On Wed, May 08, 2002 at 08:34:58AM +0100, Paul wrote:
From: Matt Johnson <johnsonmlw@yahoo.com> To: SuSe <suse-linux-uk-schools@suse.com> Subject: Re: [suse-linux-uk-schools] Preinstalled Windows: AARGH! I can't get it off! Date: 07 May 2002 19:24
According to a later Register story they have removed this requirment. Apparently what they really ment to say is that people donating machines should donate any OEM software. (Well except in sensible parts of the world, like Germany, where courts have ruled that a PC is simply a bundle of parts, with any OEM software being part of the bundle.)
Yes, I can give away my computer, but remove and keep my sound card, should I wish. I just say "No sound card".
Maybe I missed the point.
-- Matt
The real point is that the M$ software is purchased for a single system - and that once installed, then it cannot be transferred to a different system.
I don't think so and European and English law doesn't seem to think so either: http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/25196.html For instance I've got a copy of Windows 98 that came with my laptop which I don't use. Since I bought it, I've got every entitlement to sell it on despite any claims that MS might make otherwise.
Here's some (obvious) food for thought ...
I have an 'original' PC clone. It has an AMD Athlon processor, new case & PSU, replacement memory, replacement video card, and upgrade sound card, add-in hard drives, I replaced the 5.25" DSDD floppies with 3.5" HD floppies. The keyboard has been replaced and so has the monitor. In fact none of the original machine exists anymore, but it is an original PC, and therefore I can continue to run DOS 2.2 on it.
So just how do we define the boundary between new system and upgrade? (Other than by an arbitrary decision?)
This is one reason why their claims that the original OS should stay with the original machine are completely bogus and why they've now pulled that claim from their website. -- Frank *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Boroughbridge. Tel: 01423 323019 --------- PGP keyID: 0xC0B341A3 *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* http://www.esperance-linux.co.uk/ Take Care of the Molehills, and the Mountains Will Take Care of Themselves. -- Motto of the Federal Civil Service