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Originally Posted by Mike
The thing is, you should be able to use a copy of Windows that you bought on your computers. Why should you have to pay $300 every time you get a new computer? According to US copyright laws, it is not infringement to make additional copies or adaptations of computer programs (as stated here). You are not stealing anything from Microsoft. You are using what you paid $300 for.
As per it being illegal to discuss this, then I apologize. I'm not trying to tell people to go out and pirate software, but rather I am trying to have an intellectual debate on how Microsoft manipulates its customers.
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As long as you don't keep using that old computer, and you bought a retail copy, this may be under the terms of the EULA, but you are not allowed to move OEM licenses. If you have a Microsoft select/open license (usually only businesses have these) with software assurance, you get addition rights such as re-imaging, license transfer, downgrade to older versions, and upgrades within the length of your agreement. Although it may not specifically be against copyright law, when you install the software you are agreeing to the contract of the EULA.
No one forces you to hit "I agree". Go ahead and install linux, bsd, or whatever open-source or free disto you prefer.