Windows 8.1 or 7

[brent21799]

I want to get 8.1 because my touchscreen monitor but I need some programs thats say they are for windows 7, can windows 8.1 run windows 7 programs?

 

[tsnor]

"can windows 8.1 run windows 7 programs?" most all win 7 programs run on win8. If there is a specific program goto their website and see if there a confirmation it works or a patch or a 'not supported' warning.

MS has a migration tool that checks.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 8.1 will run almost all Windows 7 software.

With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[tsnor]

"..With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on..."

No. I have done MB swaps before with win 7 OEM.

You may be referring to the OEM restore disk provided by HP, Lenovo, etc. WIN7 OEM itself is not tied at all. If win7 detects enough part changes (CPU+MB+...) that it MAY be running on a new pc it asks to call home or asks you to type in a key you can get over the phone. I've done this too both ways. works fine.