OEM vs Normal vs 3 pack

[shiatan]

I am building a new system and will buy Windows 7.
oem's are tied to the motherboards.
I also am thinking of updating my old laptop with 7.
I see on newegg you can buy standard or a 3 pack,
so my question is can I buy the standard and install on two machines?
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium $189.99

 

[Nothinman]

so my question is can I buy the standard and install on two machines?

Not legally. The only way to legally use 1 key on >1 machine is to buy a volume license key.

 

[Lifted]

The 3 pack you're referring to is an Upgrade pack, so that would not make you legit for the new build.

2 OEM versions would be legit.

TechNet Standard runs ~$180 and gives you multiple keys to all versions of Windows and just about every other piece of Microsoft software to evaluate and test for as long as you like.

 

[HeXen]

TechNet Standard runs ~$180 and gives you multiple keys to all versions of Windows and just about every other piece of Microsoft software to evaluate and test for as long as you like.

but doesnt it expire once your membership does? at least thats what i read once. you have to buy it each year or something like that right?

 

[mechBgon]

but doesnt it expire once your membership does? at least thats what i read once. you have to buy it each year or something like that right?

Yeah, section 18 of the agreement. And it's not intended for anything but evaluation use, aka "let me check whether my legacy apps can run on Windows 7 or WinServer2008R2 or whatever, before I plan a big deployment based on those." Even use in a staging environment is not permitted, nor production use, aka "this is my desktop system that I use all the time." People are supposed to supposed to buy a real license for that.

OP, if you want a legit setup, then either OEM or retail licenses will be fine, but you'll need one for each system.

 

[Emulex]

technet - eval (not developing, not using for internal use)
staging = msdn
biz/dreamspark,maps,certified = internal use (note internal - a webserver sitting on public ip space is not really internal but they are somewhat flexible).
iirc, exchange on maps/biz/certified = not allowed on public ip space - but if you had it behind a router with pop3 puller that would be okay - and that mail server that sent/received (qmail for instance) would be on the public ip space.

but yeah - those that use technet wrong and sold technet - screw you because i now have to call and ask for more eval licenses of (o/s,office,etc) every time now. real pita.

Life is good being gold

 

[Lifted]

The use of technet keys at home, in a non production environment has been discussed ad nauseum.

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/20444-technet-ok-use-home-computers.html

So, after debating this issue with several on this forum and discussing the technet licensing agreement over and over again, I finally picked up the phone and called MS directly to get the official response on this.

They said, the use of TechNet software for a single individual across multiple machines in a home environment for testing purposes was not a violation of the license agreement and would not be considered a problem in the event that you were ever audited by Microsoft. He said as long as you aren't running, supporting, operating a business with the TechNet software, you are within your legal rights to use and evaluate the software however you see fit and for as long as necessary.

So, for anybody that has been concerned about this or considering the purchase of a Technet subscription to get Windows 7 Ultimate (or other software) installed for a cheaper price than standard licensing as long as you aren't sharing with your friends and using the software in a business environment...you are good to go.

Just wanted to share...since my understanding has always been different on this program.

If somebody else feels the need to call for clarification, the number I dialed was 1-800-344-2121.

No, the keys don't expire after your subscription is up. If you don't renew your sub (which is half of the original purchase price) you cannot download the latest and greatest MS software. If you let it lapse for a year and then sign up again to grab Windows 8, you end up paying the same as you would have renewing for 2 years, but did not have access for 1 year. In effect renewing is a bit like software assurance, although you do not get new keys to the existing software upon renewal.