Building a computer legally...

[bobsaget]

What is the cheapest way to build 5 different computers and have ALL of those computers come with their own copy of WinXP Home? Just buy licenses?

Thank you!

 

[ComputerBox34]

Whats your budget? As for the OS, the only computers that I know of that come with their own OS's are the major manufactors like Dell, Compaq etc.

But check this out:

http://www.pcsourceonline.com/

You can customize your own computers and then when you get to the hard drive I belive you can select if you want an OS on it or not. I haven't shopped here in a while so check it out. They will also build the computer for you if you want.

 

[bobsaget]

I am just looking into starting to build computers for people (friends, family) and I would want them to have a full and legal version of windows.

I was just wanting to know, since I will do this more than once, what is the cheapest way to buy windows in bulk? (like for 5 computers)

Licenses or just go and spend 90 bucks at newegg.com everytime?


thanks

 

[ComputerBox34]

More Specifically:

http://www.pcsourceonline.com/smoreinfo.asp?iid=1206

I just chose that one out of the hat but if you scroll down you will see Operating System:

 

[SJConsultant]

What is the cheapest way to build 5 different computers and have ALL of those computers come with their own copy of WinXP Home? Just buy licenses?

Thank you!

Each computer needs its own license and CD, therefore the cheapest way I have found is to buy from distributors like Techdata, Ingram Micro, or Synnex . They sell OEM copies in a 3 pack for under $300.

To buy the same OEM 3 pack from Newegg or any other reseller, you'll need to buy hardware at the same time.

 

[Spetsnaz Op]

Each computer needs its own license and CD, therefore the cheapest way I have found is to buy from distributors like Techdata, Ingram Micro, or Synnex . They sell OEM copies in a 3 pack for under $300.

To buy the same OEM 3 pack from Newegg or any other reseller, you'll need to buy hardware at the same time.

This "hardware" that has to meet the requirement can be very cheap, aka a 1.00 dollar ball mouse...

 

[ComputerBox34]

Deleted

 

[SJConsultant]

This "hardware" that has to meet the requirement can be very cheap, aka a 1.00 dollar ball mouse...

Bull.......

Quoted from the License Agreement
"6. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTION OTHER THAN WITH A FULLY ASSEMBLED COMPUTER SYSTEM
Microsoft grants to you a nonexclusive right to distribute the Software Units (desktop operating systems only) or hardware in this OEM System Builder Pack to another System Builder, with a nonperipheral computer hardware component (that will be integral to the computer system in which it will be installed), provided such other System Builder accepts all the terms of this license. To facilitate acceptance, a digital copy of this
license is posted at www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense. You are required to retain records to establish compliance with this section."


Nonperipheral meaning not screws, mouse balls, printers,etc..... Hardware qualifying for it means motherboard, RAM, HDD, anything that is absolutely required for the computer to boot and operate.

Call (800) RU-LEGIT if you don't believe me.......

How Newegg or any others get away with it for so long is beyond me, but everytime I have called I get the same response as to what qualifies for hardware.

 

[lucifer11287]

Bull.......

Quoted from the License Agreement
"6. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DISTRIBUTION OTHER THAN WITH A FULLY ASSEMBLED COMPUTER SYSTEM
Microsoft grants to you a nonexclusive right to distribute the Software Units (desktop operating systems only) or hardware in this OEM System Builder Pack to another System Builder, with a nonperipheral computer hardware component (that will be integral to the computer system in which it will be installed), provided such other System Builder accepts all the terms of this license. To facilitate acceptance, a digital copy of this
license is posted at www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense. You are required to retain records to establish compliance with this section."


Nonperipheral meaning not screws, mouse balls, printers,etc..... Hardware qualifying for it means motherboard, RAM, HDD, anything that is absolutely required for the computer to boot and operate.

Call (800) RU-LEGIT if you don't believe me.......

How Newegg or any others get away with it for so long is beyond me, but everytime I have called I get the same response as to what qualifies for hardware.

AFAIK, Newegg uses power Y-adapters (internal) and/or cabling (internal; like IDE) to get around the requirement, NOT periphreal stuff like mouseballs. An IDE cable can be as integral to computer operation as a HD, and is certainly not periphreal.

 

[SJConsultant]

AFAIK, Newegg uses power Y-adapters (internal) and/or cabling (internal; like IDE) to get around the requirement, NOT periphreal stuff like mouseballs. An IDE cable can be as integral to computer operation as a HD, and is certainly not periphreal.

