MAC OS Licensing - a few questions for a n00b

[sswats]

I've been working in PC repairs for a while now so windows licensing rules i get.
Now i'm getting requests to work and repair macs, and i know the basics of installing, but not the licensing issues. So how does it work with macs, because you don't get a license key stuck to the bottom or anything so a few questions-

-In cases where i need to do a full reinstall do i have to have the original disc that came with that specific mac, or will any mac os disk of the same version work (legally work that is).

-In cases where i can't get into the OS (HDD fault etc) how can i match the right OS with that machine assuming the owner doesn't know either.

-For each version of OSX are there different types like home, professional etc?

--if i purchase a copy of OSX 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 should cover me for all installations? if not what else would i need.


Any other tips regarding installing OSX systems that would keep me on the straight and narrow when working with Macs.

 

[knowledge123]

-In cases where i need to do a full reinstall do i have to have the original disc that came with that specific mac, or will any mac os disk of the same version work (legally work that is).

No, OSX discs don't have a code to enter, unlike Windows. There are no OEM versions, either.

-In cases where i can't get into the OS (HDD fault etc) how can i match the right OS with that machine assuming the owner doesn't know either.

10.5 is a safe bet, but I'll await someone with more knowledge then me to correct me on this. A user should know if they upgraded the OS to a new version, but a quick Google of the Mac type should set you on the right path.

-For each version of OSX are there different types like home, professional etc?

No, there is only OSX and OSX Server

--if i purchase a copy of OSX 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6 should cover me for all installations? if not what else would i need.

It should do, pretty much.

 

[Deleted member 651465]

Any retail version can be installed on any Mac (that is, any version bought off-the-shelf)

The discs that come with a Mac (grey discs) are machine-specific.

A "family pack" is available which can be installed on up to 5 machines, so bare that in mind. Obviously you could install a single copy on all your machines but that's outside the EULA and would be frowned on. This may be detectable, although I cannot confirm this.

Apple will sell you a replacement disc. If you are unsure of the OS version that came with the machine ring them and they can tell you from the serial number. It will say on the original packaging if they have that under the "inside" category on the side, usually.

I would personally image the restore CD to an external drive and install from there. MUCH quicker in the event of a reformat!