What Does OEM Mean in Computers?

You may have heard the term OEM discussed when discussing computer brands or manufacturers. In this tutorial, we explain what a computer OEM means to you.

OEM is the abbreviation for an Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Video Tutorial:

An Original Equipment Manufacturer designs and manufactures hardware sold to other companies who then sell it under their brand name.

For example, I am writing this on a Hewlett Packard Omen. Hewlett Packard buys parts in bulk from OEM companies, including Intel, AMD, Western Digital, NVIDIA, etc. They then assemble the computers in bulk and sell them online and in retail stores as a Hewlett Packard.

You might have noticed that most Original Equipment Manufacturers only offer driver support for a year, but you can still find updated drivers from the original manufacturer.

Most Original Equipment Manufacturers will include proprietary support tools and a website specific to your model to download the latest drivers, BIOS updates, etc.

They also are notorious for bundling a lot of third-party software, including games, apps, and antivirus software. The margins on lower-end computers are small, so the OEM makes a commission when you upgrade or purchase one of the bundled programs. Now you know why so many computers have McAfee or Norton antivirus included; it's not because they are the best. Instead, they are the two antivirus programs that make everyone the most money. How good? Broadcom acquired Nortons for 10.7 billion in late 2019.

Pro tip - On Windows 10, when your antivirus trial expires, uninstall McAfee or Norton's, and Windows Defender, part of the Windows Security center, will take over for free.

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