While certain things can be disputed as being "essential" I will provide a quote from a Microsoft Newsgroup response:

"Also, a non-peripheral hardware component is a hardware component that is considered to be essential to running a computer system, and includes such components as memory, internal devices and drives, mice, keyboards, and power supplies. Examples of components that are not considered essential are external modems, networking devices, cameras, printers, and scanners."

A "Y" cable in my *opinion* doesn't fall into this category since most PSU's already have plenty of connectors to build a system.However I will quote Newegg's own FAQ on the matter:

"The product I am interested in states that it "Must be Purchased With Hardware." What items will qualify as hardware?

These items may not be purchased without another non-software item from our store. Any non-software item in our on-line store will be sufficient. There are no minimum dollar requirements or specific hardware requirements."

This tells me Newegg is not discriminating in what hardware is purchased.

Bobsaget, If I were you, I'd check thoroughly with Microsoft before making some choices as to where or what you buy. It may only take one complaint before Microsoft or the BSA takes action.

 

[ComputerBox34]

I read the Microsoft link that SJConsultant posted.

It's basically saying for you to purchase products that have Windows XP already installed. (Hard drives, Dells, Compaqs, etc)

They don't recommend buying the full version because it's ment for "upgrade" only.


I don't know but does this sound right to everyone?

 

[ToddRepp]

I'd think that if a mouse is one of the system requirements that it would be a qualifying piece of hardware.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx

The full version is meant for PCs with no OS, thats why they also sell an upgrade version( which is not useful for win95 ugrades). Buying just the license is legal, but you should probably think about creating some sort of restore disc to go along with the machines. If its just for friends and family you can expalin the pricing to them and let them make their own choice. Pay less and get no manual and media, or pay more and get a manual and the cd.

 

[SJConsultant]

Buying just the license is legal, but you should probably think about creating some sort of restore disc to go along with the machines.

Purchasing just the COA for OEM or Retail products is *not* legal and according to the OEM system builder license, the system builder must include the original CD along with the computer.

Large OEMs have an agreement with Microsoft that allows them to provide customized restore CDs. Smaller OEMs who do not have this agreement and purchase an OEM pack, must give the COA and CD to the customer when it is sold.

I honestly don't know where most people get their information from. Any licensing questions can be easily answered by calling Microsoft's *free* licensing hotline at 1 (800) RU-LEGIT

 

[nullvector]

Or you could just give Microsoft the finger, and run Linux

When licensing becomes such a pain, other alternatives become more appealing.

 

[ComputerBox34]

Or you could just give Microsoft the finger, and run Linux

When licensing becomes such a pain, other alternatives become more appealing.

I think I might do that next time, lol I have Red Hat 7.1 lieing around somewhere and I never used it.

 

[dbwillis]

(5) XP Home licenses is $200 shipped

 

[SJConsultant]

(5) XP Home licenses is $200 shipped

Source of these cheap licenses? I *highly* doubt they are authentic.............

 

[nullvector]

Source of these cheap licenses? I *highly* doubt they are authentic.............

One new 3+ ghz PC: $2000
One copy of Windows XP: $150
One copy of Linux: $0

....

Not having to spend $150 to legally patch bugs in an insecure OS: Priceless.

 

[SJConsultant]

One new 3+ ghz PC: $2000
One copy of Windows XP: $150
One copy of Linux: $0

....

Not having to spend $150 to legally patch bugs in an insecure OS: Priceless.

That still does not answer my question as to how one can purchase 5 *legal* copies of XP Home for $200.............

Besides that you don't have spend any money to patch the OS

 

[nullvector]

Besides that you don't have spend any money to patch the OS

Actually, you do.

Albeit an illegal practice, hundreds of college students have *free* copies of XP.

Due to the fact that they dont care to buy it, they dont have legal keys. That means, no Windows Update, i.e., an insecure worm-breeding box.

So essentially, you DO have to pay for updates, because you have to buy the OS in order to patch it.

Its a nightmare for system administrators at colleges where worms and viruses grow like wildfires, because updates aren't available for students to perform with their *free* copies, unless the IT shop creates a custom update CD, or makes the students go through some other convaluted process to update their boxes. IT shops don't have time to go around checking licenses either. Half the students have no idea what a license is, let alone where to find it in their mishmashed set of Dell disks.

I have no idea about the $200/5 license thing. The only Windows license I've ever touched is the ones that I got free with my CS degree.

