FAQ's
What is DSP and OEM software?
DSP means "Delivery Service Partner". OEM means "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and normally would have the hardware manufacturer's name stamped on it. DSP software is similar to OEM software however there is no manufacturer's name stamped on the manual or printed on the license. DSP software is more generic and OEM software is sold directly to the computer manufacturer. Thus the distribution channel is different for DSP. DSP software is distributed for smaller system integrators and system builder hobbyists for "clone" or no-name computers. Like OEM versions, DSP versions often come with only an electronic help manual, which is built-in to the software or a small getting-started manual. The software itself contains the same programs as the Retail Box version, except the Retail Box version normally comes with a small printed manual. Both OEM and DSP Microsoft software include a COA, which is a Certificate Of Authenticity label or sticker from the manufacturer.
Since DSP and OEM software is typically sold to more advanced users, system builders and computer consultants there is no technical support provided by the software manufacturer. However, because of the substantial support savings to the manufacturer the DSP and OEM versions are offered for sale at a significantly lower price.
If you are not a system builder, retail computer store, or computer consultant (upgrading a computer with a hard-drive or motherboard), our DSP and OEM software products will automatically be shipped with a qualified hardware component at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
Microsoft's System Builder software Program is excellent cost-saving programs that can represent great cost savings for you and can help system builders add value to their hardware and services.
IMPORTANT TECHINCAL NOTE ABOUT OEM AND DSP SOFTWARE
OEM and DSP operating system software from Microsoft cannot be installed as an Upgrade, unless the old hard drive has been formatted or you are installing a new formatted hard drive. If you format your existing hard drive in order to install your new operating system, you cannot use the original manufacturer's recovery disk before loading the new operating system. You can load the new operating system without using the original manufacturer's recovery disk. Most or all of the component drivers should be located on the new Windows CD and therefore your recovery disk (if you have one) is not required.
OEM and DSP non-operating system software (such as Microsoft Office, Works Suite, WordPerfect, etc.) also cannot be installed over a previous version as an Upgrade. Installation of newer versions of OEM and DSP software on hard drives where older versions were previously installed will add updated system .dll's and .ocx's which will render the older version inoperable. We recommend that you back-up your old files on some reliable media such as CD-R, ZIP disk, or floppy disks and then UN-INSTALL your previous software version before installing the newer OEM or DSP version. You may also purchase a retail box upgrade version (if available) which will install over a previous older version and transfer your older files into the newer version. Most manufacturers allow upgrades only from versions that are 2 versions old.
What is the difference between a 3 Pack and a Single?
A 3 Pack is for 3 computers or 3 users, and a Single is for 1 computer or 1 user.
What is the difference between a 3 Pack and a 5 Pack?
A 3 Pack is for 3 computers or 3 users, and a 5 Pack is for 5 computers or 5 users.
What is this hardware in my package?
The FREE hardware included with your shipment is packaged with the OEM or DSP software you purchased. OEM hardware is a license requirement for OEM software purchase. In other words, if you want to buy OEM software, you need to get the hardware with it. NOTE: This hardware itself is FREE, it does not cost you anything.
What is Commercial Version?
Commercial Version is a version designed for commercial corporate, government, or home use. It is not an Academic version, it is not an Educational version. There are no restrictions on how the software is used.
What is Academic or Educational Version?
PCE sells the most popular Academic or Educational software from major manufacturers. An educational or academic customer is an educational institution or individual who has proof of academic status as a faculty member or full-time student of a, state or regional primary or secondary school or school system, community or junior college, college or university. Educational and Academic versions are NOT licensed for commercial use, however some educational bundles, are licensed for commercial use. Products which are Academic are clearly marked as such on the site.
What is Full Version?
A Full Version is a software package or operating system that does not require a previous version to purchase or install.
What is an Upgrade Version?
In order to qualify to purchase an Upgrade version, you must own a previous version of the software. In some cases you can upgrade to a Suite or Software Bundle from a previous single component of the Suite or Bundle. Use our Tech Support button located at the top of our site to find links to manufacturer's information about qualifying for an upgrade version.
What is a COA?
