kale

Hi,

Where in Panama City can I buy an original copy of Windows XP?

It seems most computer stores only have Vista.

GordonS

Pretty well anywhere in the world now you're going to have to get it on-line because most retailers only stock sufficient 'til the end of the product lifespan. Since they knew that Vista was in the pipeline, most stopped ordering about 6 months ago.

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Gordon and Randy,
Canada

panamapal

Why do you want XP rather than Vista? You can always use an old XP CD to install XP on a computer that was made for Vista.

GordonS

Since I use both, I can say that the learning curve on Vista is pretty steep. As well Vista at present appears to be heavily loaded with Microsoft add-ins which slow a PC down substantially. It appears that 1GB RAM is barely enough to make it work which is why if a person does not have the latest dual core processor and high RAM installations, they may prefer XP. I'm quite involved in computer associated work and still prefer XP - at least until Microsoft axes XP at which time, I'll be forced to use Vista or whatever incarnation of the OS is being forced down our PCs by Microsoft.

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Gordon and Randy,
Canada

panamapal

Why does Microsoft throw in all those add-ins? You can't even get rid of internet explorer on any version, and IE is so open to hacks and attacks. I never use it, but sometimes spyware still takes advantage of it. Luckily, I reformatted my drive about a month or two ago and it is still completely clear of spyware.

kale

I got one, it's an OEM version but an original and it works.

I had to uninstall Vista because it wouldn't work with some essential hardware.

themark

What is an OEM version?

GordonS

Original Equipment Manufacturer = OEM . For software it means the CD that came with a PC. It is pre-installed on the PC by the manufacturer (Dell, HP etc) and the CD does not usually come with the complete packaging and documentation since that is unnecessary once the OS (Operating Software) is installed. If a person buys a full new version of the OS, Vista for example, and installs it on their machine, then the previously installed OS such as XP could then be considered as available since the licence is unique to the CD and (usually) single installation. Buying an OEM CD could be problematic if the original software is still registered and certified by Microsoft and if you attempted to register your copy because Microsoft's data banks could identify 2 running copies of that same single licenced install. This could be considered piracy which is punishable by laws in most countries. If the previous owner has uninstalled the software and installed a completely different licenced OS then you should be okay to purchase the OEM without fear of repercussions by law enforcement in your country although the Microsoft cops might not be amused. You may find them at your door jumping around and waving their arms and saying unpleasant things to you

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Gordon and Randy,
Canada

kale

Thanks Gordon Fortunately my XP OEM was brand new and never installed before, and activated without any problems.

Now where can I sell my OEM version of Vista, which I uninstalled and which is not in use

Piracy is rampant throughout Latin America and it is only getting worse. Street vendors are openly selling pirated movies in Panama, something I never saw as recently as a couple of years ago. Even in Argentina you can now buy the latest pirated movies at just about any newspaper kiosk throughout Buenos Aires, and some hotels have comprehensive libraries of pirated DVDs for their guests' enjoyment. Venezuela has entire street markets dedicated to piracy. I think the US is losing the fight, at least in Latin America. But that is a different topic. Fortunately all my software is legal.

GordonS

Loved that part about uninstalling Vista and replacing it with XP! Possibly some day, Vista will seem understandable but I sure don't understand why they had to mess around with XP that much! Only from the mind of Microsoft.... Excel and Word 2007 (Vista-lookalike updates) are really hard to figure out too and I have to use them and Office 2003 as part of my work.

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Gordon and Randy,
Canada

tallman33

Has anyone ever considered using an open source
operating system, such as Linux? The good thing about them is that they are free.

nuaeman

Yeah, Linux is really good if you consider of mainly just basic stuffs like surfing internet, some words typing, watch videos and so on. I don't like Vista at the moment due to its stability and resource hogging.

MRWOOHOO

Linux works fine but you will be supporting it by yourself. I just purchased a second laptop and got it with XP. I do not want to be a beta tester for Bill Gates.

nuaeman

For those never use Linux before it can be a bit difficult at first, but there are some forums and such on the internet to help you out.

zhinghur

I have spent couples of months with Linux (Red Hat 9.0). The worst part is it is not user friendly for a person who switches from Windows O.S . But at the same time it is quite flexible & friendly if one learns the commands.
Security is the best part of these Unix system.

One can get Windows Xp for free, if one is not interested to buy. There are loads of warez forums and torrent sites where one can get the Xp O.S for free. The only thing is, you need to spend few hours downloading it.

GordonS

If the "free" XP is pirated then you do risk getting charged and fined with piracy. The Microsoft police are watching! Especially if you check for updates from time to time, which is an important procedure due to the frequent security attacks upon Microsoft products, your product ID with pirated software can be identified. My policy is to always buy the software legally so I don't always have to be looking over my shoulder!

__________________
Gordon and Randy,
Canada

nuaeman

For those personal users I don't think you would get caught but for business people I believe so since they conduct checks once a while... it's very difficult and hassle to try and catch those at home and such.

zhinghur

People who upload the pirate version of these types of software are always one step ahead. There won't be any issue in updating even, because all the duplicate version are converted to original one before uploading on the net . I know this much as I use to work in many torrent and warez forum when I was a student, in order to make some bucks.

zhinghur

yes, well said. Infact, I have notice most of the people uses pirated version except for business purpose . Internet has virtually really increased the black marketing in the more sophisticated way .

ankuranks

well yes microsoft team can be easily fooled,pirated versions get successful uploads without any problem,with the message "thank you for using windows xp,we are happy to help you"on microsoft site.not even this,the ca anti virus which microsoft promotes,microsoft says it can remove any kind of virus but the thing is that win32 and other current viruses don't let ca virus even to start itself.