The operating systems category covers operating system licences for computers and servers, plus some other business software, for home users, small companies and large organisations. Microsoft and Lenovo account for most of the range, alongside HPE, Nuance and Veritas Technologies.
Our range holds over 300 products, from single licences to packs for thousands of users.
How to choose an operating system and licence
System type and edition. A desktop and a server need different systems. Windows Home is usually enough at home, while the Pro edition adds company domain joining and the full BitLocker features for business use. Servers need Windows Server.
Licence type. An OEM licence is tied to the device it was first installed on and generally cannot be moved to another computer. Licences from server makers are often meant for their own hardware, so check that they match your server model before buying.
Licence quantity. Our range includes offers from 1 to 99 licences, packs of 100 to 499 and 500 to 4,999 licences, and options for 5,000 or more licences for large rollouts. Count the devices or users you actually have, which keeps licences easier to manage and avoids paying for surplus seats.
Licence term. Some products are licensed for 1, 3 or 5 years and must be renewed when the term ends. Compare the term with how long you plan to use the software, since a longer term means fewer renewals.
Brands in this category
- Microsoft: the maker of Windows and Windows Server, which is why it has the most products here, including OEM licences.
- Lenovo: a computer and server manufacturer whose system licences are generally meant for use with Lenovo hardware.
- HPE: Hewlett Packard Enterprise specialises in business servers and data centre equipment.
- Nuance: known for speech recognition software used to dictate text by voice.
- Veritas Technologies: develops backup and data protection software for companies.
- Lexware: accounting and business management software well known in Germany.
- Advantech: a maker of industrial computers and automation equipment.
Also in our range: Iris Ohyama and Avanquest Software. The category also contains some software that is not an operating system.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an OEM and a retail licence?
An OEM licence is tied to a single device and generally cannot be transferred to another computer, whereas a retail licence can usually be moved. The OEM version is meant for a system installed on a new or self-built computer. The exact terms are set by the software publisher.
Does a Windows Server licence need additional licences?
Often it does. Windows Server is licensed by the number of processor cores, and users or devices that connect to the server usually need client access licences (CALs) as well. Count the server's cores and the users who will connect before you buy.
How does Windows Pro differ from Home?
Pro is built for business use: it can join a company domain, offers the full BitLocker drive encryption features and accepts incoming Remote Desktop connections. Home suits a family computer that does not need those functions.
What does a licence term of 1, 3 or 5 years mean?
It is the period for which you have the right to use the product, and the licence must be renewed once it ends. Our range includes 1, 3 and 5 year offers, but not every licence is time-limited. Always check the term in the product description.
