From what I remember of a licensing fiasco with one of our large clients, a Windows-based operation that intends to use volume license keys is REQUIRED to have a valid certificate of authenticity on the outside of the case. Basically, if you are a system builder, and are providing machines to a client that has given you a pre-configured windows image to use, using their ultra expensive VLK, you have to charge them the 89 bucks for a Windows XP Home edition license too, and throw away the CD. (The licensing rules do not state that you cannot use Windows 98 or ME COAs, but good luck finding those in bulk).
So for all you students and users of public terminals, its worth it to write down a few of those keys you see emblazoned on the side of the case. They are unactivated OEM licenses for Win XP! Doing this, you are simply retreiving a thrown away key due to a Microsoft loophole just about all the smaller system builders are required to follow!
And also, the whole naked pc thing is really a general rule for the larger corporations (not sure if this was already mentioned, I read only half the posts). The smaller, local businesses (mine included) will build you a machine however you specify. However, guarantees for software configuration support and warranty will obviously be absent. Also, no self-respecting business will install pirated software provided by the customer. If they want Windows, then we go through the normal channels. If they want a flavor of linux, they can have it (at this junction, thats not a service we provide because of lack of sufficient knowledge...but that is changing). The smaller companies have no agreement or usually even a desire with MS for any of thier products or licensing requirements.
And indeed, I'm surprised to hear of so many people on here NOT building their own rig. Before you consider one of the big names that, as a rule, are not interested in providing good service to their non-business clients, go to newegg and price yourself a system. A little reading, some assembly, and some troubleshooting is all thats required for a superior machine. You choose the OS.
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From what I remember of a licensing fiasco with one of our large clients, a Windows-based operation that intends to use volume license keys is REQUIRED to have a valid certificate of authenticity on the outside of the case. Basically, if you are a system builder, and are providing machines to a client that has given you a pre-configured windows image to use, using their ultra expensive VLK, you have to charge them the 89 bucks for a Windows XP Home edition license too, and throw away the CD. (The licensing rules do not state that you cannot use Windows 98 or ME COAs, but good luck finding those in bulk).
So for all you students and users of public terminals, its worth it to write down a few of those keys you see emblazoned on the side of the case. They are unactivated OEM licenses for Win XP! Doing this, you are simply retreiving a thrown away key due to a Microsoft loophole just about all the smaller system builders are required to follow!
And also, the whole naked pc thing is really a general rule for the larger corporations (not sure if this was already mentioned, I read only half the posts). The smaller, local businesses (mine included) will build you a machine however you specify. However, guarantees for software configuration support and warranty will obviously be absent. Also, no self-respecting business will install pirated software provided by the customer. If they want Windows, then we go through the normal channels. If they want a flavor of linux, they can have it (at this junction, thats not a service we provide because of lack of sufficient knowledge...but that is changing). The smaller companies have no agreement or usually even a desire with MS for any of thier products or licensing requirements.
And indeed, I'm surprised to hear of so many people on here NOT building their own rig. Before you consider one of the big names that, as a rule, are not interested in providing good service to their non-business clients, go to newegg and price yourself a system. A little reading, some assembly, and some troubleshooting is all thats required for a superior machine. You choose the OS.