Windows and Hardware On Inseparable Unit?

[Madtripper]

This is getting a little out of hand. There is less regulation on vehicles allowing me to add nitrous to my car but I can't change my OS if I buy some junk, prebuilt machine?! Come on. I would be interested in reading the actual "law" if anyone has dug it up.


Tripper

[Steve R Jones]

For the source link above:
http://www.microsoft.com/education/?id=DonatedComputers

[mtucker]

I think what Microsoft means, is that it is a legal requirement that Microsoft has to let the school or agency use the OS that was already installed on the donated machine, for the life of the machine. Microsoft can't ding the school for using the OS even though the school didn't purchase the OS. I don't think it means that the school can't change OS's if it chooses. The Reg U.S. seems to be teetering on the edge of paranoia.

[Strawbs]

All I know is that this kind of **** Can only breed Piracy, M$ won't stop until everyone is branded a criminal, My philosophy is.. You sell it, you give it up... no strings.

No one tells me what I can and can't do with my television, hifi, cellphone, car or anything else I didn't hire, including MY COMPUTER, Why doesn't NOKIA ban everyone from adding thier own ringtones to it's software, or FORD ban everyone from changing the wheels on thier cars.

someone needs to get a Clean and Stable IBM PC OS out there that will give the general public a legitimate choice, charge £150.00 for it and give up the rights to developement in return for the right to include any third party improvements in the next version.

I would have said Apple, but HE already has his finger in that pie, so it's too late for them.

M$ will fall, it's just a matter of time.

[Jimstep]

I think the problem we are faced with is that buying a computer from a retail store does not give us any options other than buying Windows pre-installed. We don't have any other options available to us. The retailers did not give us an option. This dates back to MS demanding that if a vendor sells any computer, then MS gets a license fee whether the vendor preinstalls Windows or not. If the vendor does not agree with these terms, then MS says they cannot sell any machines with their operating system. Let's face, vendors are making money sticking with MS.

As far as donated computers go, it makes sense to understand that the school is receiving valid, unpirated software that came with the machine. I don't know how this can be inforceable. After all, how many donor's still have the original documentation that came with their systems.

And what about the custom built systems that the owner decides to donate. There was no pre-installed operating system. Why should there be?

From reading the article, it sounds like MS is trying to keep the schools out of hot-water by giving them guidelines.

[elroy]

Maybe what it means is simply the OS that came with the system must remain with that system versus installing that one copy of Windows on another machine? I think in Microsoft's slanted view of the world they assume the Windows cd is coming with the old PC. There was an article [somewhere?] that said Wal-mart may start selling PC's w/o an OS. Maybe old Sam has enough money that he isn't scared of Emperor Bill.

[Rugor]

I read that articles a couple of times--on the UK Register--and what I got from it is that MS does not want schools to accept donated computers without the initial Windows CD that came with the system.

As far as I can tell, MS's goal is to have every system come with Windows preinstalled and then sell upgrades only at retail. They don't like the full versions because they are suitable for use on "naked PCs." If you can't buy a PC without an MS OS then you don't need the full version, because you have the prequalifying OS for the upgrade. At least that's what MS wants.

There is an argument that selling full versions is better for MS because that allows people to buy PCs with Linux or no OS and then install Windows more easily. However, MS doesn't want that because it tacitly legitimizes Non-Windows PC's. After all, you wouldn't need a full version if you had a "legitimate" PC that came with Windows preinstalled and the accompanying CD.

That is MS's goal, to make the term PC apply only to a computer that was bought fully assembled with Windows preinstalled. They don't even want the stores to sell the PC with the OEM Windows CD but a blank Hard Drive. Their product activation fits into the same model too. The goal is to make it too much trouble to upgrade a system beyond a certain point, so you have to go out and buy a whole new prebuilt system with a new copy of Windows on it.

I know if we were using XP home in this household product activation would kill us. We have five systems up right now and all were built by parts trickledown. On average we upgrade our systems two or three times a year, usually upgrading several parts at once. We'd be on the phone to MS all the time. Especially with the one computer that seems to want a different NIC every time it gets moved.

[J.A.D]

I think most of us agree that being forced to purchase some MS operating system with a computer is not desirable. I certainly want my choice. I'm sure the vendors would like to be able to sell naked computers to business as well.

That being said, I know a lot of people for which I'm really glad they don't have to install an OS (at least until they click on some email attachment from an unknown person and it trashes their computer ;)).

[iconoclastic]

No matter what they say over at M$ unless it is written in the contract and has been before a court judge it is BS of the highest order what it means is that they are still trying to control greater and greater market share in a monopolistic fashion

the bottom line is
Microsoft uses deep pockets to keep the consumer in line by threatening court action and until the legislatures in this and other nations remember how they got elected by the voters in the first place this will continue ad infinitum

[higginbo]

Okay, that tears it... I'm buying an Amiga!

[BJUK]

Intel piged me off so next comp was an Althon based, been great vfm.
MS could be next roll on linux.
Or maybe my next comp should be a Mac.

[Strawbs]

Oops! too late, Our good friend Bill already has shares in Apple. :(

[Capo Numen]

Ha, Totally unenforceable.
Since Microsoft does not license the use of the machine.
No use; no license; no damage; no lawyers; no problem…..
:)

[iconoclastic]

re read the original licence and contract on the register they think they have enough with the new laws in the works to enforce this in certain jurisdiction

[RayH]

My take is the bullies in Redmond are trying to scare the schools into purchasing new computers with a license.

First, since the donated computer can't produce a license, it may be a pirate. But if you think you can take a pirate and put Linnux on it, then you're wrong!

It amazes me how Microsoft might be able to determine the machine originally had Windows on it, but can't give you the product key if you ask for it. It's like the electronics chains that know what your last purchase was. But if you lose the receipt, they can't help you!

[ukulele]

What? Now we are going to live our lives worrying about stupid nonsense like this? I am not even a little bit concerned. Alfred E. Numan said it best, "What me worry?". :D