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View Full Version : A sneaky change in Windows licensing terms


dbarrow
10-13-2006, 08:56 AM
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=156

Two notable changes between Windows Vista license terms and those for Windows XP are: 1) failure of a validation check results in the loss of access to specific features (this is the SPP news you’ve likely been reading about this past week); and 2) an increase in our warranty period from 90 days to 1 year, which brings Windows in line with most other Microsoft products. ...

...Think you can transfer that retail license to any machine you want? Think again. In Section 2, "Installation and Use Rights," the text reads:

Before you use the software under a license, you must assign that license to one device (physical hardware system). That device is the "licensed device."

Sections 15 and 16, "Reassign to Another Device," and "Transfer to a Third Party," are new. You can go read the exact terms for yourself. The sort version is that you may "reassign the license to another device one time" or "make a one time transfer of the software, and this agreement, directly to a third party." [emphasis added] ...

...Will this affect a lot of people? Not really. Those most likely to be affected are hobbyists who constantly rebuild, replace, and upgrade systems. Presumably, the new two-machine limit will be enforced by Windows Product Activation. ...

PeteF
10-13-2006, 07:40 PM
Prediction: Release of VISTA marks the downfall of MS Windows
as millions are *forced* to switch to other Operating Systems.

Over time, these people who had pirated MS Windows because
they are either outright crooks or people who just could not
afford the high price of MS Windows, will lead the masses in
a move towards running other operating systems such as
Apple' s OS X, or Linux.

This will lead to the downfall of MS Windows as the
one and only mainstream Operating System.

Mark my words. :)

PS: Overall, the competition will bring about changes
for the good of all consumers as Microsoft is forced
to produce a product that provides what the people
want and need at much more affordable prices and
acceptable licensing terms.

---pete---