Terminology lessons, please.

I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
(a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :
1.) Registry
2.) OEM
3.) Production key
A brief description will suffice. Thank you.


--
davidjchuang

1) Registry stores settings that windows uses upon booting up or logging in.
2)OEM = Orignal Equipment Manufacturer, basically is when you get a PC which already has Vista on it. It's what the Pc manufacturers buy from MS and is basically just a Vista DVD no fancy box or anything.
3)Product Key is what you use to activate your copy of Vista - it is unique and made that way so people don't pirate it.


Post Originated from Vista Support Forums

Some info on the registry - It may be a little advanced but gives you the general drift.
Description of the Microsoft Windows registry
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986

OEM - as the other poster stated: (original equipment manufacturer)
This should give you the general idea: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_OEM

A Product Key also known as a Serial Number. Most software require you to use a
combination of number/alpha to install their products. Many also require you to activate
your product after you have installed. The Product Key/Serial number is unique to your
installation of the software you are installing.



HTH

--

TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2008 - Update Services
http://taurarian.mvps.org
======================================
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
Computer Maintenance: Acronis / Diskeeper / Paragon / Raxco



"davidjchuang" <> wrote in message
news:...
|
| I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
| (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :
| 1.) Registry
| 2.) OEM
| 3.) Production key
| A brief description will suffice. Thank you.
|
|
| --
| davidjchuang

davidjchuang wrote:
> I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
> (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :
> 1.) Registry
> 2.) OEM
> 3.) Production key
> A brief description will suffice. Thank you.
>
>
>
1. if u have to ask what it is, don't ever edit it!
2. the type of MS OS that offers no free phone support
3. what you don't want to lose, should you need to reinstall your OS

Brief enough?

Google is your friend.
-------
*Report back, please*
[When responding to posts, please include the post(s) you are replying to so
that others may learn and benefit from the issue]

[How to ask a question]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

"davidjchuang" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
> I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
> (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :
> 1.) Registry
> 2.) OEM
> 3.) Production key
> A brief description will suffice. Thank you.
>
>
> --
> davidjchuang

On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:18:31 -0500, davidjchuang
<> wrote:

>
> I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
> (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :

> 1.) Registry


The central database used for Windows settings and application program
settings.


> 2.) OEM


"OEM" is not a "thing," in the sense that the registry is. It's just
an abbreviation for "Original Equipment Manufacturer," An OEM is a
company like, Dell, Gateway, or HP, who builds and sells computers
with Windows preinstalled.


> 3.) Production key


?? Do you mean "Product Key"? The Product key is a unique string of
number sand letters that identifies a particular copy of Windows. When
you install Windows, you need to enter the Key, as part of Windows
Product Activation, to prove that yours is a legitimate copy, and not
used on another computer.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

davidjchuang;662178 Wrote:
> I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to kno
> (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following
> 1.) Registr
> 2.) OE
> 3.) Production ke
> A brief description will suffice. Thank you

Thank you, Jason, Tayrian, David, Bob,and Ken. You have answered m
question

--
davidjchuang

On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:18:54 -0500, davidjchuang
<> wrote:

>
> davidjchuang;662178 Wrote:
> > I hope I'm not abusing this forum by posting this question. I'd to know
> > (a) what is it? (b) what is it's funcion(s) , of the following :
> > 1.) Registry
> > 2.) OEM
> > 3.) Production key
> > A brief description will suffice. Thank you.
>
>
> Thank you, Jason, Tayrian, David, Bob,and Ken. You have answered my
> question.


You're welcome. Glad to help.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

>> 2.) OEM
>
>
> "OEM" is not a "thing," in the sense that the registry is. It's just
> an abbreviation for "Original Equipment Manufacturer," An OEM is a
> company like, Dell, Gateway, or HP, who builds and sells computers
> with Windows preinstalled.

I don't think DELL is an OEM.
DELL should be thought of as a company that uses OEMs.

An OEM is a company that manufactures equipment that other company's brand
and sell.
DELL uses OEMs for video cards, hard drives etc. in their desktop machines.
Windows has nothing to do with an OEM.

Thus the designation as the ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER


Rich

I generally agree with that and would add that a final integrator could also
make his own component parts and also be an OEM at the same time. The
confusion also comes into play when you buy replacement parts and they are
sold as OEM parts but are actually identical, after market replacement
parts, made to OEM specifications by a totally different manufacturer. It
may even be the same part but made slightly different, or made in another
country such that the final integrator will not accept them. In my mind
these are NOT OEM parts unless they are purchased, sanctioned and
scrutinized by the final manufacturer. Being made to "EOM specs only"
should be sold as such, if that's the case, with that qualifier.

--
Regards, BobF.
"Rich" <> wrote in message
news:...
>
>>> 2.) OEM
>>
>>
>> "OEM" is not a "thing," in the sense that the registry is. It's just
>> an abbreviation for "Original Equipment Manufacturer," An OEM is a
>> company like, Dell, Gateway, or HP, who builds and sells computers
>> with Windows preinstalled.
>
> I don't think DELL is an OEM.
> DELL should be thought of as a company that uses OEMs.
>
> An OEM is a company that manufactures equipment that other company's brand
> and sell.
> DELL uses OEMs for video cards, hard drives etc. in their desktop
> machines.
> Windows has nothing to do with an OEM.
>
> Thus the designation as the ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER
>
>
> Rich
>
>