OT: Windows is too expensive

[geoschmo]

Imperator Fyron said:
That's not what this is; it is an OEM copy of XP. It is not an upgrade copy, it is a full installer. You don't need to provide anyone any information to install or activate it. The "OEM" version simply means that its activation is tied to a motherboard, and you can't transfer the license to a new machine (like you can with a Retail full edition). When you buy the thing AZ linked to, you get a full, working copy of XP that is installed from a clean slate, not linked to upgrading any previous edition of Windows.

That sounds better, but I'm curious how that works. Do I have to show proof of purchase to NewEgg(Or whoever I buy the OEM version from). How does one do that for an online purchase? Do have to fax it or something? I still think it's a stupid hoop to have to jump through. Why not simply say, "$90 bucks for a single use license." and only let you register it once. The same thing is accomplished without forcing someone to buy new hardware and turn in receipts. Hardware that isn't even being purchased from Microsoft. I must be missing something because it doesn't make sense to me.