windows 7

[richfinch]

hi, with windows 7, i know companies would restrict licenses etc to one user, but if i have a desktop and a laptop, could i buy one version of windows 7 and install on both, or do i need to buy 2 verions (as a friend has told me i'd have to as microsoft restrict per computer and not user?)
thanks
richard

[MarkRae]

With Windows 7, like (almost) all Microsoft products, the residential EULA permits installation one one machine at one time only. In the past, of course, people just completely ignored this and made multiple installations.

In an effort to get round that, Microsoft introduced activation. That is, you can use the software for a limited period or a limited number of times before you must activate it against its licence key. That way, they can tell if you've installed it more than once. Of course, you may need to do this perfectly legitimately if e.g. your computer breaks down and you buy a new one.

So, chances are you'd get away with it.

However, there's nothing to say that in Windows 7 they now check your licence key over the Internet every time you use it.

Depends how you feel about contravening their EULA, at the end of the day...

[VHG]

I doubt you would get away with it for long.

If you install the same code on 2 PCs it may activate on the first but not on the second.

Even if it DID activate on the second PC Microsoft would soon realise it was running on more than one PC so you would soon starts getting "warnings" (probably on both PC) that something was not right.

Eventually one or both of them would stop working.

[VHG]

>like (almost) all Microsoft products, the residential EULA permits installation one one machine at one time only.

Not quite true (I know you said almost).

There is a Windows 7 "family" pack that allows you to install it on 3 PCs

And Office 2007 Home and Student edition can be installed on 3 PCs (in the same household).

I beleive some versions of Office can also be put on 2 PCs.

[VHG]

Just in case you dont realise how Microsoft "find out".

Every copy of Windows has a "key" you need to type in when you install it - This is a string of letters and numbers like 45HRM - DB345 - TH678 and so on.

Obviously Microsoft can then "check" if this "key" is being used on more than one PC.

If you install it on BOTH your computers, and connect to the internet, Microsoft will soon find out the key is being used on 2 PCs.

This is why you need to be careful when people "sell" keys for Windows or Office as they may already be being used by other people.