question about microsoft software

[Semidevil]

so the place I work for gives deep discounts for microsoft products(namely, office, visio, project, etc etc).

I'm interested in purchasing, and this will be my first time to purchase these types of expensive software.

Question: I plan to use this on my home computer. If I ever have to reformat my computer, and/or purchase a new system, can I reuse the licenses? If not, what are my options to reinstall without having to purchase another license? Or maybe it's not possible.

thanks.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

You can reuse the license but for some software you may need to re-active it or get a new activation code which you can get by contacting Microsoft. For the most part you shouldn't have any issues.

 

[Billb2]

There are two versions of MS software, OEM and Retail.
OEM is supposed to only be sold to computer builders (Dell/Gateway/HP). So it is only licensed to go on one specific machine.
Retail is what is sold to the public.
There's also corporate, but it doesn't need to be activated.

The legal stuff:
OEM; Good for one specific computer only, though you can reinstall all you want.
Retail: Good for a many computers as you want, forever, just one at a time though.

Reality:
OEM: Some people call Ms when it won't activate after an install on another PC and tell them their MB died and they can't get the same model anymore. They'll almost always reactivate.
Retail: No problems reinstalling. Well, after a dozen reinstalls you'll be switched over to phone activation.

 

[Czar]

If your company offers HUP versions then take those, basicly free. Microsoft is though only offering Office2007 in the Home User Program but I heard they will possibly offer Vista Ultimate in the future.

 

[bruceb]

Most versions of MS office, be it OEM, Retail or Corp allow for use on 2 computers either 1 desktop & 1 portable or on 2 portables.
The Student version usually allows 3 computers .. and MS is being wacky in that it says you can't install say only Word on 1 computer
and only install say Excel & Powerpoint on another ... They want you to install the whole suite on 1 computer with the license code.

 

[Semidevil]

yea, it will be through HUP.

Question though. In addition to Office, they are also offering visio, Project, and the new program that replaces frontpage(forgot the name).

Are Visio and Project widely used in the business sector? I know these are probably expensive program, and they sound interesting. Im just wondering if these programs are practical to use in the business world and worth for me to get and learn on my own.