Microsoft has begun stepping up its efforts
to stamp out the use of pirate software. As part of this campaign, it has
circulated a flyer to many UK businesses. The flyer attempts to explain the
rules about the licencing of Microsoft Windows.
For example, when you buy a computer with
Windows pre-installed, how do you make sure that it has been legally licenced
for you to use? Many unscrupulous computer dealers configure the PC equipment
that they sell with Microsoft Windows, but do not include any original disk(s)
or documentation to confirm that it is an original, legal installation. They
will often use one original copy of Windows to install the operating system on
multiple computers. This is illegal, and you need to be aware when purchasing
a computer system that you are in possession of a legal copy of the operating
system and have a bona fide licence to prove it. If you do not, you may have
difficulties in updating the software with patches issued by Microsoft, or
getting support for your system.
Microsoft has established a web site that
explains the somewhat complex rules about licencing of Windows. For more
assistance go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/licensing/default.mspx
or contact Alan Finch on (01224) 697457 for
help.
