Need advice on purchase

Sounds like it doesn't have the serial # needed to register it, but an upgrade only looks to see if you have a previous version.

Legal!!!

I upgraded to PSP9, but still use 8 as well. Version 9 has some nice additions to it, so switching between the two is no problem for me. I bought PS7 from an online software company just before CS came out...so I got it for around $330, but unfortunately I don't use it as often as I do PSP. I guess I'm so used to PSP now, it's hard for me to get some simple tasks done in PS.

Would you be interested in OEM software?


http://www.oem-software.biz/

47songs ....that OEM site sounds suspect.  It is 'odd' that you cannot get manufacturer's support for the products....just because they are OEM.

Very suspicious.

Darn! I was thinking of buying the Corel 12 download when my trial runs out. Can a web site that sells illegal software not be discovered by the software giants whom they are supposedly ripping off? Wouldn't someone in one of those organizations (Adobe, JASC, Corel) have found out some how?

I was also suspicious of the same thing. Also, I sent them an email to ask if the corel download comes with ALL of the options that only come on the cd itself like the plugins, and they haven't replied. That was 4 days ago. If they were anxious to sell something I would think they'd return an email with that kind of inquiry fairly quickly.

I'd like to keep my eye on the site though and make some phone calls.

The use of OEM software extends only to the PC with which it was intended to be used. Any other use is illegal. OEM software must be purchased as part of a package.

For example: if you have a PC which comes with OEM software, the software license is unique to that PC. Dispose of the PC, and the license goes with it. The software cannot be re-used.

Hmmm...that must explain why they don't leave a phone number on their site so that you can contact them.

Fuzzy Logic, you sure about that? Isn't there a nebulous loophole in the law or something that allows dealers to sell OEM software/hardware legaly?
I ask that because A LOT of stores (computer stores, the physical kind where you walk in) sell OEM material. I've bought OEM gfx cards, CD-ROM, etc. before and I always assumed it was legal since it was sold so openly. The difference is that the OEM's are always a bit cheaper and are not sold in a box, but wrapped in plastic.

Fuzzy Logic, you sure about that? Isn't there a nebulous loophole in the law or something that allows dealers to sell OEM software/hardware legaly? I ask that because A LOT of stores (computer stores, the physical kind where you walk in) sell OEM material. I've bought OEM gfx cards, CD-ROM, etc. before and I always assumed it was legal since it was sold so openly. The difference is that the OEM's are always a bit cheaper and are not sold in a box, but wrapped in plastic.

I have to agree. I buy things from sites like newegg.com and they have oem products all over the site. When I built my computer I bought some oem hardware also from a reputable site.

I know when buying oem software like on ebay you have to "legally" include a piece of "hardware" with it.

But back to my original post. I wanted to know if the software is legal when buying some auctions like I listed. I really don't care if I can't register the software, I just want it to be legal.

It's frightening, you know? Who knows what's legal or illegal any more. Even lawyers and judges don't know until they are presented a case which could set a precident. I wouldn't doubt that the people who know the most about laws and legal loopholes are criminals.

I don't know what is right or wrong in the copyright world anymore. I mean Kazaa says they are legal. What's the deal on that?

I regret posting a link to that site above. Why? Because no where on that site can I find a phone number to contact anyone in that company. That's bad!! And really fishy! But I did find another OEM site that is selling Corel Draw 12 graphics suite for $99, and they DO leave a phone number and a lot more information about themselves. SEEMS a little more legit, but who knows? Anyone can be taken for a ride.

Sorry, Island Dog, for taking anything away from your thread. Didn't mean to do that.

Good luck!

Ah-ha! Island Dog is right. I just searched and here is how it works:
- OEM hardware can be sold seperatly, but it usually is sold without packaging, documentation, wires, and a very limited waranty, if any. The retailer is supposed to offer the support for such products.
- OEM software needs to be sold with hardware equipment. That's pretty much the extent of the law, so some retailers give you a small piece of hardware with the OEM software. It's a bit devious, but legal nevertheless. If the OEM software is sold with no hardware, then it's illegal and can be considered pirated.

My current XP Pro is OEM...bought from  a comp store .... and as far as I'm aware comes with manufac's assistance, etc, just the same as a full retail version.

'If' this site's OEM stuff isn't supported then the chances are the licences aren't legit.

'If' this site's OEM stuff isn't supported then the chances are the licences aren't legit

I dunno about that Jafo, I think that's one of the murky areas of OEN software. My first copy of XP was OEM and it was unsupported my Micrsoft (not that I'd ever call them), but since OEN software is typically supported by the company that sells it MS usually won't support it and they can tell based on your CD key whether it's OEM or not. Which is why if you buy a computer from say DELL with XP installed, MS won't support the OS and why DELL will sell you for an extra charge support for your installed software apps.. Who knows, I don't ever use support lines anyway, chances are you can find it online faster and easier anyway.

So some of the auctions I listed says the serials are good for upgrades, but not tech support. So does that mean they are legal then? I am really confused.

Jafo, from what I read, a lot of legit OEM software/hardware are NOT supported by the manufacturers. I guess that's why the manufacturers sell it cheap to the dealers, because they avoid the headache of customer support for these. I went through a few web sites and a lot of the manufacturer clearly say that they don't support OEM products "please contact your dealer for support" is basically what they say.
And again, one can only buy OEM software with either a new computer or in confunction with the provision of a non-peripheral hardware upgrade for an existing computer (so basically it means any hardware that's not a peripheral). These are Microsoft rules, as they can be read in the paragraph 4 of the OEM License:
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/default.mspx
Jafo, if you bought your OEM XP Pro without ANY hardware, it's illegal my friend.

Island Dog:
If you are buying from a reputable auction which I assume you are what it means is that the programs that you buy are upgradable ... ie..you have version 1.0 and they come up with version 1.2 you are allowed to upgrade within the specified period of time. And yes the if the auction is reputable the serials are legal and the second part of your question abpout technical support..what it means if you have a problem with it and dont understand something a lot of times you are able ton contact the company for support..i.e. they will explain to you whats going on and where your problem is and so on. Well you forfeit that by buying from the auction. so all in all its legal but you get no assistance. Hope this clarifies things up a bit.

When I had my computer built, I do remember them telling me they could only sell me Windows xp at the OEM price if I bought it WITH the computer, not a week or two later. It HAD to be bundled with it.

Island Dog, something else that makes me think these are legit is that they are all Photoshop 7. Since Photoshop is now at version 8 (marketed as Photoshop CS), it's possible that these maybe be clearance items, which can be bough for cheap since nobody would buy version 7 at full price when version 8 is out.

Patric....it was bought with hardware...just not an 'installed' system...

Gotcha.

Island Dog, something else that makes me think these are legit is that they are all Photoshop 7. Since Photoshop is now at version 8 (marketed as Photoshop CS), it's possible that these maybe be clearance items, which can be bough for cheap since nobody would buy version 7 at full price when version 8 is out.

I agree with that and with what butch said. I just wanted to know what is legal and what isn't.

This is the one I'm looking at now.
Link

He has several feedbacks with people saying they registered their software with no problem, his feedback is good also.

Thanks for all the replies. I was reading other forums and people were saying things like "used software is not legal", and things like that. I was really just curious if software that isn't registerable because a company went out of business, or somebody registered the software but decided they didn't want it, was still legal to own.

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I couldn't find any Photoshop auctions that I really trusted, so I just upgraded to Paint Shop Pro 9.

Get the trial for Photoshop CS and the rest of the Creative Suite for 30 days...you'll never buy 7 after that...and if you do have legit serials you can get a deal on CS. Try the whole Creative Suite here

Link