Windows 8 tightens OEM licencing

[silicon_toad2000]

OEM Activation (OA) allows PC manufacturers to ship systems with Windows preinstalled and already activated, so that customers don't need to take any additional steps to activate the OS when they first use a new computer.

In the past, hackers have managed to take advantage of the OA process to activate purloined copies of Windows, which ordinarily need to be activated with a license key. Rogue OEMs have also used similar systems to avoid paying tribute to Redmond.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/03/windows_oem_activation_30/