Differences between Windows 8.1/OEM/Pro

[Chickenator]

I am buying a copy of windows for a new PC.  however, when I look at PCpartpicker, I see several different types of windows 8.1: 64/32 bit, OEM, and pro.  What are the differences between these, and which one would you recommend getting (by the way, the PC I'm building is 64-bit).

[soaringchicken]

It literally doesn't matter at all, just pick the cheapest one.

 

EDIT: woops, make sure you get 64bit though

[byalexandr]

I am buying a copy of windows for a new PC.  however, when I look at PCpartpicker, I see several different types of windows 8.1: 64/32 bit, OEM, and pro.  What are the differences between these, and which one would you recommend getting (by the way, the PC I'm building is 64-bit).

If you can, go with Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit. If not, regular Windows 8.1 64-bit is fine. Don't get 32-bit though.

[AlicePhoebe]

 Windows 8.1 Pro is the operating system intended for small and medium-sized businesses. Built-in enhanced technology series Win8.1 compared Win8.1 common functions, including file system encryption, virtual disks VHD / VHDX started, Hyper-V virtualization, domain connectivity. For general user, windows 8.1 64 bit is enough

[You_are_a_cunt]

While I'd ALWAYS recommend going for Win 8/8.1 Pro, it's up to you if you go for pro/non-pro.

Power users will always get Pro versions, since some of us actually use system encryption (hell, I even have a couple of thumb drives that are required to boot my PC).

 

For normal users, either is good.

 

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and is just a fancy way to stop vendors from shoving a copy of the OS down your throat for its full price. Some manufacturers include a copy of the OS with a little sticker slapped onto the laptop/PC that contains the serial key. I'm unsure if you can re-use the key if you decide to reinstall the OS (I bought my own copy when it was cheap so I don't have much experience with OEM provided keys).

 

If you don't plan on using any of the extra features that Pro give you, just go for the cheapest.

 

Wikipedia has a nice table that compares features between editions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_8_editions

 

Also, never go for x32 unless you plan on installing it on a potato. 4Gb of ram and up ~> x64. ALWAYS.