RTM, which stands for Release To Manufacturing, is when the code is completed and signed off. GA, or General Availability, is when that RTM's code is finally made available to the general public. Even though there are three months between RTM and GA release date, there is no difference between the RTM code and GA version code. The RTM bits are the GA bits. RTM is done with the code, and GA is done with the packaging, distribution, marketing, etc, and ready to sell.
When GA arrives, you can get Windows in two flavors:
When GA arrives, you can get Windows in two flavors:
Retail, which is what you buy at a store, is a less restrictive license (you can transfer it between machines, as long as only one machine is activated at a time), and you are entitled to support from Microsoft.
OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer, is a cheaper license you can get when you purchase Windows bundled with a PC or if you buy a "system builder" copy. OEM is cheaper because it's locked to a system, which means that you cant transfer your license to any other machine, and you are not entitled to tech support.
There are two types of OEM:
There are two types of OEM:
Regular and Royalty. Regular OEM is what you can get when you purchase a "system builder" OEM Windows. Except for the label on the disc, Regular OEM discs are the same as retail discs, they install the exact same bits as a retail disc. The difference is not in the disc, but in the key; if you activate Windows with an OEM key, the key is forever tied to your system, whereas if you use a retail key to activate, you can move that activation to another computer in the future. The big PC makers like Dell, HP, and Sony are classified as Royalty OEMs by Microsoft. They will often customize their disc by including logos, extra drivers, and/or hotfixes. Their discs will also include a special certificate that Windows uses to authenticate your computers BIOS.
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