While I dont agree with piracy, security updates should be available for free download, without having to go through Windows-screw-your-box-up-Update, and without privacy invasion techniques like Hardware ID'ing and the like.

 

[compslckr]

there are plenty of ways to get a legit cd key for windows xp, i just asked the network administrator at my high school and he "hooked me up" with a cd key that works perfectly for all the windows updates and stuff. there is no harm in asking


anyways, windows xp is not that expensive and what you can do is sell your clients computers with lindows, or some other linux operating system installed, and tell them that if they purchase windows xp that you will install it for them for free, otherwise they can just use linux.

 

[SJConsultant]

nullvector,

Microsoft does not charge for any of those updates, so people *DO NOT* have to pay for updates *IF* they have a legal copy to begin with. If they don't own a legal copy... that's tough on them, they should have obtained a legal copy to begin with.

If updates are needed, people can download them without the use of WindowsUpdate, the only updates they cannot install on illegal copies are service packs which check for pirated copies.

compslckr , what your network administrator did is considered software piracy and hence at this point in time is considered illegal. Please don't pollute a thread with the likes of what you just posted as it can lock an otherwise decent thread.

 

[nullvector]

If they don't own a legal copy... that's tough on them, they should have obtained a legal copy to begin with.

So if decent code isnt written, and people can easily hack it, break it, crash it, and exploit it, too bad, they shouldnt have written bad code in the first place?

Actually, it really isnt majorly tough on the people who own the "illegal" boxes, they could care less a majority of the time, they go and download a *free* virus scan application to remove the viruses AFTER they are infected. Its more tough on the system administrators, who have to deal with the network fallout of such awful software.

If Microsoft and its cronies would get it through their skull that the reason why so many System Administrators are looking to Linux is because they dont have to worry about a new bug coming out everyday, and worrying that their user is going to download some lame-ass spyware/adware/virus-laden program that takes the whole network down with broadcast storms and searches for other poorly written OS's to infect.

Piracy will never be stopped, so I dont see the point of restricting security updates to those with "correct" CD-keys. Winblows-up-date should be open to access regardless of CD-key. With a little effort, and 5 minutes of searching google, I can download a hacked XP copy, "borrow" a legal key, and be using Windows update in a matter of minutes after XP installation.

If its that easy to crack the "licensing" system, why dont they just save people the hassle, and let them run Winupdate regardless of CD-key.

Standard Joe-Shmoe won't go buy a $150 version of XP just to run windows update, he'll stick with his pirated copy, and not worry about the updates anyway.

Monopoly through insecurity, what a concept.

 

[SJConsultant]

nullvector,

If you really want to debate this topic, start a new thread, else it's just threadjacking the existing topic of the poster.

 

[nullvector]

nullvector,

If you really want to debate this topic, start a new thread, else it's just threadjacking the existing topic of the poster.

The original question had to do with a legal install of an OS.

I've simply pointed out the positives about legally obtaining XP (able to use Winupdate, etc), and also the weaknesses of Microsoft's OS, Windows update, and endless susceptibility to viruses and attacks.

Take a look around the OS forum here. Over 50% of the questions have to do with licensing, Winupdate problems, people obtaining illegal keys, and "borrowing" keys just to run updates.

I hate to think that people spend $150 to buy something that needs to be patched within a matter of 15 seconds on a network, or crash due to attacks and viruses.

I'll end my soapboxing here.

 

[SJConsultant]

I'll end my soapboxing here.

That's good since not one of your posts have you said anything positive about legally obtaining a Microsoft license. Instead you come in here threadjacking with the "Linux is better than Windows" rhetoric has already been hashed enough in these forums.

 

[nullvector]

That's good since not one of your posts have you said anything positive about legally obtaining a Microsoft license.

I really dont want to argue Linux vs. Microsoft, they both have strong assets, and also weaknesses, so arguing that one is better does no good.

But the positives about paying $150+ for something you need to update everyday is....?

1. Guiltyless conscience?
2. Keeping people employed to 'consult' for Microsoft?
3. The excitement of waiting for the "You've got updates!!!" orgy of messages that proclaim Microsoft wants yet another chance to Fubar some of your applications?

My main interest as a sys admin, programmer, and hard worker, is security. Let's say conservatively that 20% of all home-built systems have illegally obtained licenses. Right there, thats 1000's of people who can't obtain the security fixes they need through a method they would understand.

