Issue about software licensing. Ideas?

[kelvin1704]

For Microsoft OS and Microsoft Office, is the licensing stated one license per user or per computer?

You see, I am thinking about making One CPU and output to 5 PC. Meaning sharing all the hardwares except monitors, graphic card and keyboards.

So by installing one Microsoft Office, would it be legal?

thanks

 

[kelvin1704]

Anyone?

 

[murphy55d]

AFAIK you can install on 1 PC and 1 laptop. That's what is considered '1 license', to my knowledge.

 

[Derango]

Originally posted by: murphy55d
AFAIK you can install on 1 PC and 1 laptop. That's what is considered '1 license', to my knowledge.

For Microsoft Office, yes...Windows has a different agreement, meaning only one PC OR laptop, not both.

 

[kelvin1704]

Thanks, I dunno about the 1 laptop and 1 PC policies.


But back to my question, mine is making one PC into 5 PCs. Meaning there's only one harddrive and one CPU but 5 user will be able to use that. Ideas?

 

[911paramedic]

What you are thinking about is a "user" license. You would basicly be using a server and dumb terminals, but you would be bound to pay for five "users". It is more of a business purchase than a home user product. I am sure they cover that in the EULA, if not it would say how limited a single copy is.

 

[Stark]

You see, I am thinking about making One CPU and output to 5 PC. Meaning sharing all the hardwares except monitors, graphic card and keyboards.

and you would be doing this how? I don't think what you're proposing is even possible.

In MS land, that's called running a Terminal Server in Application Mode. And you need a license for each user.

 

[kelvin1704]

Yes you can. There is a program that does that. Its not terminal.

Just a software to control the flow.

Meaning just insert another PCI VGA card and USB keyboard and mouses. and you have 5 PCs

 

[kelvin1704]

anyone?

 

[zerocomm]

i think you should get burned copies of xp software because it doesn't have the "feature" of shutting down until you call ms if you change hardware too much

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: zerocomm
i think you should get burned copies of xp software because it doesn't have the "feature" of shutting down until you call ms if you change hardware too much

heh, just lovely.

 

[tm37]

So you have 5 people using the same PC at the same time?

If you are running 5 workstations off the same PC I would think you would be fine. BUT only one person could use it at any given time.

THe "laptop" rule only applies to the retail version and not the OEM verson BTW.

I would do some reading @ microsoft.com to make sure BUt I would think that IF you are only installing on ONE PC you would be fine.

 

[kelvin1704]

Yes, i am converting one PC to 5 multiuser PCs.

I understand that I need to only have one license for the OS as its per PC. Its impossible for you to install 5 OS anyway.

But as for the Microsoft Office, that's I am not sure about

 

[tm37]

I still don't get how 5 people can use One PC at the same time.

What elements of office do you need?

I would think that you could get in on the Dell deal or just get 5 Stiped down systems with works.

You can get word for around 30 bucks if you look around OR you could just go with corel which isn't a bad suite and it can be had ALOT CHEAPER.

I question the functionality of what you what to do but if you have one PC then I think you would be LEGAL

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: tm37
I still don't get how 5 people can use One PC at the same time.

Me too. You claim "There is a program that does that." What program is it? Any links?

 

[kelvin1704]

I forgot what's the program name. Basically its control the processing power and divide it up among 5 different user. And under windows 2000 or XP, they have their own log in name. Its 100% act like its an individual computer. Trust me on this, i use it before.