A COA is a "Certificate of Authenticity" and is used to certify that the license for software is authentic.
What is a "EULA" or Retail License?
EULA stands for End User License Agreement. Microsoft manufacturers a few types of Retail Licenses. These licenses are sealed in a zipper-pack envelope and each envelope has a certificate of authenticity "COA" on the back of the envelope. This is a legitimate retail license with a legitimate Microsoft part number. BuyCheapSoftware primarily sells the Email type of licenses listed below. BuyCheapSoftware sells and distributes only retail licenses that include a certificate of authenticity COA. We do not sell "retail EULA pull licenses".
What is an Email License, MOLP, OLP, OBL, SA?
Many manufacturers offer an Email or electronic license. These licenses generally take about 3-5 business days for the manufacturer to process the order and send the email license to the customer. Often media (CD software) needs to be ordered in addition to the license unless the customer already has media and is ordering additional client access licenses or renewing a license subscription or upgrade. A MOLP is an older term that Microsoft used meaning Multiple Open License Program. An OLP is a Microsoft acronym for Open License Program. Microsoft is currently using the acronym OBL which stands for Open Business License and refers to a corporate non-government, non-educational email license. SA is a new Microsoft acronym that has replaced the popular Upgrade Advantage program, SA stands for Software Assurance, and is a license that you can purchase that assures that you will receive any future upgrades for that software program for the next 2 years. In order to purchase Software Assurance (SA) license, you must already own the program or be upgrading from a previous version.
Why PC Expert Services for computer repairs?
At PC Expert Services we aim to make computer repair affordable in Orange County! We will fix your computer problems at your location, at home or business, quickly and without any hassels. Our rate is fair and our professional service is unmatched in Orange County. We have extensive experience and knowledge in computer repair and diagnostics and offer 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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How much does servicing cost?
On-site service calls in Orange County are based on a hourly rate of $60.00 (at half an hour increments). For Los Angeles and San Diego County on-site service calls are based on a hourly rate of $90.00 (at half an hour increments). Remote support is based on a rate of $49.00 per session.
Please contact us for more details if needed.
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What types of servicing do you offer?
We specialize in computer repairs, support, upgrades, hardware diagnostics, installation, setups, and more. Whether you're trying to upgrade your computer to improve its speed, have a Virus/Spyware removed to get you back up and running, or need a power supply or hard drive replaced, we've got you covered. We have both the knowledge and the resources available to correctly diagnose your problem and set you up for the best resolution.
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I need a computer - can you help me?
Yes. Although we are in the business to service computers, we also offer computer sales at reasonable prices. If your computer is non-repairable, or it would not be economical to do so, we offer a full line of computers assembled to your specifications.
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I just bought a new computer but need help getting it up-and-running - can you help?
Yes. When you buy a new computer, we can come to your home or office, set it up, and provide hands-on instruction.
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Do you offer any computer training services?
Yes. We offer Onsite training for individuals and small or large groups for most Microsoft operating systems and products.
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I think my computer has a virus - what should I do?
To avoid further infection, stop what you're doing and call PCE at (800) 270-8719. We can scan your PC for the latest viruses and remove them completely.
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Do you provide networking?
Yes. We provide simple peer-to-peer local area network (LAN) and Wire-less configuration as well as more complex file server–client Windows NT networks. We provide support on Windows 7, 95, 98, 2000, XP, and Vista, and as well as on Mac OS8.x, 9.x, 10.x and newest.
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I would like to have a web page for my business, can you help me?
Yes. We can provide web page design, web hosting services and registration of your domain name (yourbusiness.com). Additionally we also offer Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing for your website.
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What areas do you provide services to?
We provide onsite services in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego County.
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What types of data recovery services do you offer?
Some of the data recovery services we offer are the following:
Unable to boot / Virus attacks / Inaccessible drives or partitions / Unable to run or load data / data corrupted / Hard drive crashed and failure
If we can not recover your data there is no charge to you! Depending on the severity of the problem, chances of recovering the data might vary!
We can recover data from IDE, EIDE, SATA hard drive assemblies.
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How to Contact Us?
Should you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at 1(800) 270-8719 or contact us here.
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