Thats 1000's of systems spreading even more bugs to people who do have legal licenses, but don't run the updates anyway. Thats 1000's of people spreading spyware, adware, and spam across 1000's of networks around the world. Thats 1000's of man-hours taking care of problems because people run pirated software that they cant 'secure'.

I have no problem with making people buy licenses for programs. I understand the effort that goes into writing software, I do it everyday. But when you purposely refuse updates that would prevent 1000's of wasted hours, and dollars, and cause 1000's of problems for people who adhere to and spend 1000's of hours worrying about licensing legally, I have a problem with that.

I couldn't care less about the problems of pirates, but I do care about all the wasted hours I spend dealing with crap that should have been taken care of properly in the first place.

 

[SJConsultant]

Nullvector,

It's apparent you can't stay on a topic of a debate and can only spew forth dribble in a weak attempt to support your claims.

Like I said before, if you want to debate something then start a new thread, send me a link via PM and let's end this threadjack, otherwise STFU with your nonsense!

 

[nullvector]

STFU with your nonsense!

You'll make it reallly far in the business world talking like that.

I've made my point very clearly, and professionally.

The problems faced by professionals in the business world because of pirated software insecurity are legitimate problems. If all you can respond with is 'STFU', you really have no concept of the inportance of security and its effect on how business functions.

There is no debate here. Every intelligent fact I reply with, you simply state 'STFU', or 'don't threadjack'. I've stated the downsides of illegally obtaining software, why its a problem, and how much work goes into maintaining systems to be immune from the viruses, spam, and malware that unlicensed (and licensed) software propagates around the net.

I'm approaching this through the eyes of someone who works 60+ hours a week on computer security, and system administration. It appears you approached the post only wanting to condemn those who even mention the word 'piracy', or scoffing those who make a suggestion on how to obtain cheaper licenses.

Its people like you and your ardent fighting for 'legality' that push people away from Microsoft toward either piracy, or alternatives such as Linux. I eventually got so sick of licensing, insecurity, and endless update cycles, that I've converted quite a few servers and desktops to Linux, and while it has shortcomings, it makes my life a lot easier.

I'm really done 'arguing' (if you call it that) with you. I dont want to PM you, you dont seem like someone who can intelligently state something without a 'STFU' or other forum instructions such as 'dont post that here'. I dont have time to waste, I'm just trying to let the truth out there, so people aren't misled by the blatant Microsoft whoring you have put here.

This is my last post here. Feel free to write some more intelligent 'STFU's, but I think i've proven my point, and made it quite obvious who has a grasp on the issues the post question dealt with.

 

[dbwillis]

100% legit, 100% unactivated
Ive sold over 2000 already, all activated online with MS and run all the windows updates with no problem.
Confirm this with anyone from my heatware (360+, 0-, 0n) Im under dbwillis

 

[SJConsultant]

Nullvector,

You keep quoting me out of context and again still can't stick to one topic to debate. Since I only said "STFU" *one* time in this entire thread, it does not equate to me not being able to intelligently debate anything.

Originally we started debating with whether a person has to pay for updates to a Microsoft OS, then you take a quote from my response and start an entirely different debate bashing Microsoft's code writing to which I simply said if you wanted to debate it, start a new thread which you *did not*.

You then quote me and bash Microsoft yet again to which I *again* stated if you wanted to debate something *start a new thread* to which you *did not*.

I honestly don't see what the problem is with starting a new thread to debate these topics. You are the one who keeps changing the topic of debate and still will not start a new thread so we don't continue this threadjack.

Trying to insult me by saying I can't debate intelligently uncalled for since I have been trying to keep with the spirit of the forum rules here by pointing out when people post questionable posts and try to take off topic debates to new threads.

But hey. Feel free to do whatever pleases you since it's clear your not willing to debate anything in a new thread.

 

[bobsaget]

there are plenty of ways to get a legit cd key for windows xp, i just asked the network administrator at my high school and he "hooked me up" with a cd key that works perfectly for all the windows updates and stuff. there is no harm in asking


anyways, windows xp is not that expensive and what you can do is sell your clients computers with lindows, or some other linux operating system installed, and tell them that if they purchase windows xp that you will install it for them for free, otherwise they can just use linux.

So for the average xp user (doesn't know anything but how to get into the internet and what not) will Lindows look and feel like Windows for the most part?


Thank you!

