Jeffrey Dunster wrote: > James Carroll wrote: > >> ... >> Hopefully that clears it up once and for all. >> ... >> > > Just to add a new spin on this conversation, once you no longer qualify for > MSDNAA downloads, the software you have is living on borrowed time. Some of > the keys only work a limited number of times after which you must download a > new version from MSDNAA, for which you may no longer qualify. Or, if you need > to reinstall (a common MS malady), you may find your free version is > inoperable, requiring an upgrade or commercial license to quench your > "acquired taste". > > I administer an MSDNAA agreement on campus and reinstall gotchas are the #1 > "caveat emptor" that alumni contact me about. Once you're off the MS dole, > you're likely to pay them something eventually. > > In my experience: > * Standard Windows Updates work indefinitely. > * Purchased upgrades honor MSDNAA versions. > * And a retail license may be purchased retroactively to cover a commercial > prospect found for anything developed with MSDNAA software. > > The virtual machine idea is excellent because you could conceivably freeze a > working copy in time and use it in perpetuity. > > > In addition to Jeff's valuable experience, I'll add that if you read the entire EULA (something Microsoft's own presenters recommend doing only in extreme cases of insomnia) you'll find variations of the following, usually near the end of the document:
"Failure by Licensor to enforce contractual obligations specified under this agreement does not constitute a waiver or forfeiture of said obligation." (ie, getting updates or not disabling the software does not change the license.) "The terms of this agreement are subject to change and/or termination at any time at licensor's discretion. Any change of terms will be provided to Licensee by written notice, sent to Licensee's registered mailing address, or provided by other electronic means. Licensee agrees to be bound by the modified terms, or cease use of the software as specified in the TERMINATION clause." (ie, Microsoft can change the license any time they want, even when running windows update, or during a reinstall.) "This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between licensor and licensee and supersedes any previous agreement, written or verbal." (this includes any interpretation provided by an employee.) While Microsoft might not actively disable the software or send the BSA to hunt you down, they do leave those options open if it's in their best interest. ;-Daniel Fussell -------------------- BYU Unix Users Group http://uug.byu.edu/ The opinions expressed in this message are the responsibility of their author. They are not endorsed by BYU, the BYU CS Department or BYU-UUG. ___________________________________________________________________ List Info (unsubscribe here): http://uug.byu.edu/mailman/listinfo/uug-list
