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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.
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Mostly correct, except for the little fact that you've mentioned a single copy and plural computers.
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Why should you have to pay $300 every time you get a new computer?
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Because for the money you generally receive a physical copy of the software and a license to use the software on one computer. If you're still using it on the old computer, the license does not grant you permission to use it on another one too.
If you got the original software "bundled" with the old computer, the license might not even permit you to move it to a different one, though that's probably not enforceable.
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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.
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The issue here is not copyright infringement (but even if it were, it's talking about making a copy
for archival purposes, not for use). The relevant issue is license agreements and permitted use.
That web site is only telling part of the story. It implies that EULAs (End User License Agreements) are just trickery to make the user think that he doesn't have the right to use the software however he wants and on as many computers as he wants. Unfortunately, the truth is that EULAs are valid, legally enforceable contracts.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must let everyone know that I make my living creating intellectual property. I am particularly sensitive to the topic of someone making copies (of software, documents, images, etc.) and using them without permission.