The Windows XP EULA
A nice step-by-step walkthrough by the folks at
Linux Advocate:
Windows XP EULA in Plain English
This is the EULA for Windows XP Home Edition. EULA stands for “End-User Licensing Agreement.” Let's break that down:- End-User – The person who purchased and is using Windows XP Home.
- Licensing – When someone buys Windows XP Home, they do not own anything. Instead they are licensing it from Microsoft.
- Agreement – A legally binding contract between the person and Microsoft.
What does this document contain? Most people don't know, because it is written in legal-speak. Still, you are expected to read it and are required to agree to it before using Windows XP Home. Even if you don't read it, you are still bound by it, so it's good to know what's in there.
Let's take a look at just what rights a user of Windows XP Home has given up. In the “What it Says” column we have reprinted the text exactly as it appears in the EULA (obtained from Microsoft's website at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/eula.mspx). In the “What it Means” column, we summarize what it means in plain English.
Couple of things stand out:
If you share files or printers with other computers in your house, you are not allowed to share with more than 5 other computers.
You agree that at any time, and at the request of “content providers” Microsoft may disable certain features on your computer, such as the ability to play your music or movie files.
You agree that Microsoft can automatically and without your consent put new software on your computer.
Microsoft may collect information about your computer and may share it with other companies, but this may not include personal information about you.
A bit draconian... Being able to install software at will brings to mind some of the earlier "security patches" that were abominations and being able to limit processing of music or movie files is not cool. I can see a commercial reason for Digital Rights Management but if I own a CD and want to play it on my computer, I should be able to do this.
Posted by DaveH at May 6, 2006 11:21 PM