I try not to post too much of this sort of theing here but I like our users to be aware of the pitfalls before purchasing a lemon rather than after
http://www.aviransplace.com/index.php/archives/2006/02/15/microsoft-upgraded-motherboard-new-licence/Microsoft recently made a change to the licence agreement saying that a new motherboard is equal to a new computer, hence you need to purchase a new Windows licence.
“An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a “new personal computer” to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.”
The reason Microsoft gave for this term is that “Microsoft needed to have one base component “left standing” that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the “heart and soul” of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.”
Microsoft sent a memo to its OEM partners asking them to enforce this new policy, every time they upgrade a computer for a client.
Sound like this is in breach of the EULA agreement already in force with their customers which states that you can change x amount of components before requiring a new licence, are the existing users going to be compensated for this reduction in product functionality ?
Lets move on..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4713018.stmUK officials are talking to Microsoft over fears the new version of Windows could make it harder for police to read suspects' computer files.
Windows Vista is due to be rolled out later this year. Cambridge academic Ross Anderson told MPs it would mean more computer files being encrypted.
"From later this year, the encryption landscape is going to change with the release of Microsoft Vista."
The system uses BitLocker Drive Encryption through a chip called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) in the computer's motherboard.
It is partly aimed at preventing people from downloading unlicensed films or media.
He urged the government to look at establishing "back door" ways of getting around encryptions.
The Home Office later told the BBC News website it is in talks with Microsoft.
I think this will be the least successful windows ever, who really wants to buy a DRM filled operating system that gives you nothing besides a nice new theme over XP.
Time for linux, dont buy the bull folks, take it by the horns.
