?
A 3 Pack is for 3 computers or 3 users, and a 5 Pack is for 5 computers or 5 users.
What is the difference between a 5 Pack and a Single?
A 5 Pack is for 5 computers or 5 users, and a Single is for 1 computer or 1 user.
IMPORTANT TECHINCAL NOTE ABOUT OEM AND DSP SOFTWARE:
OEM and DSP operating system software from Microsoft cannot be installed as an Upgrade, unless the old hard drive has been formatted or you are installing a new formatted hard drive. If you format your existing hard drive in order to install your new operating system, you cannot use the original manufacturer's recovery disk before loading the new operating system. You can load the new operating system without using the original manufacturer's recovery disk. Most or all of the component drivers should be located on the new Windows CD and therefore your recovery disk (if you have one) is not required. CLICK HERE for formatting and partitioning hard drive information.
OEM and DSP non-operating system software (such as Microsoft Office, Works Suite, WordPerfect, etc.) also cannot be installed over a previous version as an Upgrade. Installation of newer versions of OEM and DSP software on hard drives where older versions were previously installed will add updated system .dll's and .ocx's which will render the older version inoperable. We recommend that you back-up your old files on some reliable media such as CD-R, ZIP disk, or floppy disks and then UN-INSTALL your previous software version before installing the newer OEM or DSP version. You may also purchase a retail box upgrade version (if available) which will install over a previous older version and transfer your older files into the newer version. Most manufacturers allow upgrades only from versions that are 2 versions old.
What is Commercial Version?
Commercial Version is a version designed for commercial corporate, government, or home use. It is not an Academic version, it is not an Educational version. There are no restrictions on how the software is used.
What is Academic or Educational Version?
BuyCheapSoftware does not sell Academic or Educational software from any manufacturer. An educational or academic customer is an educational institution or individual who has proof of academic status as a faculty member or full-time student of a, state or regional primary or secondary school or school system, community or junior college, college or university.
What is Full Version?
A Full Version is a software package or operating system that does not require a previous version to purchase or install.
What is an Upgrade Version?
In order to qualify to purchase an Upgrade version, you must own a previous version of the software. In some cases you can upgrade to a Suite or Software Bundle from a previous single component of the Suite or Bundle. Use our Tech Support button located at the top of our site to find links to manufacturer's information about qualifying for an upgrade version.
What is a COA?
A COA is a "Certificate of Authenticity" and is used to certify that the license for software is authentic.
What is a "EULA" or Retail License?
EULA stands for End User License Agreement. Microsoft manufacturers a few types of Retail Licenses. These licenses are sealed in a zipper-pack envelope and each envelope has a certificate of authenticity "COA" on the back of the envelope. This is a legitimate retail license with a legitimate Microsoft part number. BuyCheapSoftware primarily sells the Email type of licenses listed below. BuyCheapSoftware sells and distributes only retail licenses that include a certificate of authenticity COA. We do not sell "retail EULA pull licenses".
What is an Email License, MOLP, OLP, OBL, SA?
Many manufacturers offer an Email or electronic license. These licenses generally take about 3-5 business days for the manufacturer to process the order and send the email license to the customer. Often media (CD software) needs to be ordered in addition to the license unless the customer already has media and is ordering additional client access licenses or renewing a license subscription or upgrade. A MOLP is an older term that Microsoft used meaning Multiple Open License Program. An OLP is a Microsoft acronym for Open License Program. Microsoft is currently using the acronym OBL which stands for Open Business License and refers to a corporate non-government, non-educational email license. SA is a new Microsoft acronym that has replaced the popular Upgrade Advantage program, SA stands for Software Assurance, and is a license that you can purchase that assures that you will receive any future upgrades for that software program for the next 2 years. In order to purchase Software Assurance (SA) license, you must already own the program or be upgrading from a previous version.
What is an E-Manual?
An "E-Manual" is the electronic version of the manual, which accompanies software products. The E-Manual is included on the software CD and can be installed on the users system or it can be run from the CD itself.
Hardware Requirements:
All software manufacturers have minimum hardware requirements for the software they sell. If you are not sure of the hardware requirements, see the software manufacturer's website. In addition, many of the newer versions of software may not be compatible with older computer systems or operating systems. NOTE: Some newer software version cross-grades or upgrades will not run properly with older software versions. Check the software manufacturer's website for complete details.
What is Fdisk?
Fdisk is a Format Disk command used with Microsoft Operating Systems. Each Microsoft Operating System has a slightly different Format procedure. Consult the Microsoft Knowledge Base for detailed instructions on the formatting procedure for the operating system you have.Click herefor full instructions on using Fdisk.
Website Shopping
Some people who are new to the internet have difficulty using online shopping systems. Some things to note are as follows: First time users of the website should not enter an email address and password on the first page of the Check-Out system. This is because they do not have a user name and password on file yet. In this case shoppers should complete the order first, then the next time they return to the site to purchase software, their user-name, shipping, and billing information will automatically be available. If you did not receive an email confirmation after placing your order, then your order did not go through. You should send an email to tech support for assistance. If you have the JavaScript Feature turned-off in your browser, then you will not be able to use the shopping system. If you have Cookies turned off in your computer, then the shopping system may not work properly.
