Eric wrote:

It's been very possible for many years
now to buy a PC with no OS.


True.


It is just cheaper to buy a PC with an
OEM Windows version installed than to buy a PC with no OS and a
regular Windows version.


Not necessarily. I have all my computers custom-built for me by a local
builder. I can buy an OEM copy of Windows from him (which he will install)
or I can buy a copy (either OEM or retail) elsewhere and install it myself.

I always prefer to buy the computer without an operating system and buy a
retail upgrade copy of Windows elsewhere. The retail upgrade version is
hardly any more expensive than the OEM version, and is greatly preferable in
my view, since it comes without the restictions of the OEM version.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
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