 

[GreNME]

You know, nullvector, what you posted, while maybe seeming to make sense to you, was not at all helpful to the conversation, and you finished up by ad-homming someone else to try to pretend you have more credentials and experience. The reality, though, is that you have a skewed view on the topic at hand, most likely due to a severe lack of facts.

So if decent code isnt written, and people can easily hack it, break it, crash it, and exploit it, too bad, they shouldnt have written bad code in the first place?

Actually, it really isnt majorly tough on the people who own the "illegal" boxes, they could care less a majority of the time, they go and download a *free* virus scan application to remove the viruses AFTER they are infected. Its more tough on the system administrators, who have to deal with the network fallout of such awful software.

If Microsoft and its cronies would get it through their skull that the reason why so many System Administrators are looking to Linux is because they dont have to worry about a new bug coming out everyday, and worrying that their user is going to download some lame-ass spyware/adware/virus-laden program that takes the whole network down with broadcast storms and searches for other poorly written OS's to infect.

Oh, so by using your "if it needs constant patching the OS sucks ass" logic (and I use the term loosely), then MacOS is the worst, followed by Linux, with Windows being the least bad of the three. For those of you who are link-reading-impaired, allow me to quote from it:

For example, Windows security holes generally receive a lot of press because of the software's popularity, but the statistics show that Windows isn't the subject of significantly more advisories than other operating systems. Windows XP Professional saw 46 advisories in 2003-2004, with 48 percent of vulnerabilities allowing remote attacks and 46 percent enabling system access, Secunia said.

Suse Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 8 had 48 advisories in the same period, with 58 percent of the holes exploitable remotely and 37 percent enabling system access. Red Hat's Advanced Server 3 had 50 advisories in the same period - despite the fact that counting only began in November of last year. Sixty-six percent of the vulnerabilities were remotely exploitable, with 25 granting system access.

So, since Linus had more advisories and a higher percentage of those advisories exploitable to remote attack, that must make Linux a bigger piece of shit than Windows, by your own admitted logic. However, you seem to contradict yourself by claiming that the number of Windows security updates are the reason people are going to Linux (which you can't prove except with your own limited and anecdotal evidence). Maybe sysadmins like installing more critical patches? Maybe they like that kind of job security?

Obviously, their lazy asses can't be bothered to install the patches for the outbreaks of the likes of Blaster and other notorious viruses, even though—dun Dun DUN!—MS actually released patches before those viruses ever popped up! So, apparently, the problem isn't in getting available patches in time, it's getting admins (and users) to install them.

Piracy will never be stopped, so I dont see the point of restricting security updates to those with "correct" CD-keys.
Maybe that's also why you do not work for a software company or sell software of your own to hundreds of millions of people across the globe. Just because you don't understand something or don't see the point does not make it a bad idea. It just means you don't understand it.

Winblows-up-date should be open to access regardless of CD-key. With a little effort, and 5 minutes of searching google, I can download a hacked XP copy, "borrow" a legal key, and be using Windows update in a matter of minutes after XP installation.

Then you must be l33t!

If its that easy to crack the "licensing" system, why dont they just save people the hassle, and let them run Winupdate regardless of CD-key.

Because making something people steal on a regular basis easier to steal is bad for business. You have unrealistic expectations if you think any company is going to wantonly create a situation where they have their product stolen.

Standard Joe-Shmoe won't go buy a $150 version of XP just to run windows update, he'll stick with his pirated copy, and not worry about the updates anyway.

Actually, standard Joe Shmoe will buy a copy of XP when he buys his Dell computer for "really cheap." And people who pirate a copy have no right to get updates to their stolen software. That would be like saying a car theif has every right to have the cars he steals from people still covered under the original owner's insurance and warranty. That's not only ridiculous, it's a wastefully stupid idea.

Monopoly through insecurity, what a concept.

Ignorance through intentional obtuseness, what a concept.

I'm approaching this through the eyes of someone who works 60+ hours a week on computer security, and system administration.

You know, I'm approaching this as someone who only has to work ~30 hours a week, and handles administration, security, and maintenance for multiple clients, including federal banking institutions, medical offices, public accountants, and commercial vendors (flower shops and tanning salons). I don't have to put in "60+ hours a week" because I actually make sure that the maintenance is proactive instead of reactive, that the security is comprehensive instead of patchwork, and the administration is effective rather than sloppy.

In other words, get off your high horse. Just because you work a lot doesn't make you better, it means you work a lot. Good for you. Many others here have just as much or more experience than you, so quit with the ego trips.

