Microsoft Windows 8.1 32BIT/64BIT English Retail

Comment:
This OS has been fast and stable. I didnt care for the start screen full of touch tiles but no fear classic shell is here to make it boot like your favorite older version of windows right to the Desktop other than that its great

Comment:
Windows OEM vs Windows Retail. What's the difference? Some websites and forums say - no difference (with regards to the License Agreement). The only downside is you get no MS support with OEM.Originally, OEM activation captures the motherboard serial or the onboard MAC address of the NIC. This would allow unlimited modifications and upgrades to any part of the machine EXCEPT the motherboard. For Win8, a new motherboard is considered a "new" computer (unless of course the motherboard failed and the manufacturer provides a new but similar/equivalent model). At this point, Win8 may fail to authenticate and may require a call to Microsoft for reactivation.With 8.1, some say this motherboard restriction has been lifted.I still cannot find a definitive answer and the EULA vaguely states that "specfic hardware changes may still require re-activation".Pricing: Both retail and OEM normally sell for $120. ($105 on sale). With OEM you get a single DVD with your choice with either 32-bit or 64-bit only.Retail gives you both discs for the same price. While it's true that you can only install either version (just 32 or just 64), it opens up the possiblity for being able to transfer the product to another machine that is not compatible with the single disc version. So if you purchased 64-bit, you cannot transfer it to a machine that only supports 32-bit.OEM version comes with a certificate of authenticity sticker that should be attached to the machine where the OS is installed. The Retail version comes with a key card with the serial number. The number works for both 32 and 64-bit version.NCIX had the OEM on-sale for $104.99 but I was able to get the retail PM'd to $105.38. No-brainer. Retail it is.Retail comes in a small cardboard box with 2 DVD's as opposed to the single DVD in a cardboard envelope for OEM.============This version of Windows 8 in either retail or OEM do not come with downgrade rights to Windows 7. Only the Pro version allows you to step back to Win7 Pro or WinVista Business.The significance? If you have legacy programs or hardware, they may not run in Windows8. Chances are, if they are OLD and not supported, then they will NEVER be compatible. With a step-back to Windows7 Pro, you have a feature called Windows XP mode (which is a full-fledged version of XP within Windows 7) that may allow you further use of those older programs and peripherals. Please note that this is a full-fledged version of WindowsXP with a validated key and as such, support and security for that OS is also discontinued.----update  Feb 2015---------Asus motherboard failed on computer where this version was installed. Replaced it with the exact same motherboard. Upon initial boot, Windows was no longer activated. I called the Microsoft automated toll free activation line and went through the 5-minute simple reactivation process. No further issues. This review was modfied by poster @ 02-06-15 06:41 AM