Software license ethical issues

[Zugzwang152]

1. Microsoft gave out copies of its sofware at my old school for certain classes. I took one of them, and received a key. I took another class later that year, redownloaded the same software, but the key they gave me was the same. Since I took two separate classes, does this mean I am legally licensed to use the software on two machines now, since technically I have two licenses, one for each class?

2. I just bought a used laptop, which came with a COA/sticker on the bottom with a Windows XP key. Am I allowed to use the key on another machine, if I choose to not use it on the laptop? In other words, is the key mine to use anywhere, as long as it's only in use in one place?

Thanks for any help.

 

[DaveSimmons]

1. Maybe, but still only your machines and probably only for educational use, not in a business.

2. No, Windows OEM licenses are tied to a specific machine and are not transferrable to another one.

 

[Zugzwang152]

yeah they are personal machines, i was just wondering if anyone knew for certain.

 

[brunswickite]

dont worry bout it, everyone rips off MS....... even Jesus

 

[notfred]

That's not really an ethical question, more of a legal question.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
yeah they are personal machines, i was just wondering if anyone knew for certain.

Well, there should have been a license statement / EULA, but no one ever reads them. 😉

#2 is definite. OEM = tied to that machine.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: notfred
That's not really an ethical question, more of a legal question.

it becomes ethical because, as it says right up there above you, its too easy to rip them off.