Feel free to write some more intelligent 'STFU's, but I think i've proven my point, and made it quite obvious who has a grasp on the issues the post question dealt with.

Actually, all that you've proven is that you an ardent supporter of flawed logic, you have an ego about being a sysadmin (which are a dime a dozen nowadays), and your major means of debate is insulting Microsoft and then saying "I'm outta here" when bullshit is called on your claims.

Yay for debates on teh intarweb.

Oh, and bobsaget:

So for the average xp user (doesn't know anything but how to get into the internet and what not) will Lindows look and feel like Windows for the most part?

It will only kinda look lik Windows. Some things might look the same, others will not. Some things that look the same won't work the same, and some things that work the same will not look the same. Yes, that sounds kinda confusing, but it's really what the experience is like. This isn't to say that Lindows is a bad OS, though. It's just not a Windows "replacement." It's a fine alternative, just not something that you can just stick in and behave like you would on Windows without skipping a beat.

 

[PawNtheSandman]

Buy 5 cheap Windows XP UPGRADES from eBay.

When you do the install it will say there is not a current copy of windows to upgrade. When it does this, take out the XP Upgrade Cd and throw in an old 98 or ME cd. It will scan it, now that it knows you have an old version of Windows, throw the XP Upgrade CD back in and it will install the full XP home version.

100% legal.

 

[SJConsultant]

Buy 5 cheap Windows XP UPGRADES from eBay.

When you do the install it will say there is not a current copy of windows to upgrade. When it does this, take out the XP Upgrade Cd and throw in an old 98 or ME cd. It will scan it, now that it knows you have an old version of Windows, throw the XP Upgrade CD back in and it will install the full XP home version.

100% legal.

It's not legal considering the poster wants to build the computers for other people. He either needs to purchase OEM or Retail editions.

 

[nullvector]

Actually, all that you've proven is that you an ardent supporter of flawed logic, you have an ego about being a sysadmin (which are a dime a dozen nowadays), and your major means of debate is insulting Microsoft and then saying "I'm outta here" when bullshit is called on your claims.

Hook a Windows XP computer into an unprotected home network. (Cable/DSL your choice).

Hook an old version of Linux into an unprotected network. As old as you want, say, RedHat 6 even.

Start the timer. Which one starts propagating viruses first?

If you want to call bull on that claim, go right ahead.

I agreed to end my ranting a while ago. Seems that other people like to go for the last jab, which doesnt seem to me to be "on-topic".

Let it die, no one wants to see insults.. Run your stuff, I'll run mine.

I dont claim to be any better than anyone else. I'm just saying that I'm exposed to security issues a lot more than the average [H]forum reader, so I might know a few facts that come into play when security is concerned.

And the working 60hrs part, that you liked to bash. Sometimes you need to do that to write good stable software. If that aint your cup of tea, no problem.

 

[PawNtheSandman]

It's not legal considering the poster wants to build the computers for other people. He either needs to purchase OEM or Retail editions.

The upgrade is retail. The only problem is that the customers wouldn't be able to do a format and reinstall themselves. I can't think of any other problems than that?

 

[nullvector]

The upgrade is retail. The only problem is that the customers wouldn't be able to do a format and reinstall themselves. I can't think of any other problems than that?

I think the 'upgrade' implies that the owner of the new 'upgrade' OS is the same as the owner of the 'older OS'.

So in technical legal lingo, in order to be 'legal' with the upgrade, you would have to give each user their own legal copy of an older OS, like 98, 2000, etc.

 

[nullvector]

Actually GrenME, you need to review your understanding of Microsoft's licensing if you want to preach about it so openly.

In another thread in the OS forum, you state that you can install a "1-2 CPU license on more than 1 computer".

Quoted from the product agreement on my XP work box....and yes, it does say "1-2 CPU license".

"1. GRANT OF LICENSE. Microsoft grants you the following rights provided that you comply with all terms and conditions of this EULA:

* Installation and use. You may install, use, access, display and run one copy of the Product on a single computer, such as a workstation, terminal or other device ("Workstation Computer"). The Product may not be used by more than two (2) processors at any one time on any single Workstation Computer."

 

[PawNtheSandman]

I think the 'upgrade' implies that the owner of the new 'upgrade' OS is the same as the owner of the 'older OS'.

So in technical legal lingo, in order to be 'legal' with the upgrade, you would have to give each user their own legal copy of an older OS, like 98, 2000, etc.

The original owner (the person building the machine) does own the older os, so it is legal.