Revision to Windows Vista Retail Licensing Terms
Windows division has revised the retail license terms for Windows Vista in a significant way.
Previously, Microsoft had allowed its operating systems to be installed as many times as the customer liked, as long as it was uninstalled from the previous computer. However, with the arrival of Windows Vista, that was to change.
Microsoft attempted to brush off the negative response by saying it was simply updating its licensing terms in Vista to be more clear, noting that Windows XP had the same restriction. But a number of industry pundits and bloggers poked holes in that claim, noting that Microsoft's own documentation said nothing of the sort.
Namely, the new terms regarding license-to-device assignment of the retail product (including Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate) now read as follows:
- You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use.
- You may not do so to share this license between devices.
"The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time," Microsoft said.
"Our intention behind the original terms was genuinely geared toward combating piracy; however, its become clear to us that those original terms were perceived as adversely affecting an important group of customers: PC and hardware enthusiasts," explained Vista product manager Nick White.
"We respect the time and expense you go to in customizing, building and rebuilding your hardware and we heard you that the previous terms were seen as an impediment to that -- its for that reason weve made this change," White added. "I hope that this change provides the flexibility you need, and gives you more reason to be excited about the upcoming retail release of our new operating system."
Microsoft attempted to brush off the negative response by saying it was simply updating its licensing terms in Vista to be more clear, noting that Windows XP had the same restriction. But a number of industry pundits and bloggers poked holes in that claim, noting that Microsoft's own documentation said nothing of the sort.
Namely, the new terms regarding license-to-device assignment of the retail product (including Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate) now read as follows:
- You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use.
- You may not do so to share this license between devices.
"The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time," Microsoft said.
"Our intention behind the original terms was genuinely geared toward combating piracy; however, its become clear to us that those original terms were perceived as adversely affecting an important group of customers: PC and hardware enthusiasts," explained Vista product manager Nick White.
"We respect the time and expense you go to in customizing, building and rebuilding your hardware and we heard you that the previous terms were seen as an impediment to that -- its for that reason weve made this change," White added. "I hope that this change provides the flexibility you need, and gives you more reason to be excited about the upcoming retail release of our new operating system."
