Need your opinion again, please

**windowsexpert** · Apr 19th, 2001, 05:15 PM

I'm sorry if this is the same as my last post... but I just wanted to ask you all another thing. For those of you who haven't seen my last post - let me tell you that in my Windows 98 license agreement, it clearly states that I'm allowed to install this program on only one computer. My question is this: what right does MS have to (think they can) control what I do in the privacy of my own home?

On more question if I could: Someone in my family is a college student who will be graduating soon. Can I bring him with me and purchase a bunch of academic software, and then use it for myself (I'm not a student at any school, K-12 or college)?

Thanks a lot,
windowsexpert

**parksie** · Apr 19th, 2001, 05:16 PM

Where's Chris gone?

**windowsexpert** · Apr 19th, 2001, 05:18 PM

I was typing a reply to his message when I typed something I didn't mean to

. So I deleted it and started over.

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 05:38 PM

So what was the reply?

**windowsexpert** · Apr 19th, 2001, 05:42 PM

It wasn't bad

Actually I meant to say that I was posting in the wrong place. I posted the picture of my vehicle here by accident rather than in the Cars post.
Sorry!

**windowsexpert** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:07 PM

Oh, and Chris, this is the reply to your post which got deleted.

First of all Microsoft does not own the software because after I purchase it, it becomes my property. If you are in the UK, then I'm sure the Intellectual Property Protection Laws are different than here. You see in the U.S., a company technically should not have the right to control what you do in your own home on your computer (unless you're hacking or other highly illegal activities).

Another thing... it's not being a "con artist" to purchase academic software - as long as I'm obtaining it legally - which I am. I'm sorry but unlike some others, I cannot afford to purchase 5 copies of MS Office at full retail price.

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by windowsexpert
First of all Microsoft does not own the software because after I purchase it, it becomes my property.

Unfortunately, you are wrong. You have purchased a licence to use that software. You have not purchased that software. It clearly states the definition in most EULA.

Another thing... it's not being a "con artist" to purchase academic software - as long as I'm obtaining it legally - which I am. I'm sorry but unlike some others, I cannot afford to purchase 5 copies of MS Office at full retail price.

You're not obtaining it legally because the end-user of that software it you, and as you are not a student, you are not allowed to have it. Neither can I afford to purchase Office, but as I am a student, I can get it cheapo for myself. Posing as someone you aren't to obtain something is fraud - anybody will tell you that. Abusing a system designed to help others is ethically wrong anyway, even if it were not illegal.

**parksie** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:15 PM

Okay...I was just about to mention the licence thing

Then I saw you'd already done it

**PJB** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:17 PM

unfortunately most people never really actually read through the EULA

**parksie** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:19 PM

No, but the fact it's called a EULA sort of gives it away

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:19 PM

Too true, but it appears in the first few lines.

**PJB** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:30 PM

maybe they should force you to take a quiz on the EULA before the install is complete, and format the HD if they don't pass

denniswrenn · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:32 PM

If you don't pass, they could just take your cheese away.... that would really piss me off

**PJB** · Apr 19th, 2001, 06:36 PM

**windowsexpert** · Apr 19th, 2001, 07:03 PM

Again, though, what right does the company have to control what I do in my own home?

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 07:39 PM

It doesn't matter if it's your home, your aunt's home, the man down the road's home or the ****in' queen's home it is their product and you must use it as they allow you to. That credit card of yours...that is yours right? Wrong. It's the issuing bank's card. They let you use it. If you missuse it, they take it away. They can, because it is theirs. That gas meter out in the garage...it's not yours either. It belongs to the utility company. Sure, it's in your house, but it's still theirs. If they want to take it away, they can. If they want to smash it to bits, they can. They can, because it's theirs. Now, do you get the idea? Yes, you own the physical CD with Office on it, or whatever, but that isn't important. Their software is on that CD. You have the right to use that software on one machine, be it in your own home or outer space. It's still Microsoft's property and if you misuse it, they take it away (just like the credit card example).

**Beacon** · Apr 19th, 2001, 07:57 PM

Chrisjk has just been promoted to soldier ant.
(see my signature)

Could you get the college student to buy it put it on your computer and then get hime to say he uses it?
Or would that be illegal if someone other than him used it!

But now you've let everyone on here know what your upto!

windowsexpert: basically they don't have the right to control what you do in your home . You could wipe your ass with it they don't care. Or you could make illegal copies of it and put it on 5 computers again you could do that in the privacy of your own home.
But since they do have the right to control what you do with thier software. i would think you'd be in for a fine if caught out.

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 08:01 PM

Originally posted by Beacon
Chrisjk has just been promoted to soldier ant.
(see my signature)

Or would that be illegal if someone other than him used it!

Yes!!

**Beacon** · Apr 19th, 2001, 08:12 PM

Noice signature!

oh well looks like you'll have to stick to wiping your butt with it!

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by Beacon
oh well looks like you'll have to stick to wiping your butt with it!

If you're going to stump up the cash for it though, might as well make better use of it than wiping your arse with the CD. I can see potential problems with that anyway. Too wide to go in one way, but far to thin to be any use the other. Best stick to Andrex

**Beacon** · Apr 19th, 2001, 08:54 PM

Perhaps a frizby or the old coaster.

**PJB** · Apr 19th, 2001, 09:01 PM

If you flip them over they make nice little paint palettes if your the artistic type

**mr. vb** · Apr 19th, 2001, 09:15 PM

I agree with the other people on this forum. Read your EULA for Win 98...... Mine says exactly this "This software is licensed, not sold." Do you know what that means? It means you own the physical CD, but not the actual Windows 98 program. I would think you could install it on 2 computers in your own home because Microsoft ins't going to waste time and money trying to enforce their rules on you..... but nobody on this forum can force you not to do it, so I guess you will just have to decide what's best. If you're going to take this up with anyone, why not make it be the company you're dealing with - Microsoft. Just email [email protected] and repeat the same thing you wrote to us here - see what they say. I highly doubt they will allow it.

Also, in regard to your purchasing academic software for your own use - even though you're not a student is not allowed. It's also clearly stated in my EULA that "If you are not an Authorized Academic User, then you have no rights under this EULA" which basically means you may not use it.

Again, I'm not a lawyer and I can't give you legal advice.... but I suggest you just buy another copy of the program and save yourself from possible criminal and civil liabilities.

Does anyone else agree with me?

**chrisjk** · Apr 19th, 2001, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by mr. vb
Does anyone else agree with me?

Yep!

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