Re: Linux For Windows

[wulfie <nospam [at] wulfric7.co.uk>]

Sorry but this sounds too way out. I've been involved in IT infrastructure
in one form or another for the past 15 years, everything from mainframe,
multi-user minis, embedded controllers to hotdesking laptops. Never in all
that time has anyone suggested that moving one legally licensed *machine*
from one premises to another violates the software license of the machine.

Moving a site-licensed machine to a site not covered is of course a breach
license unless hte new site purchases either a single-user license or covers
it under their own site license. 

Legal advice? What legal advice? My conclusions are simply extrapolated from
your assertions. One upshot being that I cannot bring my laptop on the 8th 
because it has win98 on it.

I can check this out with NatWest Legal & Contracts tomorrow
if you like - the people who have to actually implement corporate & commercial
law in the  IT-centric  environment in which I operate. I'm sure they're
used to dealing with the hundreds of reps visiting commercial premises of every
kind with laptop in hand.  

Now, if Blackwells had said "please don't bring any MS boxes anywhere near our
network"  I wouldn't be at all surprised - the reaction of any sane sysadmin.

On Thu, 30 Mar 2000, Richard wrote:

> Paul
> 
> Paul Sims wrote:
> > 
> > The MS EULA states that Windows can only be run on the machine it was
> > supplied with/purchased for. There is no mention whatsoever of location.
> > 
> > Can you show me a piece of legislation stating that I can't take my fully
> > legal copy of Win98 on my laptop into commercial premises ?
> > 
> 
> You missed the point.  Or perhaps I didn't explain it too well ?
> 
> Blackwell's management team is so eccentric that it's not a good idea
> to rely on assumptions.  In other words ask first and then get ready
> for the worst because the written version is worthless as well.  This
> is fairly average for present day management in this country.  Since
> Microsoft came along I have hardly ever seen a written agreement stuck
> to with anything.
> 
> Since the room where we have our meeting is in the main Blackwell's
> legal and business department then it's a good idea to think before
> doing ?
> 
> > 
> > What you are alleging would simply make hot desking illegal.
> 
> It did at least five years ago :-)  You just didn't work it out yet
> :-)
> 
> BTW, I should point out that whoever gave you your legal advice
> doesn't seem to know too much :-)
> 
> 
> 

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