[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [Sheflug] Linux in Schools



On Friday 26 April 2002 00:58, you exclaimed:
> Surely it is the user that has bought an exclusive license and not the
> machine? You cannot transfer the license if you wish to sell Windows, but
> if you wish to sell your PC you must transfer the license? Sounds crazy to
> me. I would have thought the license is valid per user i.e. you may
> continue to use Windows, but if you donate a PC you must format the disk.

You would think so, but the licensing for OEM Microsoft products is somewhat 
different. The license is only valid as long as the software is used on the 
original equipment (the OE of OEM). It is crazy!

When selling the original equipment, you are forfeiting your right to use the 
software, as the license is transferred according to it's own Ts and Cs.

The silver lining is that there is no legal requirement to use or keep the 
software, just that it cannot be used on another machine. Having worked for 
an OEM and trying to wriggle around ensuring license compliancy (and having 
been audited by FAST and failing :) I know the pain of MS licensing. Quite 
why anyone puts up with it is way beyond me!!

Craig
___________________________________________________________________

Sheffield Linux User's Group -
http://www.sheflug.co.uk/mailfaq.html

  GNU the choice of a complete generation.